Date: 10/14/2021
Thanks to The Reminder for running the Sept. 30 summary of Celebrate EL 2021. Our Rotarians appreciate the coverage of the event but would be remiss in not acknowledging the support we received this year for the event.
When you consider that phrase “It takes a Village” (or in this case: East Village), huge thanks to Maybury Material Handling, McGill Hose and Coupling, Springfield Spring, Peoples Bank, Custom Auto Body, Norris RV Sales, Hawley’s Auto Repair, Auth Fuels, Premier Source Credit Union, Meadowbrook Farms, Monson Savings Bank, Fazios and Shaker Bowl. Our appreciation to Freedom Credit Union, 4Run3, CareOne Redstone, Coughlin’s Place, Cookie’s Café, Koffee Tyme, 99 Restaurant, Craft 32, Peppas and Typical to Go aiding in our fundraising efforts. The event was also supported in part by a grant from the East Longmeadow Cultural Council (a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency).
There was plenty of entertainment on the Rotary Bandshell and dance stage (thanks for the loan Arment Trucking). Four hours of music and dance filled the afternoon with our hometown 7Roads Band, The 60s Experience and the Bad News Jazz & Blues Orchestra and a special dance performance by members of Alegria Dance of Ludlow. There were also several event patrons showing off their dance moves not to mention our Rotarians dancing in the Concession Stand.
We were pleased to incorporate the Lions Club into the event this year and heard great things about their “hammer slammer thingy” (aka carnival high striker) and golf putting game. Crafters and vendors from Scouts USA, Barkn, Gale Flood Designs, Don’t Lose Focus Photography, Crafts by Daiana, Ace’s Bandana and Biscuit Co., Sew What, DCF Foster Care, Caring Heart Nursing Services, the St Patrick’s Parade Committee, Color Street Nail Specialist, Henna Master and NY Life rounded out the community event and filled our “Vendor Row” with specialty crafts and service information.
For the big truck and equipment enthusiast, the Touch a Truck boasted a line of big rigs. All thanks to the ELFD, ELPD, Arment Trucking, Tyler Equipment, Gary T Excavation, McGill Hose and the guy with the LMTVs and Humvees. The Kubota tractor ride with driver Tom was once again a must for children and families. EL Recreations Department field games, the inflatable obstacle course, jousting ring (turned toddler and young child bouncing stage a few times), little home run derby and yard games rounded out the event. The Rotary Club had a fantastic group of ELHS volunteers again for the event. Our ‘crew’ designed a Spartan in pumpkins and helped Rotarians with set-up and running the event. The ELHS Girls Field Hockey Team participated with face painting and skills instruction for future field hockey champs and ELHS Cheerleaders sold cotton candy and calendars. Special thanks to the ELHS Career Center for announcing the event to the students plus the call for food pantry donations. The 700+ donations from ELHS students and families filled about eight bins! The event would not have been complete without ELCAT being on hand recording the event (check it out on ELCAT) and the drop in visits from Sy Becker from 22News and Sarah Heinonen from The Reminder providing news coverage. Humbled and honored by all of the support for this year’s Celebrate EL 2021 and the opportunity to “Serve Above Self”
Your Rotarians of East Longmeadow
