Fairs provide funding and fun for families

“Fruit kebabs anyone?” says Deryn to her niece.

I had a opportunity to take part in a school fair with my conversation partner and his family. It was great. Most schools in New Zealand hold a fair every year. Many kinds of goods are sold.

Families donate old books, toys, clothes,, CDs, furniture, equipment. Also there are games and sideshows, many kinds of food, flowers, singing, even a dog show. All things sold are very cheap and the activities raise money also.

The Island Bay School fair held in November raised $30,135. Our ELTO teacher Annie whose children go to the school, was on the Garden Club stall selling things the children had made, like ginger beer kits and pot plants. There was also a huge outdoor cafe with food from around the world, face painting and lots of musical entertainment.

The money is used to repair and buy equipment and resources for the pupils.