Hooray! One of the best signs the school year is coming to a close is Field Day, and the signs have been all over our schools these past few weeks as the Red, White or Blue teams take to the fields for some friendly intramural competition. Manor Oaks School, Hillside Grade School and Denton Avenue School held its field days on June 12.
The term “field day” original referred a showy day of military intramurals when generals had to “coax” rather than “command” their soldiers—and the soldiers could show off their skills without risking their lives. Similarly, school Field Days are about bragging rights, not team standings.
Current economic conditions have had a slight impact on Field Day purchases, according to Michelle Cosentino, the second-generation owner of Startrack, a Farmingdale-based supplier of toys, prizes, jewelry and goodies (all made in the U.S.A.) for such themed or seasonal events. “The schools don’t have the same budgets they used to,” she says, and prices have gone up.
Even so, by June 11 she was sold out of spin plates and gold medals. She says the medals sell out quickly these days because they are given to all. “It’s a new era; every kid’s a winner now,” she says. “They don’t want anyone to feel bad.”
And why not? You can’t keep spirits down when there’s no more homework and summer camp is right around the corner. Mix a scrap of rope and some raw eggs with sunshine and fresh air, fold in a bunch of excited children and … … Whoo-hoo!
