The students of the Searingtown School recently enjoyed field day. Potato Sack races, three legged races, kickball and tennis-baseball made for friendly competition between the green and gold teams.
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, 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!
