Kulanu parties in Cedarhurst

People of all ages converged on Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park for Kulanu’s annual community fair on Sunday, raising funds for the Cedarhurst-based center for special services.

“Kulanu is a great institution, worthy of our support, so we came here to support it,” said Cedarhurst resident Ed Silver, who attended with his three sons.

“My favorite part of the fair was the bounce house because it’s fun,” his son Nachum, 10, said enthusiastically.

A large group of fairgoers recited psalms and prayers in unison by the park’s gazebo for the three teenagers who were abducted in Israel on June 12 – Gilad Shaer and Naftali Frenkel, both 16, and Eyal Yifrach, 19.

The fair included numerous activities and attractions, including pony rides, traditional carnival games, a carousel, Ferris wheel and a bounce house. In addition, fairgoers were entertained by interactive games of “Simon Says,” martial arts demonstrations and a magic show.

Various items were raffled off, including tickets to Mets and Yankees games and a Kindle.

The interactive arts and crafts booth and face painting activities attracted many kids. The Nassau County Auxiliary Police Unit 109 was on hand to ensure everyone’s safety and gave youngsters tours of their mobile command post vehicle.

Food was aplenty, and included hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and cotton candy. “My favorite part of the fair was all the food,” said Yosef Horowitz, 11, of Woodmere, while he ate ices.

The fair, staffed by volunteers, was sponsored by local individuals and businesses, including The Jewish Star.

“I think it’s a great event and it’s also great to help out Kulanu,” said Woodmere resident Jacob Goldsmith, 16, who helped out at the prize booth. “It’s important to get involved in the community,” he added.

“Kulanu is an organization that serves individuals with disabilities from preschool through the age of 21, and this fair is an opportunity for the entire community to come together and have a wonderful time, and the proceeds support the programs at Kulanu,” said Executive Director Dr. Beth Raskin.

Kulanu provides an array of services for special needs individuals and their families.