Fishawack Children's Events Canceled

The Children's Events at this year's Fishawack festival have officially been canceled, Fishawack President Chris Tomaino said Thursday.

Rains predicted from Tropical Storm Andrea for Friday in the area mean the grass at Memorial Park will be too wet to make the rides safe for set-up or use.

The main area of the festival, Tomaino said, will operate as usual without interruption from the weather.

The Children's Events are a cherished tradition of Fishawack. Lucky Star Amusements have provided the rides for the last several years, including the Trackless Train, a local favorite.

This year's Children's Events were also to feature spin art and carnival games, along with cupcake sales by a club called Sprinkles On Top. Money from the cupcake sales was to supprt the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT), which seeks a cure for MECP2 Duplication Syndrome.

MECP2 Duplication Syndrome is a rare disease which causes low muscle tone and delayed development especially in motor skills and speech. The syndrome affects mostly males, though females are starting to become more susceptible.

Neil's mother Meg, an alumna of Chatham High School, and his father Mike, an employee of the Chatham Township Department of Public Works, have hosted a walk at Cougar Field the last two years to raise money for RSRT. They have also raised awareness for the disease locally.

The booth fee for Sprinkles On Top was donated by Sensory Spectrum, a New Providence consumer research company.

Arminio's Italian Corner was also to have a booth in the children's area with pizza and other food from their kitchen.

The Children's Events are usually open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memorial Field behind the Library of the Chathams.

Children's events for the 2013 Fishawack Festival are sponsored by Valley National Bank, Chatham Chiropractic Center, Work Family Connection, Cleaner’s Advantage, Juniper Village, MSI Physical Therapy and Liberty Drug & Surgical.