Summer Bash Brings Fairy Tales To Life

This summer there is only place where you can have a tea party with the Mad Hatter, see the world Down Under and maybe even meet Hansel and Gretel.

And while you’re at it you may even want to check out a book or two about these classic tales.

The Hasbrouck Heights Public Library is back with its annual summer bash and this year the party doesn’t have to end at 11 p.m. It can go all night if you’d like.

The library will open its doors on Friday, Aug. 3 letting the community into a world where fairy tales come to life. The theme this year is “A Midsummer Night’s Sleepover” and families can really chose to bring some sleeping bags and camp out right in the library, says Library Director Mimi Hui.

Teen volunteers have been hard at work handcrafting the decorations that are going to transform the library into a world of fairy tales. Families will follow a candy trail into the enchanted forest where they will find themselves in stories that have come to life, Hui says.

Kids can make crafts in Geppeto’s workshop and families can learn about Australia as a special show – Didgeridoo Down Under – in an area of the library that will be decorated Aboriginee style. There will also be a show featuring live nocturnal animals, Hui says.

The Mad Hatter will literally host a tea party complete with assorted pastries, sandwiches, fruits and drinks. Fifty patrons can take part in the tea party at a time. It will be ongoing all evening in 30 minute intervals, said Hui.

“When you walk into the Enchanted Forest you never know what you may find,” says Hui which is an indication that there may be more surprises in store for guests that night. 

Fairy tale characters are expected to make an appearance so families are advised to bring their cameras as Hui says there will be many picture perfect moments that should not be missed.

There will also be a room set up where kids can play some Just Dance 3 on the Wii gaming system. Families can also watch the film “Mirror Mirror” in the community room across the hall from the library. Hui said two screenings have been set up for 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. so families have the opportunity to take part in other events as well.

At about 10:30 p.m. when things begin to wind down, those who plan to stay over can settle by the “camp fire” for some storytelling time. Families that intend to sleep over have to fill out permission slips for anyone under 18. Those forms are available at the library, Hui said.

Hui says families do not have to stay over if they don’t want to but it’s an opportunity to do something different. She understands that families are not always able to get away over the summer and this gives the children a chance to say they did something fun and different by spending the entire night camped out at the library.

For the past six years or so, the library has been presenting this annual bash for the families in the community to offer them yet another service – providing them with a special event to take part in each year.

Hui credits the Friends of the Library who fundraise to support the library’s events, especially this summer bash. The money that goes into this event each year comes solely from the money the Friends raise and the event would not be possible without their support, she says.

Summer bash is also a great opportunity for teens to get their community service hours in. Hui says teens are always eager to sign up to take part in this event each year.

The full schedule for “A Midsummer Night’s Sleepover” is:

7 p.m.  – Start

            Guest appearance by costumed characters

A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (takes place every half hour – reservations required.)

             Welcome to Geppetto’s Workshop (arts and crafts)

            Wii gaming

7:30 p.m. – Didgeridoo Down Under – A High Energy Australia – themed show

8 p.m. – first movie screening of “Mirror Mirror”

9 and 9:30 p.m. – Welcome to the World of Nocturnal Animals (two showings)

10:30 p.m. – Storytelling around the campfire

11 p.m. – second movie screening of “Mirror Mirror”

8 a.m. Saturday –breakfast for those who sleep over

Donation of $3 for children under 12 and $6 for anyone age 12 and older is suggested. Call the library at 201-288-0484.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Alana Quartuccio at alana.quartuccio@patch.com, or follow Hasbrouck Heights Patch on Facebook or Twitter. For news straight to your inbox sign up for the daily newsletter.