Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Tiffany Pleysier
Special to Village News
The Willow Tree Enrichment Center held its annual Arts and Garden Festival, May 18. Bouquets of fresh flowers decorated tables and tissue paper flower garlands, made by the children and volunteers, adorned the pop-ups and entryway.
The children performed throughout the day showcasing their hard work in choir, violin, band and drama. The songs, poems and dances that grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 learned in their core classes filled the air as parents and guests clapped and, in some cases, danced to the beat.
The fundraiser consisted of events for all ages. Little ones could be seen flying their wool felted butterflies they made with the kindergarten teacher and parents. Cupcakes were consumed with the famous cupcake walk.
Children tested their strength and courage in medieval-inspired games of tug of war and jousting. Then they cooled off in water sponge battles hosted by the sixth class. Attendees practiced their throwing skills with a balloon dart board and a dunk station where the brave seventh-grade teacher perched all day.
The biggest crowd formed at the end of the day when the director, Bethany Chaffin, cheered her pupils on as she sat encouraging them to dunk her.
Masterpieces of hand-dyed pillowcases, printed napkins, handmade succulent pots, tapestries, framed art pieces and even a mosaic birdbath, were donated by each grade for the silent auction.
Vendors sold fairy wands, flower crowns, books, necklaces, dresses and handcrafted goods.
The Enrichment Center’s Waldorf-Inspired approach could be seen in every aspect of the event. The joyful mood of a spring day filled with community and friendship could be felt by all as children ran around with their faces painted and a rainbow could be seen circling the sun.
Submitted by Willow Tree Enrichment Center.
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