JAY DAY JOY – Visitors Soak in the Sun, Tie Sailor’s Knots and Enjoy Learning Origami
October 7, 2023
The weather cooperated and visitors streamed into our park for some old-fashioned fun and food with lots of activities this past Sunday, October 1. Everywhere you looked there were smiles and laughter. New this year, volunteers from the Harrison Library showed families the art of origami while the Rye Boy Scouts Pack 2 taught everyone how to tie a sailor’s knot by the reflecting pool where they raced small watercraft (much in keeping with the maritime history of the property). The Japan Society of Greater Fairfield County and the International Ikebana Society of New York were also part of the festivities for the first time as were vendors like The Snackery, MKT,and Shop the Beehive. Music from Citigrass was a new treat too. Unplugged activities included porch sitting, bubble making, bean bag tossing and hula hooping.
None of it would have been possible without our Jay Day leadership team of Tracy Edwards, Amy Villalba, Caroline Wallach, and Lindsay Bello Martin along with JHC Staff members Meredith Slater and Lucia Maestro and a bounty of hard working volunteers.
Photos by Kim Crichlow
View of the Spizwinks and the Westchester Land Trust Pollinator Pop-Up tent from the top of the garden stairs
Gardens being enjoyed October 2023
The Rye Boy Scouts raced motorized boats in the reflecting pool complete with buoy markers
Volunteers from the Harrison Library dressed in traditional kimonos taught families the art of origami
Want to learn how to fold paper?
Kids always love playing with other “kids”
The Yale Spizzwinks(?) have been singing at JHC for more than a decade!
Face painting and chocolate milk from Starlight Dairy- nothing else needed
JHC President Suzanne Clary and Japan Society of Greater Fairfield County President Jackie Alexander
Let me show you how a lasso works!
Welcome to the Jay Estate!
Volunteers welcomed visitors at the admissions table
Kids sat patiently to have their portraits made in our own portrait gallery. Sweet Silhouettes hand cut by Varin are always a huge hit.
Citigrass appropriately twanged out “Hard Times Don’t Come Here No More”
Photographer Kim Crichlow captured the action but a quick thinker captured a pic of her too!
It’s called a hula hoop!
New and veteran volunteers made the day a pure success
Reminders that the Jay Estate was once a working farm
New Japanese vendors sold beautiful goods
Our Unknown Soldiers exhibit is still a hit
Even more portraits!
Porch sitting
Picnic grounds
How to tie a sailor’s knot
Hands up for tattoos!
Sew Happy crafts made everyone so happy!
Shop the Beehive offered beautiful hand crafted items
More sunshine and a cappella
MKT provided flavorful snacks and beverages
Dr. Euegene Boesch shares archaeological discoveries with curious young minds
Roxanne Wasserman explains the 3 styles of Ikebana