We have not had a school fete for the past five years. So when our Principal announced that this winter we were to have a grand fete, the announcement was received with an enthusiastic and supportive round of applause by all students. After a month of planning and organising the D-day, 18th of December finally arrived. The entire school campus beginning from the gate, the long passage-way, the fetegrounds were all decorated brilliantly. There were multi-coloured festoons, banners, flags, tents all over the place. As soon as we entered the main gate, our mood got uplifted to the lively music being played all around.
I along with my friends, my classmates, was given the duty of taking charge of the Request Counter. Since we were in Std. XII, this privilege was given to us. We had to keep ready a list of 200 songs which would be played for all moods and feelings. Whoever came to us had to deposit Rs. 10 and give us a message of about two lines and pick out a song from our list. Our stall was a massive hit and later on when we made our profit calculations, we learnt that we the second highest grossers of the fete, the lead being taken by a popular gaming stall.
Friends chatted, met other boys and girls from schools and colleges all over town. The usual “no entry” shackle was thrown to the winds as we mingled freely and happily. Students look forward to such occasion when there is optimum chance to meet other friends in a fun-filled lively atmosphere. The game-stalls like Lucky Seven Under Seven, Lucky Dip, Hoopla, Rolling nine-pins, one minute games were very popular with the youth. The children loved the joy rides even elephant and camel rides. The antics of students dressed up like cartoon characters were appreciated by all. Of course there were times when accidents happened; Micky Mouse’s left ear came off and Rudolf the reindeer’s red nose tumbled down while the Powder puff girls got engaged in their own power struggle. However apart from this minor misadventure all sailed well.
People were seen laughing, chatting, relaxing at various spots of the fete. There was an atmosphere of gaiety and enjoyment. The St. Patrick’s “Rendezuous 2010” was a runaway success.
Such events bring back memories of years gone by. There were hordes of exstudents who became nostalgic and went down memory lane. They remembered their old pranks, their silly capers, their favourite teachers, their exapades. Of course the next day was a tough one. Lots of cleaning up, tabulating accounts, handing over the profits etc. Collecting left-over prizes, coupons, brochures etc. The fete was also an interesting learning experience for all of us. There were many silent students who hardly come out of their shell but given specific duties and responsibilities they handled them very well. We will cherish memories of the school fete for years to come. Indeed it was a great occasion for fun with friends.
