Editor’s Note: Due to the weather forecast for later this week, the Peace on my Block committee has made the decision to reschedule the Community Fair. It will now take place next Thursday, May 29. Gates will open at 5:15.
MANSFIELD — Tom Hager wants to show students that peace can be fun.
That’s why the principal of Malabar Intermediate is spearheading the second annual Peace on My Block Community Fair.
His goal is host an event that gives kids a sense of hope and lets them know the community cares about them.
“It’s a kick-off to a peaceful summer,” Hager said. “When we started this last year, that’s what we wanted to do.”
The fair will include a dunk tank, face painting, bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, horseback riding and games. Miss Ohio Stephanie Finoti will be making an appearance. There will also be a F-16 fighter jet flyover by the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Squadron.
At dusk, Northeast Pyrotechnics will be putting on a fireworks show.
“They’ve done shows across Ohio,” Hager said. “It’s gonna be an unbelievable night.”
A committee of community members and Mansfield City School personnel launched the first Peace on My Block fair last year. Hager estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 people were in attendance. Around 100 teachers volunteered their time to run the event.
“The kids had an unbelievable time last year,” Hager said. “The response from so many people was just an amazing thing.”
Inside Arlin Field, community partners and service providers will have information for families as well as additional games and giveaways.
This year’s community fair will take place May 22 from 5:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Arlin Field. It’s open to all Mansfield children in preschool through 8th grade — but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“This is a family event,” Hager said. “This is not a drop-off.”
Security will be onsite just in case, though Hager said there were no issues last year.
Last year’s Peace on My Block Community Fair was largely funded by community donations. This year is no different.
Hager said the committee is more than halfway to its fundraising goal of $20,000, with $11,500 set aside for this year’s event. That includes a $3,000 carryover from last year’s fundraising efforts.
Community members who wish to donate can do so by sending or dropping off checks at Malabar Intermediate. Checks should be made out to Mansfield City Schools with “Peace on My Block Fair” in the memo.
“Everything we raise goes right back to the event — the fireworks, the bouncy houses, just all the logistics of that,” Hager said.
“It’s a great cause. It’s focused on kids; it’s focused on peace and it’s focused on community.”
The committee is also still accepting community partners who wish to set up a table inside Arlin Field stadium. For more information, contact Hager by calling 419-525-6374 extension 1211.
