Several hundred people – and assorted large animals – turned out Saturday afternoon for Sacajawea Elementary School’s Arts Festival.
The three-hour program started with a half-hour Opening Ceremony Parade that snaked around the school to a sing-a-long of Waltzing Matilda and finished with the dedication of a completely rebuilt playground.
Sacajawea’s PTA raised more than $60,000 in addition to a grant from Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund to pay for the renovation. Students contributed art for a mosaic wall and helped with general labor.
“It’s been like an old-fashioned barn-raising, with our whole community coming together to improve our school,” Tracy Patton, PTA co-chair, said by e-mail.
The three-hour celebration was rounded off by dance, drama and author readings. A kid’s art parade and exhibits were followed by more music by Bob and his Didgeridoos (the theme was “Celebrating the arts and Culture of Oceania”) and a group dance. The school has just over 300 students.
Hi Dennis. Good question (and it looks like you know a lot more about it than I). I learned the words and tune growing up in Texas, and since formed the theory that it was mostly to amuse Australians as we butchered their accent. I’ve forwarded your comment on to the school, though. I do know they are studying the culture of Oceania.
Hello…Im very impressed to hear you have been singing Waltzing Matilda. I have been singing and researching the song for 20 years. Can you please tell me why you sing our song.
Cheers
Dennis O’Keeffe
Glad you liked it. FYI, our news partners at The Seattle Times also wrote a story. (No photos, though.) It’s here:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011876544_playground16m.html
We live in the Midwest and love seeing information about our grandkids’ neighborhood, school and activities. S. seems to be a great school!