Fair heralds school's 80th birthday for Peninsula School Fair heralds school's 80th birthday for Peninsula School (April 20, 2005)

By Rebecca Wallace

Almanac Staff Writer

What things go together like strawberry shortcake, Native American prayer arrows, and bluegrass music?

Well, not many. But the eclectic nature of the annual Spring Fair at Peninsula School in Menlo Oaks is part of why it's so popular.

On Sunday, May 1, the fair will be held again at the private school. Open to the public, the fair includes craft activities such as making prayer arrows with yarn, sticks and feathers; creating wood sculptures; and painting flower pots. Recipes for the food being sold hail from points as diverse as India, Greece and California.

Accompanied by live jazz, bluegrass, rock and drum music, folks will fly down a zip line and inch up a rock-climbing wall. And there's the ever-popular "oobleck" -- an intriguing mix of cornstarch, food coloring and water that kids like to squeeze and let drip through their fingers.

This year, the fair will have a commemorative feel, honoring Peninsula School on its 80th birthday. The school was founded in 1925 by parents, including Josephine Duveneck, who sought an alternative to traditional schools they saw as restrictive.

Peninsula is still known for its free atmosphere and plethora of creative activities; there are special areas for weaving, clay and woodworking.

Anniversary features will include an 80-year timeline with text and pictures about events in the school's history, said Florrie Forrest, a retired teacher who serves as school archivist.

There will be an art show about Peninsula students who became professional artists. One is Wah Ming Chang, a designer who worked for Disney and the "Star Trek" television show.

The Spring Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 920 Peninsula Way. Tickets are $25 for families, $8 for adults and $5 for children.

For more information, call 325-1584 or go to www.peninsulaschool.org.

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