On Sunday, September 4th, at 10am, the largest and most popular event for children in our district swung into action at Regents International School Pattaya. This event traces its history back to 1998, when Pattaya International Ladies Club approached Jesters MC Thailand to aid the Fountain of Life Center in caring for slum children, which when the Fair was born and has since become the standout event each year.
After several venues hosted, the Regents School became our new venue, now 4 years ago. Over that period many dignitaries and popular entertainers have appeared at this event and a host of individuals and businesses have donated cash and kind to ensure its continued success, all committed to ensuring that the least privileged children in our community had a better chance in life.
After a welcoming address by Underwood JCFK President Lewis [Woody], the show began. Traditionally, the children take the stage first, so that they are free for the remainder of the day to enjoy all the games, rides, food etc., that is offered at the Children’s Fair.
We were entertained with singing and dancing by children from the Fountain of Life Center, Hand to Hand, Mercy Center, Baan Jing Jai, Blind School, Camillian Center, Shelter Centre Pattaya and the Rayong Marching Band. The children were mostly dressed in traditional costume and all were extremely energetic in their presentations.
Then it was the turn of the students from the local international schools to display their talents. Regents School presented a variety of acts, including performances from Stephen and Sophie, Miranda and Lisa, Anja and Steph, the year 9 band, and Gaitlin and Gaby. Later in the day more students from Regents, namely Yogon and Seojin, Jinglan and Dae Hwan, supplied more music. To round out Regents School’s contribution for the programme was the Regents Staff Band, who presented a Beatles medley. While not lacking enthusiasm I do believe their students displayed the most talent. The music continued with two bands from St Andrews International School doing their best to show that their music department is not lacking in the talent department. A special mention for two young violinists, Heewon and Rebecca, Year 5 and 6 students at the International School of Chonburi. They played “Do you hear the people sing,” from Les Miserables.
The Fair is not just about music, it has something for everyone with an assortment of stalls offering no end of supplies and services. Food, food, food, was everywhere and such a variety: Thai, English, Italian, American, French and German food; fried, baked, boiled, pickled food, food in packets, and in jars. Popcorn, ice cream, confectionery, pastries, snow cones, slushies, soft drinks and fruit. Simply, something to eat for everyone.
Many stalls were selling clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, books, DVD’s, phones, party costumes, cosmetics and more. Stalls with games for children and adults, stalls offering advice about termite control, wealth management, joining service clubs, etc. The children had rides, a bouncy castle, and organized competitions to keep them busy, and the carers and parents if tired could have a massage. Cuts and scratches could be attended to at one of two first aid stations supplied by BHP and Pattaya First City Hospital. Those inclined could also spend a little time in the Beer Garden, as well as wine.
Back on the main stage the entertainment continued: Mortal Kombat gave a martial arts demonstration, and Doctor Penguin performed his magic, while selected students from the Fountain of Life Center were presented with a bicycle for their achievements and behaviour. For many years now these have been supplied and presented by the Pattaya Sports Club and the presentations were carried out by PSC Charity Chairperson Noi Emmerson.
Another presentation was made by Lewis Underwood, President of Jesters Care for Kids, who donated a magnificent euphonium to Iain Blaikie, Principal of Regents School, for their Music Department in appreciation of their support over the past years’ events.
The afternoon programme featured professional artists who give freely of their time to support this event, so for the second time this day the Biff Gimble Trio, featuring Lee Shamrock and Barry Upton took the stage to kick off the Rock Concert. Artists that followed were The Paul Jackson Band, Lynkee Reggae Band, Butts Butler Jam and the Accelerators. Those that stayed on enjoyed a feast of great music from these talented musicians and singers. A special mention must go to Tommy Dee, who as emcee for the day made sure that everything moved along as smoothly as possible. [Great Job Tommy]
As always there are so many people to thank, supporters who have remained loyal to the cause, to the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and their trained staff for supplying the ambulance. To MAS for the stage, Chu Kai Public Co., and Mammoet for the bridge. The Jesters Care for Kids Committee, who spend months planning, identifying and solving possible problems. To the members of Jesters MC, who man the bar, sell the shirts, clean up, and set-up / dismantle the facilities.
Special mentions to Bill Freeman and Kevin Mitch, who plan and oversee the erection of all facilities; to Richy Rhodes, who selects and produces the entertainment programme, and his new supply sound system. Thanks to Linden and the Gap students for organizing the children’s games and the YWCA for donating the prizes. Thanks also to the management and staff of the Regents International School Pattaya for their cooperation and understanding of our needs and to the stallholders who come year after year.
And of course thank to Lewis [Woody] Underwood and his Committee. That wraps up another year at the Children’s Fair and we hope everyone had a great time with our project children, they are special to us thank you for helping them.
See you all next year.
Reminder: The annual Jesters Care4kids Gala Party Night will be held from 7 p.m. until late on Saturday, September 24 at the Aranda Ballroom of the Amari Pattaya resort. Tickets priced at THB 2,500 include a buffet dinner, free flow wine, beer and soft drinks, a charity auction, raffle, live music and dancing. For more information or to book tickets, call Jesters Care4kids 038-361 720.
