Strelitz Fall Festival creates an unforgettable autumn celebration

by | Nov 7, 2024 | It's a Wrap, Latest News

On a cool Sunday in October, the Sandler Family Campus transformed into a magical Fall Wonderland for the 2nd Annual Strelitz Fall Festival.  This signature Strelitz International Academy event brought the community together with delicious food, unique vendors, activity rentals, and even some live animal encounters. This year’s festival was more vibrant than ever, drawing in record excitement and participation.

Themed raffle baskets created by SIA classes lined the Campus Cardo.  From a Vacation Basket to a Self-Care Basket and even a Pet Care Basket, families purchased tickets in hopes of winning their favorite. The grand drawing for the baskets took place at the end of the festival, keeping everyone on their toes, adding a burst of anticipation to wrap up the day.

As people stepped out of the Cardo doors, they were greeted with scarecrows, hay bales, pumpkins, and two live scarecrow juggler and stilt walkers.  

Admission included unlimited access to carnival games, pony rides, and train rides looping around the campus white top. Fresh kosher hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and other treats kept families fueled for all the fun.

 The entire community pitched in to bring the event to life, with parents, faculty, and volunteers coordinating setup, check-in, and food stations, while SIA alumni and community teens ran the lively carnival games. Generous sponsors helped make the Strelitz Fall Festival a fantastic fundraiser and a heartwarming community event. In addition to games and food, the festival showed the power of unity, with volunteers from local groups such as Congregation Beth El’s Bogrim program and Tallwood High School’s Israel Club helping support the festivities. One highlight was the chance for alumni and their families to reconnect with each other and with the SIA faculty, reflecting the lasting bonds within the Strelitz community.

Next year’s Strelitz Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025.  

Carin Simon is director of advancement for Strelitz International Academy.

SIA students run a booth.
SIA students run a booth.
Rocky Ferraro rides the pony.
Rocky Ferraro rides the pony.
Rabbi Ari and his kids Lia and Ben ride the train.
Rabbi Ari and his kids Lia and Ben ride the train.
Teachers help with check in.
Teachers help with check in.
Ozzie Bangel enjoying the games.
Ozzie Bangel enjoying the games.
Mollie Glassman.
Mollie Glassman.
Fall Festival train riders.
Fall Festival train riders.
Honzy, Andrew and Levi pet the pony, Unger.
Honzy, Andrew and Levi pet the pony, Unger.

Strelitz International Academy Fall Festival Sponsors

Pony Ride Sponsors

Dodge Family

Deb & Peter Segaloff

Petting Zoo Sponsor

Babbi & Brad Bangel

Beth Sholom Village

Heather & Doug Moore

The Foleck Center

MBCS CPAs, PC

The Rosenbaum Family

Southern Bank

The Stockpot

Vandelay Industries

Virginia Beach Obstetrics & Gynecology

Universal Pest &  Termite, Inc.

Ellen & Bill Wagner

Amy & Eliot Weinstein

WoogWorks 

Carnival Game Sponsor

Jennifer Waldholtz & Greg Antonucci

Randall, Caldwell & Nolan Buntin

Bill & Allison Carden

Eric Joffe Construction Corp

Hart Electric

Sara Jo & Joel Rubin

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids

Susan & Eric Schwartzman

Carin & Mike Simon

Terkeltaub Family

Virginia Business Solutions

Harvest Sponsor

Seeman Family

WhoRiddle?

Donita Lozada

St. Pierre Family