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.
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