Alandale Parkway Neighborhood Boys Host Charity Fair for Muscular Dystrophy-August 8, 1966

Youths Ages 8 to 12 Spend Spring Building Games and Operating Weeklong Fair to Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Research

“Who wants his fortune told?” “How about a game of pool?” “Have some kool-aid or some popcorn.” These were the bustling sounds of a neighborhood carnival run by the boys of Alandale Parkway, who successfully wrapped up a weeklong fair on Saturday to benefit muscular dystrophy. What began last year as an activities club suggested by Mrs. Robert J. Boselli of 89 Alandale Parkway—initially formed to keep local youngsters occupied and safe—has blossomed into a dedicated charitable tradition. Operating out of neighborhood yards, 10 boys ranging in age from 8 to 12 spent the spring constructing their own games using makeshift household materials, featuring a fortune teller, a fish pond, a roll-the-marble-into-the-egg-carton game, and a special prize wallet with a $1 cash giveaway.

Running on just $10 in expenses for popcorn and Kool-Aid, the young entrepreneurs raised over $35 in game play and sold more than $3 worth of popcorn to neighborhood children. Building on last year’s $23 proceeds, the boys cleared $31.31 this year for the muscular dystrophy fund—a charity choice inspired by local television personality Rex Trailer. Mrs. Boselli praised the boys’ dedication, noting, “The boys have been working on the games all spring… I think they chose the muscular dystrophy fund because Rex Trailer pushes it.” With the weeklong celebration concluded, the enthusiastic youngsters and supportive mothers are already planning an even larger neighborhood fair for next year.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger