Frolic 2011: ‘Manhasset National Airport, East Meets West’

Written by Allison Schneider Friday, 15 July 2011 00:00

It isn’t until you witness the dismantling of the Frolic that you get the full picture of what a monumental undertaking it is. The transformation begins with both the draping of the entire gym ceiling, and covering the floor. Platforms and sets are then built with wood by parents on their personal time. Important fundraising takes place a full year ahead, which indicates the hard work required. By the time the parents finish, the gym is unrecognizable. Students have come to expect a great deal from their parents; and this year’s frolic not only met but also exceeded expectations.

The theme was “Manhasset National Airport, East Meets West.” The entrance to the Frolic had two jets with Manhasset emblems on either side. Upon entering there was an automated message with instructions for traversing the airport. The right side consisted of New York with Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. If you stepped to the left you entered California with Malibu Beach at your feet. The lifeguard stand had life size figures looking out onto a surfboard simulator in the middle of the ocean and graduates could try their luck on it.

There was a Kodak movie theater and lounge built on a higher platform with a large projection screen to play movies, complete with special mood lighting to give the lounge a nightlife feel. Alcatraz was represented, too. As well as China Town through the creation of dumplings, sushi, shrimp tempura, and chicken teriyaki. Fortune cookies were also served in various booths made to look like restaurants and shops.

As you walked down the Hollywood Walk of Fame a picture of each graduate was presented in a star on the wall.

If you chose to enter the Frolic from the right side you encountered Central Park. An actual park bench with a lantern lit tree stood in the lobby. Once having entered you stepped into Coney Island and Little Italy, complete with rides and games. You could almost feel a light breeze on the boardwalk. Being able to dunk the superintendent and Mr. Keen in the “dunk tank” was a novelty that will not soon be forgotten by the graduates. Tattoos, face-painting, and psychic readings were some of the creative activities this frolic offered. The Feast of San Genaro was also recreated with all the ethnic traditional foods served.

The two coasts, New York and California, met in Chinatown located in the middle of the gym. Since there is a Chinatown in both San Francisco and New York this seemed appropriate to the parents. Once the graduates left the Frolic they received a Manhasset Airline duffel bad as a keepsake, and a breakfast bag complete with candy and nuts.

Every detail was worked out and executed with perfection. The best gift, on display all evening, was the amount of time and energy expended by the parents in tribute to the young graduates. The Frolic has become a tradition that makes Manhasset a special community with caring parents.

Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly ensuring another enormously successful Frolic.