My daughter & I went to one of her best friend’s 4th birthday party a few weeks ago here in Harlem and had so much fun. It was held outside on a crisp fall day amid tall oaky trees and overlooking the vast Westside River with boats passing through. We arrived about the same time as most of the other guests and were greeted by the birthday girl dressed as Kai-Lan (the party theme) whose smile lights up the world. One has never seen such a beautiful, peaceful looking, pretty smile until one has seen this calm and content child and her equally pretty mother. Their was a bountiful array of delicious treats for the children which everyone took advantage of.
All of a sudden, I hear the children screaming, “The clown is here, yeah!” A clown arrived and quickly went to work painting fairies, butterflies, tigers, and other assorted animals on all of the children’s faces and then proceeded to create a wide assortment of balloon animals for everyone.
Next, who should make an appearance but, Kai-Lan, the Chinese character from the hugely successful Nickelodeon television show. She greeted and gave high-fives to everyone before settling down to do what she does best: dance, and boy could she dance. She did every move that I’ve seen at clubs & on TV as well as some that I’ve never even heard of.
The children continued the fun by receiving numerous rides on the charming carousel. This particular merry-go-round is quite original and was designed entirely by children using their hugely creative ideas for the rides. It is extremely artistic and magical.
Afterwards, the children began to work on the pinata. This must be a New York thing because every child’s party I have ever attended (including my daughter’s) involves a pinata. It must be de rigueur at children’s parties in NYC. Once it opened, out spilled out the most delicious treats & fun toys to be enjoyed by both young & old.
The party ended the classic way with a Kai-Lan cake & a rounding rendition of Happy Birthday. What a fun birthday party in Harlem!
elizabethtritsch 