Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the hours of the Faire and of the shifts?
This year, the Faire will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be three shifts for most areas: 9:45 – 12:00, 11:45 – 2:00, and 1:45 – 4:00. Everyone must report to their assignment on time. Please be respectful of your fellow parents’ time.
We expect the Silent Auction to be a hub of activity, especially in the hour before bidding closes at 3:00. We hope that Faire-goers will gather to bid on auction items, including any dolls and toys that have not yet sold in the Doll Room and King Arthur’s Market, which might be moved to the Silent Auction area. The festivities will include special entertainment and the announcement of the prize drawing winner. After the Faire closes at 4:00, the Wishing Well will remain open for shopping as Faire guests make their way out.
2. How do I sign up for my shift?
Each parent is required to work one two-hour-and-fifteen-minute shift the day of the Faire, and each family is responsible for one set-up shift and one clean-up shift. Single parent families can work either a set-up or clean-up shift. Simply fill out your sign-up sheet. You will receive your shift assignment and location before the Faire. Follow up sign-ups and confirmations will be coordinated by the Volunteer Coordinator Mary Beth Short, and Parent Council Representatives throughout the Fall leading up to Elves’ Faire. Committing early will not only help us but will also help you get the shift you want.
3. How do I check in the day of the Faire?
Parents report directly to their assigned shift area and sign in by their assigned time. If you are unsure of your assignment, check at the Volunteer Table (near the hairpin turn of the driveway) well in advance to ensure you are in position at the time of your shift. Remember it can take 10 minutes to get to the upper yard from the lower parking lot when navigating the Faire crowds.
4. How can I make crafts if I’ve never done it before?
Come to our Elves’ Faire Raising on Saturday, October 13! You’ll learn something new, but more importantly, you’ll meet some great people. Many parents have made good friends this way. It’s also an opportunity to meet parents from grades other than the one your child is in. Look for information about other workshops in the Thursday Announcements. Even if you can’t attend a workshop, there are ideas and instructions available for all skill levels. Phone numbers of the Chairs are listed in the Elves’ Faire handbook if you need more information.
Another option is to trade skills with another parent. You can offer to bake for them and they can craft for you, for example.
5. Why should I buy Advance Sale tickets if they’re available on the Day of the Faire?
An Advance Sale ticket is sold before the event. It helps to cut down on the amount of cash floating around the day of the Faire, and makes our bookkeeping easier. It will also make it easier for you to enjoy the Faire and not stand in long lines for tickets.
6. How many advance tickets should I buy?
Each ticket costs one dollar. Tickets are used in place of money everywhere at the Faire except in the Doll Room, King Arthur’s Market, the Silent Auction, the Prize Drawing, and the Wishing Well.
All other areas use tickets. Subject to change, some examples of costs are: the Angel Room is usually 4 or 5 tickets per gift item; the games are usually 1 or 4 tickets; lunch items often range from 6 to 10 or 12 tickets; baked goods range from 1 ticket to 30 tickets, depending on the item; crafts are generally 3 or 4 tickets.
7. I made something for the Angel Room, but now that I see it, it’s worth more than four or five dollars. Should I give it to the Doll Room instead?
No. Many treasures sold in the Angel Room are actually worth more than four or five dollars. The Angels feel it’s important that they offer our children the best value for their money. Other booths at the Faire have a higher profit margin, but the Angel Room is held to a higher standard (and still makes a substantial sum!). Please help the Angels keep their stock overflowing with quality gifts.
8. I want to help, but am simply not available the day of the Faire. What can I do?
Thank you for asking! There are always a few parents who unfortunately cannot be present on the big day. For them, it is asked that their spouse/partner work two shifts. When this isn’t possible, we can make special arrangements for a few families who have compelling circumstances or unusual hardships. Please contact the Faire Coordinator or the Development Committee Chair to make these arrangements.
9. I’m happy to put in some time the day of the Faire, but what about my young children?
Ideally, you and your spouse/partner can work alternate shifts at the Faire. When this isn’t possible, there will be a professionally staffed Day Care Center in the Rose Kindergarten room the day of the Faire. Please note that a few rules apply: they only can handle potty-trained children, this service is available to you only while you are working your shift, and the staff must know where they can find you. Daycare will be open from 9am to 5pm.
10. How many craft items should I make?
There are 8 Angel Room items that each family is required to make, but if you love to craft, if you’re feeling creative or artistic, then the Elves’ Faire is the perfect venue for bringing out your inner “crafter”. There are endless possibilities, from making an item for the Silent Auction, dreaming up extra Angel Room gifts, sewing dolls, or creating handcrafted and painted swords and shields for King Arthur’s Market.
11. Will the school reimburse me for my supplies?
The school provides some kits and supplies, particularly for doll-making. But if you choose to use your own supplies, please consider it as a contribution to a good cause!
12. If I use plastic beads for my handmade bracelets, is that really a problem?
The one element that sets the Elves’ Faire apart from other school fairs and craft bazaars is our commitment to using natural materials and making things by hand. This is our chance to show the surrounding community what we’re really about, so we really try to stick to the philosophy on this issue. So, no plastic please.
13. What is the purpose of the Elves’ Faire?
The Elves’ Faire is a time to invite prospective parents and others from the surrounding community to see what we’re about. But most importantly, the Elves’ Faire provides an opportunity to meet your child’s friends’ parents, to work with the community that exists for the sole purpose of educating your child, and to have fun! Tuition pays only a portion of the cost of your child’s education. The Elves’ Faire is one way the parents can help.
14. How does the Elves’ Faire benefit the school?
The Elves’ Faire brings in much-needed funds for the school. Each year, after we do our accounting, we report to the parents just how much their efforts have benefited the school. More importantly, the Enrollment Department informs us that many new students have applied to PWS because of their experience at the Elves’ Faire. The Faire brings heightened awareness to the outside community that helps our school in many ways, in addition to the actual dollar figure. This event is a shining example to the outside community of our values for children.
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