By Sarah Opdahl

On Monday, November 20, hundreds of screaming fans were delighted by the Harlem Wizards. The event was a popular one in the past—the last was held in 2019—and has now made a successful comeback in town. Packed with eight hundred attendees who were on the cusp of a long holiday weekend, the New Fairfield Middle School gym was charged with excited energy that early evening.

The Harlem Wizards are as equally masterful at basketball as they are at showmanship. Though a game did occur with a lovable crew of New Fairfield Public School administrators

and teachers, drawn from staff throughout the district, the play often devolved into spectacles that immensely entertained the crowd. With an audience of 95% elementary families, there were kid-friendly jokes, student three-point shots, and uproarious hijinks. At one point, a six-foot-six-inch Wizard laughingly scooped up a small child and held him high in the air giggling above his parents who scrambled to take a photo. Banter among the players was hilarious, with many NF school staff giving as good as they got in exchanges with the Wizards and hamming it up for their students.

Event coordinator and long-time Parent Teacher Organization leader Amanda Lombard said that coordinating the sold-out event was a joy, “This has always been one of my favorite fundraising events because all of the PTOs are able to execute the evening together.  Each school has a role in making this a successful event.” Each PTO will apply the profits of this fundraiser differently based on the needs of their school. Lombard detailed that for “the HS the PTO funds scholarships among other things, where at an elementary level the needs are much more immediate.  They fund everything from field trips to special programs brought in for the students.”

According to Lombard, the planning process begins approximately six months prior to the actual game and “we work hand in hand with a rep from the Harlem Wizards to find a date and kick off ticket sales.” A veteran, this was her fourth time planning the game.  She gave kudos to “a great committee,” including parents Katie Williams and Kristine Frederick heading up the planning.  The group handled all logistical planning with the district, communication with faculty and staff, finding sponsors for team Rebel Pride t-shirts, and “most importantly continuously advertising and pushing ticket sales to ensure a sold-out event,” Lombard stressed. As a preview to the event, one Wizard, Big J, took part in an in-school assembly promoting the event in October. Happily, Lombard said “the kids absolutely loved it.  They had such a blast dancing with the Wizard and watching him perform and teach some of the basketball tricks we will see on the court at the game.”

With four years of Wizard Games in the town, from 2015 to 2019, the Harlem Wizards event was remembered as a massive hit. “Covid derailed our plans for 2020 but we are excited to bring back this amazing event,” Lombard said, going on to say, “My favorite memory is the same each year.  Hearing the entire crowd go absolutely wild as our home team of teachers is introduced is absolutely incredible. We have such amazing teachers and administrators in this town so it is such a cool moment to see them get the applause and cheers they deserve every day.” Some families will recall the year one of the Wizard players shattered a backboard. “Amazingly enough, it only delayed the game slightly and we were able to finish strong.  The Harlem Wizard company did replace the backboard quickly, they are a great company to work with,” Lombard said.

Speaking before the event, Lombard expressed “hope that everyone leaves at the end of the night having had a positive and relaxing experience.  It really is such a fun night out for families in town.” Judging from the smiling faces and squeals of delight, that hope was certainly realized.