For those used to organizing events, COVID put a cramp in plans, but Jill DeChello quickly pivoted to create drive-through events that adhered to social distancing guidelines, while giving back to the community. DeChello hosted a Pumpkin Patch event as well as a Winter Wonderland and she is hoping that third time is the charm—and the end of drive-through events.

The Landing of North Haven will be transformed into a Spring Fantasy on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with a rain date of Saturday, May 8) at 201 Clintonville Road, North Haven. The event will benefit the North Haven Rotary Club in support of the Rotary Scholarship program and grant initiatives. The suggested donation is $10 per car and is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required.

“I hope this event will be the last that is necessary to do as a drive-through, but safety is our town’s first priority,” said DeChello. “The Spring Fantasy is my version of a ‘Welcome to the season,’ a season that reflects a fresh start, growth, and renewal. I think everyone is looking forward to that.”

Those driving through the event can expect to see bubbles, an oversized vegetable garden, a farm stand, a Maypole with dancers, Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, pinwheels, flowers, butterflies, bees, a bake shop with smile face cookies for the kids, and lots of surprises. There will also be an Alice in Wonderland tea table created by designer Ramona Eldridge along with all the characters, including Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter.

“It’s an explosion of spring, color, and fantasy,” said DeChello. “Watching the kids is what makes it so special to me. They are in awe of everything. Many drive through twice.”

When it comes to pulling the event together, DeChello counts on the help of the community, town leaders, and members of local organizations. People volunteer in various ways, including helping to set up and dressing up as different characters.

“It’s fun to drive through and recognize a business, or a business owner out there working as the Mad Hatter or running the lemonade or farm stand,” said DeChello. “The events reinforce the generosity of our community. I’ve been doing events for a very long time and North Haven is a wonderful town to work with. Everyone offers to help in some way. Our town leaders always show up and it really gives you that warm fuzzy feeling of small town hospitality.”

Volunteers are always welcome, particularly during the event setup on April 30. DeChello is also seeking items to round out the event, including a small teacup ride or merry-go-round for the Alice in Wonderland area and bubble machines. She is also hoping to have some live animals for the farm area, volunteers to dance around the Maypole, a baker to create a topsy-turvy cake (real or fake), and a DJ to provide music.

While there are many who have stepped up to help with the drive-through events, DeChello is quick to point out that none of the events would be possible without the support of The Landing, a senior living center. She said that General Manager Eric Piekarz and Sales and Marketing Manager Donna Naparstek “saw the value in drawing the community together and welcomed me with open arms to do anything I wanted.” DeChello has also enjoyed becoming familiar with the facility and its residents.

In turn, Naparstek has found that being able to help bring these events to the community has been rewarding. She has seen that the events go far beyond benefiting the immediate community.

“Not only do our residents, their families, our business partners, and the community at large share in the fun and joy of participating in these events, but the proceeds go directly back to the local community and benefit so many,” said Naparstek. “These events are very much in keeping with our corporate philosophy of living a three-thirds lifestyle. We promote putting family first, giving back to the community second, and finally, meaningfully contributing to a work environment.”

Each of the three drive-through events have raised money for town organizations. The Pumpkin Patch raised $5,000 for the North Haven Rotary Club and the Winter Wonderland raised $9,500 for the Italian Youth Foundation. Both groups used the donations to give back to the North Haven community. The Spring Fantasy event will again benefit the North Haven Rotary Club.

“Obviously, 2020 was a tough year for fundraising, so these events put money back in the town’s non-profits,” said DeChello. “I create these events to draw the town together. The businesses are so generous, as are the residents who always step forward to help me. I wanted my events to show the true kindness of people and their willingness to give. This event even has some commercial time, thanks to our Xfinity sponsor. The spot says ‘There is a little magic brewing in the small town of North Haven,’ and I love it because our little town really is magical.”

For additional information, contact Jill DeChello at 203-248-0076.