Rides, Reunions and Revelry: CJ50 Food & Funfair

By Imogen Siu (2T29), Alaena Poh (2T06) and Jonah Ong (2T08)

Catholic Junior College was pulsing with excitement as staff and students in blue added the final touches to their preparations for the CJ50 Food & Fun Fair. Organised to mark the college’s milestone birthday, the CJ50 Food & Funfair was certainly a highlight of the school year. The celebration created everlasting memories for students, staff and alumni alike, strengthening our ties for many years to come. 

As the time to open the event to the public neared, the anticipation was high as everyone waited for the winning shot that would dunk our Principal into a tank of cold water. As the sound of our Principal being dunked reverberated through the school grounds, cheers were met with the sound of confetti poppers, and the CJ50 Food & Funfair officially began. The sports leaders then ran out onto the netball court for a flash mob performance, which certainly hyped up the atmosphere. Rushing out to the school field, the sight of countless rides greeted everyone, further igniting a sense of excitement among the students and bringing an exuberant vitality to the school. In the blink of an eye, our beloved school field, which has witnessed fifty years of learning and laughter, transformed into a vibrant festival ground, where the spirit of celebration replaced the usual rhythm of academic life. 

Amidst the blasting music, crowds gathered around the food stalls, which tempted the crowd with their mouth-watering treats. The warm, savoury aroma of pizza and burgers wafted through the college, drawing in hungry fairgoers eager to satisfy their stomachs. The Over The Hill satay stall, manned by a family of CJC alumni, attracted mountains of people as they dressed in Satay Man garb and rang bells, calling upon onlookers to taste the tantalising smell that wafted through the hot air.

But it wasn’t just the hunger for sustenance, but also for the thrill that kept the visitors going. The 50th Anniversary Food and Funfair had also advertised many adrenaline-inducing rides. The main attraction, the Meteorite ride, provided a breathtaking view of the entire fairground at its peak, while it sent riders screaming with joy as it twisted and turned at exhilarating speeds. Complementing the spinning tilted metal cage full of screaming fairgoers, the school’s sheltered courts are filled with a plethora of other enticing rides. The intensity of the rides varied with different surprises to show off to our CJ family. From the simple ones like the Gyrospin to the challenging Rodeo Bull, these rides did not fail to entertain and create wonderful memories among current and past CJCians and their loved ones. 

As the animated chatter of the bustling crowds gradually filled the air, the mesmerising voices of our very own CJCians echoed throughout the school, courtesy of the engaging and seamless rotation of performances executed by our student and alumni bands. At the same time, the harmonious teamwork displayed by our students in manning and promoting the games was met with a passionate eagerness from the public to give their best in the simple but thrilling activities innovated by the students. The hospitality and energy shown by everyone was palpable as observed by Mr Mark Li, JC2 Year Head -- “It’s wonderful to see how CJCians are very excited to introduce their games and having people play!” The service stalls also did not disappoint as many students flaunted their creative talents in attempting face and arm painting designs, recreating hairstyles, painting nails and so on, which equally amassed an outstanding reception. 

Meanwhile, at the auditorium, the CJ50 Marketplace was overwhelmed with activity, as student representatives from various classes prepared an array of snacks, household items, and handmade crocheted items. In true marketplace fashion, the hustle for the items ensued as soon as the prices were lowered, with crowds of people clamouring for the opportunity to buy the coveted items in the final moments of the carnival, emptying the tables. 

The joyous occasion was a window into the sense of community and camaraderie that has characterised life at CJC over the years. As students, staff, and visitors came together to celebrate our school's golden jubilee, their shared enthusiasm and dedication created something truly special – a reminder of how this institution has been more than just a school; it has been a home to generations of learners for half a century.