Betty Walston grew up in Harlem, and even though she’s now living in the Bronx, she returned for the Harlem Week Children’s Festival on Aug. 15 with her 9-year-old daughter, Shyenne-Nakyah.

“I heard about this event, and I came to see it for myself,” Walston said. “And it was wonderful.”

Walston and her daughter were among thousands of families from Harlem and beyond who thronged the PS 175 schoolyard to take in the festival’s live performances, inflatable rides, face-painting, crafts table for kids and vendors selling everything from African-inspired fabrics to jewelry, pocketbooks and food.

The UFT had a table to distribute free school supplies, something Walston said her daughter will make good use of when she enters 4th grade at PS 160 in Co-op City in the Bronx.

Peggy Girtman Atkins, an English language arts teacher at PS/MS 161 in Harlem, helped pack the UFT goody bags with notebooks, pencils and posters.

“It was a pleasure giving out the supplies,” Atkins said. “The children were so happy and grateful.”

Anthony Harmon, the UFT director of parent and community outreach, spearheads the union’s participation in the annual event. “It’s a great way to help children look forward to the school year,” he said.

The event may be pure fun, but it also plants seeds for the future.

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Bruce Cotler

Walston said her daughter especially liked the open mic where people displayed their talents and the Howard University Steppers.

“She’s saying she wants to go to college to join the steppers,” Walston said.

The pair headed home with happy memories. “We look forward to returning to the festival next year,” Walston said.