Pink Flamingos return for annual flocking

They're back - several flocks of pink flamingos were sighted on the Middle School lawn March 29 as students completed the last day of classes before Spring Break. Within the next few days, the flocks could be coming to a yard near you.

An annual tradition, the pink flamingo flocking raises money for the Port Jervis High School All Night Graduation Party. "This is a really fun way for us to raise the funds for an event that keeps kids safe on a high risk night," says All Night Graduation Party Committee Chairperson Anne Horsham. Since the project started six years ago, Horsham says both the flamingo flocking and the party have grown tremendously in popularity.

Last year, donations from families who were "flocked" amounted to more than $6,000. "We don't ask for a set amount," explains Horsham. "A pink flamingo crew just plants the flock of flamingos on a family's front lawn in the cover of night. Attached to one of the flamingos is are instructions explaining how to get in on the fun."

For a donation, Horsham says they will transport the plastic flock to any house of your choice. "It's sort of like a chain letter," says Horsham. "The flocking goes on and on - going from one house to another unsuspecting family until the fundraiser ends in June." Every night, the birds show up at a new house. Some people get flocked more than once. Others wake up in the morning to find their yard covered with the long-necked pin plastic birds.     

For the growing number of people who want to actually take part in the flocking, the Pink Flamingo crew is now offering opportunities to "adopt a flock."  "You can adopt the flock - which in flamingo terms amounts to 10 birds - for a day, several days or an entire week," says Horsham.

All of the money generated by this year's flocking will enable the committee to organize a special post-graduation party at the High School for the Class of 2007 on June 22. The doors will open at 9 p.m. Guests will be admitted until 11 p.m. Horsham stressed that no one will be permitted to leave the party, without parent consent, before 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

"Our goal is to give students an alternative way to celebrate graduation," notes Horsham. Plans for this year's party include food, entertainment, and activities such as a mechanical bull and obstacle slide. Door prizes are awarded throughout the evening to graduates. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the night.  

For more information about the Pink Flamingo flocking or to adopt a flock, call Committee Chairperson Anne Horsham at 856-5440.