HILLSDALE—For families here and well beyond, the last Saturday in September has become a day to gather in the heart of town, where music and laughter mingle with butterflies set free in memory of a 7-year-old girl who never came home from selling Girl Scout cookies more than 50 years ago.
On Sept. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m., the Joan’s Joy Child Safety Festival celebrates its 10th year at the Joan Angela D’Alessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden, just outside the Hillsdale Train Station. The free event has grown since its start in 2015 into a community tradition, equal parts family fun and heartfelt reminder of the importance of child safety.
This year’s schedule includes a “Holding Hands to Stand Up for Child Safety” circle, a guest speaker, live entertainment, and the annual butterfly release — always a highlight. Children will enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, and games, while families take chances at the Tricky Tray and 50/50 raffle.
Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s child safety programs and support for at-risk children and youth.
A garden renewed
The gathering takes place against the backdrop of a freshly renewed memorial. Rosemarie D’Alessandro tells us that in July the Child Safety Forever fountain at the White Butterfly Garden was refurbished by Jerry Romano of Liquid Designz, who pledged to provide monthly maintenance at no cost. The new design features a larger basin and a stronger water stream.
The fountain, donated in 2018 by Drew’s Pondscapes, anchors the garden dedicated to Joan Angela D’Alessandro, whose 1973 assault and murder galvanized a movement to protect children and inspired the creation of the Joan’s Joy Foundation.
For longtime residents, the festival is both commemoration and celebration: an afternoon where neighbors gather not just for raffles and refreshments, but also to stand together around a symbol of resilience.
For more information, visit joansjoy.org or write rosebd@email.com.