Upcoming charitable events, fall harvest celebrations and Halloween festivities to welcome the new season
Before long, the leaves will begin to change color and the temperatures will begin to drop. As summer comes to a close, Washington Township residents will soon have the opportunity to celebrate the fall season with various activities, festivals and spooky Halloween celebrations. With continued concerts in the park, charitable fundraisers and harvest festivals taking place throughout the upcoming months, there is something for everyone to enjoy this autumn.
Charitable events
Support The Toni Donato-Bolis & Baby RJ Foundation at the third annual “Safe Drivers, Safe Runners” 5K run/one-mile walk scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16. The event will begin at 9 a.m. in Washington Lake Park to raise funds for distracted driving awareness and education.
The seventh annual Mothers Matter 5K Run and Walk event benefiting the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation Mothers Matter programs to help women in need will follow on Oct. 15. The run will begin at 9 a.m. in Washington Lake Park with pre-registered tickets costing $25 for individuals, $30 on the day-of, as well as $90 per family of five, only available before race-day.
“Events like these help foster a sense of community,” Mayor Joann Gattinelli said. “I invite everyone to attend these events and bring family and friends to enjoy everything Washington Township has to offer.”
For more information on both events, and to register in advance, visit the calendar on the Washington Township website, www.townshipnj.com.
Community festivities
For the first time in Washington Township history, a Friday Night Concert in the Park series will keep the party going through the transition of summer to fall. On Friday, Sept. 22, bring your blanket, chair and dancing shoes to Washington Lake Park for a free concert performed by Tramps Like Us, the “№1 Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band,” beginning at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, embrace the fall season at the annual Harvest Festival, presented by the Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Olde Stone House Village, 208 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, celebrate the fall harvest with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, old-time carnival games, food and live music. Additionally, watch historic trades demonstrations including open-hearth cooking, candle making, quilting, cornhusk doll making, blacksmith work and more. Community members will also have the opportunity to participate in a scarecrow-building contest. Those interested should bring supplies needed to build a scarecrow, such as gloves, shows, pillowcase or burlap for the face, markers, string, clothes and more. The commission will provide the stake and straw to “make him come to life.” Pre-registration is preferred to ensure materials are available. Email townshiphistory1836@gmail.com.
According to the commission’s Chairman Nicholas Appice, a canon will be fired on the hour throughout the day, as well as more than 30 vendors in attendance. The Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission, as well as the state Council of the Arts sponsor the free event.
Washington Township’s annual Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, with a rain date of Oct. 21. The Environmental Commission is looking for volunteers to clean open spaces, parks, streams and lakes, neighborhoods, schools, roadways and more. According to the township website, www.townshipnj.com, trash bags, gloves, reflective vests, t-shirts and other needed supplies will be provided. Following the cleanup, volunteers are invited to a barbeque in Washington Lake Park. For more information, visit the township website, email wtec@twp.washington.nj.us or call (856) 589–0520, ext. 232.
Also on Oct. 14, residents and community members are invited to gather in Washington Lake Park for the annual Food Truck and Music Festival. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., numerous food trucks and performing musicians will provide entertainment and fun for all ages.
“I look forward to seeing everyone at the Washington Lake Park Food Truck and Music Festival, where we can come together as a community and enjoy varieties of good food and music,” Gattinelli said.
Halloween celebrations
According to Appice, the Historic Preservation Commission has canceled the annual Halloween Adventures event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 28. However, the After Hours Paranormal Investigation will proceed at 10:30 p.m. The ghost adventures will feature representatives from New Jersey Researchers of Paranormal Evidence, conducting actual investigations on the township’s historic building with paranormal equipment. Tickets to participate and attend are $25 purchased in advance, and those interested should contact townshiphistory1836@gmail.com, or call (856) 227–2311, for more information.
