A new initiative to get residents excited about the association and its activities has come to fruition in the form of a hashtag.
The Haddonfield Celebrations Association works behind the scenes orchestrating of some of the biggest events in town, and this year’s Fourth of July celebration is no exception. In fact, a new initiative to get residents excited about the association and its activities has come to fruition in the form of a hashtag.
A new volunteer with the association, Lindsey Watson McCarthy, helped develop a #ilove08033 photography contest for the July 3rd and 4th celebration, hosted by the association.
Those attending the celebration are encouraged to take a photo and post it on their Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag, #ilove08033.
Submissions are due by July 15, according to McCarthy. Once photos are uploaded, the association will narrow down the photos to the top three, which will be posted to the association’s social media pages. The picture that gets the most likes will receive a prize — a basket of Haddonfield “goodies.”
“We think it’s a creative way to drive traffic to our Facebook page,’’ McCarthy said.
McCarthy, a lawyer by trade, gained her inspiration for the contest from a similar project done last summer in Avalon. Avalon conducted a hashtag campaign and it was successful, according to McCarthy, which made her think it could be a success in other places.
Believing the hashtag contest will foster healthy competition, McCarthy is ready to raise awareness about the association in an easy and unique way.
On July 3, the association will have food and at least seven bounce houses on Kings Highway starting at 6 p.m., with fireworks prepared to go off at the middle school. On July 4, the annual 4th of July parade will take place at 10 a.m. Since fireworks, food trucks, music and more will be the highlights of the two-day event, it’s easy to snap a few photos for the contest, according to McCarthy.
“We are all taking photos anyhow, so why not share them with community?’’ McCarthy asked.
George Cox, senior vice president emeritus of the association, said McCarthy, along with all of the association volunteers, has done a fantastic job by coming up with the hashtag idea and breathing new life into the association.
“They are coming up with great ideas, which is good for the committee,’’ Cox said. “They are doing a great job.’’
With all of these fun amenities comes a price. The group is almost out of contributions from residents, president of the association Ken Tomlinson said. As president, a position he acquired two years ago, Tomlinson said he is well aware of the costs associated with each activity. He explained the group only receives a stipend from the borough of $10,000; however, the two-day Fourth of July celebration costs approximately $40,000 alone.
“A lot of people don’t realize we are almost entirely run off of donations,” Tomlinson said. “The most expensive event is the third and the fourth celebrations.”
Tomlinson encourages residents to no only come out and enjoy themselves this July but to donate to a worthwhile cause. Donations can be made at http://www.haddonfieldcelebrations.org/donations.html. Wristbands for unlimited rides on the bounce houses on July 3 can be purchased online and at the info center and library for $15 or $20 on the day of the event.
To follow the association, go to the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/haddonfieldcelebrationsassociation/.
