Berkeley Heights comes together for Giant Downtown Summer Block Party
Numerous publications citing the best places to live in New Jersey have frequently mentioned Berkeley Heights’ small-town charm. That charm and all that makes Berkeley Heights a wonderful place to live will be on display at the inaugural Berkeley Heights Downtown Summer Block Party.
The Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission and the Berkeley Heights Business & Civic Association with the support of naming sponsor Primrose School of BH and many other local businesses are hosting the Downtown Summer Block Party. The event is scheduled for Sunday, June 9th, 2019, from 1 – 4 p.m., will be held on Springfield Ave. from Plainfield Ave to Lone Pine Drive and everyone is invited to join the “Free party”!
Local businesses, local restaurants, non-profit organizations, clubs, churches, scout and civic groups will all be providing free activities and an afternoon of fun for families where everyone is welcome.
Among the activities provided will be; electronic game trailers, inflatable moonwalk, Rock Climbing Wall, Ninja Warrior-type obstacle course and a giant slide. There will be a celebrity-laden dunktank, fun photo booths, giant Jenga game and baseball speed pitch. There will be ax throwing and a demonstration by local American Ninja Warrior Anthony DeFranco. Also available will be Kids arts & crafts, cartoon caricature booth, face painting, Theme Park characters, Block Party Balloon Man, Dog Adoptions by Home for Good Dog Rescue, free wine tastings, Union County SWAT, Hole-in-One putting contest, electric scooters supplied by Boxcar Inc., and much more. Co-chairman Paul Neuwirth of Taylor Rental says there will also be a special activity that is still under wraps, and Berkeley Heights’ largest Water Balloon toss.
According to co-chairman Dr. Patrick Smith of Smith Chiropractic, the event is still looking for local
businesses, organizations and clubs to participate and sponsor an activity, “we’ll make room for
everyone on the street to join the party!” Scout Troops, local businesses, clubs and organizations are all urged to contact Dr. Smith for an application. All groups are asked to provide a free activity that the public – and kids – can enjoy while still being able to showcase their organization.
Applications and event info are available by contacting BHbusinessandcivic@gmail.com or contact the BH Recreation department.
According to Mr. Neuwirth, nonstop entertainment will be featured on the main stage hosted by our Block Party DJ, with Zumba, Standing Yoga and Body Combat demonstrations provided by the Berkeley Heights YMCA. A dance performance will be presented by Pure Movement Dance Center and a Chinese Cultural demonstration will be presented by the Han Academy, both of Berkeley Heights, plus there may even be a few surprise appearances.
Local restaurants including DiMaio’s, Delicious Heights (BBQ & Ice cream sundaes), Grain and Cane,
Gastrotruck and Giovanni’s will have a presence on the street, with a special BBQ grill manned by
committee members raising money for the rebirth of Peppertown Park. Food trucks featuring Playa-
Bowls and a Donut truck will also be present.
Many Local businesses have stepped forward to sponsor the free event. There is still time for local businesses to assist with ride sponsorship. According to the organizers, the event is not set up as a fundraiser, it’s a way for local business and civic to give back so everyone is invited and welcome to enjoy some fun in beautiful downtown BH. Any monies raised and not used for activities and associated expenses will be donated to the Berkeley Heights Recreation programs, Berkeley Heights Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
The Berkeley Heights Business and Civic Association is a new local organization with no membership fees, which brings together local businesses, civic groups and government for “Real Information-Real Networking-Real Opportunity” at monthly breakfast meetings, after hour socials and more, like Block Party. For more information please email us at BHbusinessandcivic@gmail.com and please visit our web page @ Tiny.ccbhblockparty for updates and info.
