Garwood Rocks 2023
Submitted by Gene Jannotti, CEO – GWACC
The 9th Annual Garwood Rocks Event was held on Sunday, June 4 and was an overwhelming huge success. The title sponsor of the event was Vermella Garwood Station. This was by far the largest number of attendees we have ever witnessed at the event in the past. Center Street was packed with a continuous flow of visitors checking out the merchandise and food vendors that lined the street. The Kids’ Zone, held at the Washington School playground, had an obstacle course, bounces and two rides, and the families were lined up at each one. Many of the food vendors sold out of their products by the end of the day as they had long lines for the people to be served.
The GWACC Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all those who made it possible including Garwood Mayor and Council for the Garwood Rocks approval and to Chief Stouffer and his team of police officers who protected us starting at 7 a.m. A very special thank you goes to the Garwood Department of Public Works for their preparation and cleanup. The Fire Department had equipment there for the children to see up close. Bicycle helmets were given out by Union County representatives.
The music provided on the main stage kept the attendees entertained throughout the day and the beer garden was filled to capacity. Thanks go to Lee Frankel from The Crossroads for providing the music and the Beer Garden. Hot Rod Mike brought us a huge classic car show and the Honor Guard provided the proper opening of the event during the playing of the National Anthem.
A special thank you to Carol Kearney, the event manager, for all the hard work it takes caring for every detail needed to bring the event all together. In addition to Vermella, we thank our other sponsors, Marano and Sons, The Station, The Crossroads, Unique Cruise and Travel, Garwood Metal, QuickCopper, Wonder, Advances Printing, and The Westfield Area YMCA.
The GWACC Board of Directors volunteered their time to spent part of their day at the Chamber tent assisting attendees and selling raffle tickets and final thank you to the thousands upon thousands who came out on a perfect weather day to spend time in downtown Garwood enjoying Garwood Rocks. We will now begin planning for next years’ event, June 2, 2024. See you then.
Established over 75 years ago, the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC) is the primary business organization in Clark, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, and Westfield. The chamber promotes local business opportunities, economic development, and community growth. The GWACC includes 500 member businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, go to GWACCNJ.com or call Gene Jannotti 908-233-3021.
