Submitted by Eric Sokolsky
The Third Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival will be held April 14, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Fanwood’s LaGrande Park, 200 LaGrande Avenue, Fanwood, New Jersey. In addition, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Youth Baseball Association will host its Opening Day Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Highlights from last year’s festival and more info on the upcoming event can be found at rockin4autism.org.
Rockin’ For Autism is the brainchild of 16-year-old Fanwood resident Mallory Banks, who since 2011 has raised more than $35,000 in honor of her brother, Ethan, 18, and all those affected by autism spectrum disorder. Miss Banks, an Autism Awareness Junior Ambassador for the past seven years, consistently ranks among the top young adults in New Jersey who raise money for Autism Awareness Month. Last year’s music festival raised more than $13,000.
“Rockin’ for Autism 2018 is going to be awesome because we’ve added more music, more food, more prizes and lots of fun activities so that everyone has a great time,” said Mallory, a sophomore at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. “Autism awareness is really important to me and my family, and our goal is to raise even more money than last year so that we can keep helping other New Jersey families who are impacted by Autism.”
The musical line-up for this year’s Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival includes: Anthem, Patrick Bamburak, Good Works, Three Piece Nugget, Leave The Gun, the Bryan Hansen Band, and Fanwood’s own singer/songwriter Eric Harrison. Additional performers include Sami Gootman, Matt Levine, the Cindy Smith Dance Studio and renowned music therapist Jammin’ Jenn.
Festival attendees will enjoy edibles and refreshments provided by nine food trucks and local restaurants, including: Nick’s Pizza, Fanwood Grille, Rocko’s ice cream, The Empanada Guy, The Juice House, Red, White and Que, The Thai Elephant, and Jammin’ Crepes. The popular Rockin’ For Autism bake sale will satisfy everyone’s sweet-tooth and New Jersey American Water will keep everyone hydrated throughout the event.
Kids will also enjoy an obstacle course from Child’s Play Challenge Courses, therapy dogs from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, a soccer clinic run by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School girls soccer team, a stilt-walking balloon artist, The Caped Crusader, Sparky – the Somerset Patriots’ mascot, and more. The ‘Chill Zone’ quiet room will provide respite for those in need of a low-stimulation environment.
As with past events, Rockin’ For Autism will offer dozens of great prizes in its massive merchant tricky tray raffle, but this year will feature a silent auction for signed sports memorabilia from the New York Giants and Yankees, Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and other local teams. The festival will also host a variety of booths and exhibits from local merchants, service providers and various non-profit organizations.
“The Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival raises much-needed awareness and financial support for New Jersey’s autism community, but it’s also a great way for our local communities to have a great time while celebrating Autism Awareness Month,” said Jeff Banks, father of Mallory and Ethan and co-chairman of the event. “Given the excitement and enthusiasm that the festival has generated to date, we’re anticipating the 2018 Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival will be even bigger and better than last year. We hope you will join us for a full day of great music, food and festivities.”
The Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival organizers are thankful for the support and generosity of the musicians, merchants, donors, volunteers, festival-goers and Fanwood officials who help make the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival a tremendous success each year.
About Rockin’ For Autism
Rockin’ For Autism is an annual music festival dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. For more information, or to donate, volunteer, sponsor or exhibit at the event, please contact info@rockin4autism.org, visit rockin4autism.org or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/rockinforautism), Twitter (@rockin4autism) and Instagram (@rockin_for_autism). Help us spread the word via our hashtag #rockin4autism2018.
