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POMPTON LAKES - Pompton Day is shaping up
(by Leslie Scott - Staff Writer - August 13, 2008)
POMPTON LAKES - On Aug. 31, residents will come out to celebrate the end of summer with food, games, fun and activities for all ages at the fourth annual Pompton Day Festival, and they should expect some surprises in this year’s lineup of fun.
“This year, several exciting new events and activities have been added to go with the many Pompton Day favorites,” said Councilman Lloyd Kent, one of the festival’s many organizers.
The popular Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games are the new headliner additions that will run all afternoon in front of Lakeside School.
The Boy Scouts and Cub Scout Pack 38 will run a three-legged race and water balloon toss around 1 p.m. near the Lakeside School parking lot.
Organizers are also working on including a rock-climbing wall, Kent said.
“Pompton Day has become a town-wide tradition. We make sure there is something for everyone, from toddlers to teens to adults to seniors. It’s a great day for all ages,” said Kent.
Kent thanked everyone who helped put this day together.
“Pompton Day is made possible through the efforts of many people. Pompton Lakes is a community that relies heavily on its volunteers, and Pompton Day is no exception. Countless hours are put in by some very enthusiastic volunteers on the Pompton Day Committee, dedicated to making the day a huge success,” he said.
Kent said the mayor, Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Board of Education, Municipal Utilities Authority, the first aid squad and local Scout organizations all played very important roles in its preparation.
Returning favorites will include the dunk tank and a pie-throwing contest, which will take place along Lakeside Avenue. Those who stop by Lakeside Park around 3:30 p.m. can watch Pompton Idol.
Activities styled after the television show Fear Factor will take place at Rotary Park. Athletes can try their skills with the basketball shootout, a home run derby, a soccer shootout, and the punt, pass and kick competition in the fields at Lakeside School.
The always-popular fishing derby will start at 7 a.m. at Lakeside Park. For more information about the fishing derby, call Joe Koning at 973-835-7096.
To see Pompton Lakes from an environmental perspective, an informative scenic river walk along the Wanaque River will begin at 9 a.m. Those wishing to participate should meet at the Hershfield Park basketball court.
Other festivities will include craft and food vendors, song and dance exhibitions, music by popular DJs, clowns, face-painting, karaoke and a bagpiper.
The traditional 5K Run/Walk will be held at Hershfield Park. This event is open to all ages, with registration from 8 to 8:45 a.m. The race will start at 9 a.m. Registration will be $15 before Aug. 25 and $18 after. Signup forms are available at Borough Hall next to the water fountain.
Participants should drop off completed forms in the Recreation Department’s mailbox at Borough Hall or sign up the day of the race. Any questions regarding the run/walk should be directed to Barbara Jennings at 973-831-7791.
To help accommodate the many requests from those wishing to participate in both the tennis tournament and the run/walk, the tennis tournament will be moved to Saturday, Aug. 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Hershfield Park tennis courts.
This event is open to all ages. Cost is $15 per entry. For details, call Karen Murphy at 973-839-4167.
The plywood regatta race will also commence at 1 p.m. The Pompton Lakes Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse will sponsor this event, with proceeds benefiting the Pompton Lakes Teen Center.
The registration for the regatta race is $25, and supplies cost $25. Kent said participants can also sponsor a boat for $100, and it will be built using a theme of choice.
“You only need to supply the captain,” he said.
To register, sponsor a boat or ask about the plywood regatta, contact Sue Dziuba at 973-616-8197 or teamdziuba@optonline.net.
The Pompton Lakes Rotary Foundation is the sponsor for the Lucky Duck Raffle.
“Buy a duck for $5 and you could win a $1,000 gift card,” said Kent.
Keep an eye out on Pompton Day for the duck pond area at Lakeside Park. Raffles can be bought at any “Duck Raffle Sold Here” location throughout town, the Pompton Lakes Teen Center or at the Teen Center Table at the Lakeside Park on Pompton Day.
To help sell duck tickets, contact Janet Sciacchetano at the Teen Center at plteencenter@yahoo.com.
“The day will end with the Annual Gala Fireworks Display at the Lakeside Avenue bridge. This has become quite a spectacular show and is not to be missed,” Kent said.
Vendors and crafters spaces are still available. Applications are available at Borough Hall next to the water fountain. Or, contact Marc Pardalis at 973-907-2587 or pomptonday@yahoo.com.
Questions can be directed to pomptonday@yahoo.com, or call Lloyd Kent at 973-865-3407 or Karen Murphy at 973-839-4167. More detailed information and updates can be found on the Pompton Day Web site, pomptonday.com.
The rain date is Monday, Sept. 1
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