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POMPTON LAKES - Koning's crafts to cruise on Pompton Day
(by Leslie Scott - Staff Writer - August 27, 2008)
Staff photos by Joe Sarno
POMPTON LAKES - It’s been four years and Joe Koning is still using his carpentry skills to build boats out of very basic materials.
Every year, Koning has built for a few people who want to participate in the local Regatta Race.
The Regatta Race has been hailed as the most exciting event during Pompton Day. Participants get a roll of duct tape, a pair of 2-by-4s, a piece of plywood and fasteners to use to make a boat worthy of crossing Pompton Lake first.
Many who participate build their own boats, but some solicit the expert assistance of Koning to do it for them.
Koning has fixed things all his life and has been practicing carpentry professionally for the past nine years.
Koning’s neighbor, Hank Pomasano, said he is very talented.
“He makes a lot of things for people in the neighborhood. He’s a nice guy and he’ll go out of his way to help you,” Pomasano said.
Koning enjoys building the boats. So far this year, he has been asked to make eight. He started working on them last weekend, and by this past Tuesday, he had two boats completed, two almost finished and another started that day.
It takes him about four hours to complete a boat, he said.
“Painting takes longer. It depends on what I’m doing. If it’s an easy one, it’s quicker,” Koning said.
This race is the gem of the day, and many people who watch it are very entertained.
“The kids and adults get dressed up like their boats,” said Debbie Cortese.
Pomasano and Cortese were both at Koning’s one afternoon.
“Sometimes the boats don’t even make it from the dock,” said Pomasano.
“Oh yeah. They’ll go down right away or they’ll get around and start taking on the water,” said Cortese.
“They have a lot of good boats but to me I think they were a little bit too heavy for the size of the boat,” said Pomasano.
“I think it is the way they sit in them. They are not balanced,” said Cortese.
“But that’s what makes it fun because they go in blind,” said Pomasano.
Building these boats takes some planning, Koning said. Last year, two boats were constructed the day before the race, and they both sank. But, Koning said, none of the boats he made fell apart.
“I’ve seen them fill up and I’ve seen them turn over,” Koning said, but they stayed together just the same.
Pompton Day
Pompton Day is Aug. 31 but in the event of rain, it’s Sept. 1.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band 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.
The basketball shootout, a homerun derby, a soccer shootout and the punt, pass and kick competition will take place in the fields at Lakeside School.
Returning favorites include the dunk tank and a pie-throwing contest along Lakeside Avenue. Those who stop by Lakeside Park around 3:30 p.m. can watch Pompton Idol.
A game of Fear Factor will take place at Rotary Park.
The always-popular fishing derby is scheduled for 7 a.m. at Lakeside Park. Any questions regarding the fishing derby should be directed to Koning at 973-835-7096.
To highlight 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 include craft and food vendors, song and dance exhibitions, music by popular DJs, clowns, face painters, karaoke and a bagpiper.
The traditional 5K Run/Walk will be held at Hershfield Park. This event is open to all ages. Registration will be from 8 to 8:45 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m.
The cost for the run/walk is $15 before Aug. 25 and $18 after that. Signup forms are available next to the water fountain in the Borough Hall.
The tennis tournament was moved to the day before Pompton Day to accommodate those who want to participate in both the tennis tournament and the run/walk. The tennis tournament will begin 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Hershfield Park tennis courts.
The tournament is open to all ages. Cost is $15 per entry. Questions regarding the tennis tournament should be directed to Karen Murphy at 973-839-4167.
The plywood regatta race will also go on at 1 p.m. The Pompton Lakes Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse sponsors this event, with proceeds benefiting the Pompton Lakes Teen Center.
The registration for the regatta race is $25. Supplies cost $25.
To register, sponsor a boat or ask questions 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. One person who buys a $5 duck will win a $1,000 gift card.
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.
The day will end with the Annual Gala Fireworks Display at the bridge on Lakeside Avenue.
Vendors and crafters space is still available. Applications can be found next to the water fountain at Borough Hall. Those interested can also 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. Further details and updates can be found on the Pompton Day Web site, pomptonday.com.
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