Calendar of Events

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, invites women ages 18 and older to participate in two free Empower & Protect: Self-Defense Essentials for Women classes this October.

The classes will be held on October 21, 2026 and October 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“Knowing how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation and respond with confidence can make a meaningful difference,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These classes give women an opportunity to build practical skills in a supportive environment, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this free program.”

Led by trained and certified law enforcement officers, each hands-on class will cover practical self-defense maneuvers along with strategies for prevention, awareness, risk reduction and avoidance. The program is designed to help participants strengthen their confidence and develop skills that may be valuable in threatening or unsafe situations.

“The goal of this program is to give women practical tools they can understand, remember and use if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “Our officers will provide clear, hands-on instruction while helping participants become more aware of their surroundings and better prepared to protect themselves.”

Because the exercises involve paired practice, participants are encouraged to register with a friend or family member. Attendees should wear casual, comfortable clothing.

The classes are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/women.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites arts organizations and other New Jersey nonprofits to a free Cultural Accessibility Training Workshop on Wednesday, October 21, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The virtual workshop will be hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.

John McEwan, Executive Director of the New Jersey Theater Alliance, and Kat Lily, the Alliance’s Access Coordinator, will lead the session. A member of the Cultural Access Network Committee will also join them. Topics will include ADA policies, program accessibility, inclusive language and ways to communicate available access services to the public.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to take part in the arts and cultural life of our communities,” said Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This workshop gives organizations practical tools to welcome more people to their programs and make accessibility part of their planning from the start.”

Participants will receive resources from the Cultural Access Network, a program of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theater Alliance that helps cultural organizations make their programs and facilities more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities.

Organizations that receive Union County Local Arts Program, History Grant or HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) funding are encouraged to attend. Other New Jersey nonprofits are welcome.

Registration is free at https://ucnj.org/cultural-access-training/.

The workshop is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

Hayrides and Campfires

Tickets are $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents

All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the event. Buy Tickets

Group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and families to enjoy a favorite fall tradition with the return of Hayrides & Campfires this October at Warinanco Park and the Trailside Nature & Science Center.

The annual program offers families an opportunity to enjoy a crisp fall evening outdoors with a hayride, campfire, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

“Fall is one of the best times to enjoy Union County’s parks, and our Hayrides & Campfires give families a chance to spend an evening together outdoors and enjoy a tradition that has become a favorite for so many residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage families and friends to make plans early, reserve their tickets and come enjoy a great night in our parks.”

Each ticket includes one hayride, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the campfire.

Upon arrival, participants should report directly to the check-in table, where their ticket will be exchanged for a numbered hayride pass. Hayrides depart approximately every 20 minutes, with passes assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Friday participants must check in before 8:00 p.m., and Sunday participants must check in before 5:00 p.m. Participants who arrive after those times are not guaranteed a hayride.

Haunted Hayrides

• Friday, October 23rd
• Saturday, October 24th
• Sunday, October 25th
• Rain Date – Monday, October 26th
• Buy Tickets

Participants will board a hay wagon alongside David Felt, the New York businessman who built Feltville in 1845. As the wagon moves through the fields and forest under the cover of darkness, and then into the Village itself, Mr. Felt will recount stories of tragedy and mystery that occurred in the area now known as the Watchung Reservation.

The tales are told so vividly that history seems to come alive. The journey culminates with a stop at the Village cemetery, dating back to the 1700s, where a chilling story is told that is certain to stir the imagination, and perhaps even the spirits.

The program is recommended for children age 6 and older, and strollers cannot be accommodated.

The full experience lasts approximately one hour and includes both a hayride and a walking portion through the darkened forest.

Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.

Tickets are $8 for Union County residents and $16 for out-of-county participants. Purchases are limited to eight tickets per person and must be made in advance for a specific date and time.

No refunds or exchanges will be permitted, and tickets will not be sold on-site during the event.

Pumpkin Sail

• Sunday, November 1st
• Buy Tickets

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that tickets for the 2026 Great Pumpkin Sail will go on sale Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m. at ucnj.org/ticket. The popular fall event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is one of those traditions that brings families together and makes fall in Union County feel special,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “There is nothing quite like seeing Echo Lake filled with glowing Jack-o-Lanterns, and we look forward to welcoming families back for another memorable evening.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a float and watch them sail on Echo Lake.

The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, with three sessions scheduled. Session One will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Session Two will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Session Three will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Great Pumpkin Sail are sold on a per-family basis, with one ticket covering up to six family members. Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a two-ticket limit per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents and $16 per ticket for non-residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern with a lid, weighing no more than eight pounds after carving.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Monday, November 2.

Four Centuries in a Weekend

• Saturday October 17th
• Sunday, October 18th
• Free
• View website for site information
• Special events, hours of operation, and programs coming soon
• Deserted Village will have special programs and exhibits from Noon to 5:00 pm each day

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors to step inside the places where local history happened during Four Centuries in a Weekend, Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, more than 30 historic sites across Union County will open their doors free of charge for tours, exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

“Union County did not simply witness American history. Our communities, residents and landmarks helped shape it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As our nation celebrates 250 years, Four Centuries in a Weekend gives us a special opportunity to walk through the places where that history unfolded and to share those stories with a new generation. I encourage families to choose a few sites, bring their history passports and make a weekend of exploring our County together.”

This year’s program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, while exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Union County before, during and after the American Revolution.

“What makes Four Centuries in a Weekend so memorable is that every stop offers something different,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “You may hear a story you never knew, see an artifact that changes how you understand your hometown or watch your child become excited about history through a hands-on activity. I thank our local historians, site stewards and volunteers for opening these treasured places and making the past feel personal, welcoming and alive.”