Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak (L) presents Westfield High School Wrestler Christian Barber with a resolution congratulating him on winning the 2011 State Championship in the 152-pound class. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal are happy to announce that the Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee will bring an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children to Mattano Park in Elizabeth on Saturday, August 13, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Kids Kingdom will be held rain or shine. Admission is free; nominal fees apply for some activities. Food, ice cream and other refreshments will be available from vendors.
“This is a wonderful event for Union County residents to enjoy with their families and friends,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “We are pleased to provide an opportunity for families to have a fun-filled day in one of our beautiful parks without having to drive far or spend a fortune in the process.”
Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee provides lively entertainment that includes stage performances, hands-on demonstrations and displays, crafts, music, games and a whole lot more. There will be entertaining science experiments; an “instrument petting zoo” where children can learn about musical instruments; a display of reptiles; inflatable rides; non-stop entertainment on stage; pony rides; a petting zoo; hayrides; children’s fingerprinting; Bubblemania; Bingo; and plenty of other activities.
Later this summer, Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee will visit Oak Ridge Park in Clark on September 17-18 during the Union County Fair. For more information about Kids Kingdom, please call 908-527-4900, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org
Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski present Beverly Chiu of Springfield with a certificate congratulating her on receiving the 2011 PSE&G Foundation Green Scholarship through the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation. Chiu is a recent graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTHS) in Scotch Plains and will be attending Rutgers University in the fall. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski present Ariel Morel of Plainfield with a certificate congratulating him on receiving the 2011 Investors Saving Bank Scholarship through the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation. Morel is a recent graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTHS) in Scotch Plains and will be attending Rutgers University in the fall. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – Along with top musical artists from around the country, this year’s free Union County MusicFest presented by Overlook Medical Center will feature performances by area musicians from School of Rock music schools. School of Rock has ten locations in New Jersey for musicians ages seven to eighteen.
“The Freeholder Board is a strong supporter of the performing arts and we are especially proud to support a rising generation of aspiring young local musicians,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “MusicFest offers a one in a million chance for talented newcomers to share billing with world renowned professionals.”
MusicFest caps off Union County’s summer-long series of free outdoor concerts. Five days of free MusicFest shows will run concurrently with the Union County Fair at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, starting on Wednesday, September 14 and ending on Sunday, September 18.
School of Rock emerging bands will take the stage on Friday September 16, and the School of Rock All Stars will back up Mike Peters, frontman of The Alarm, on Saturday September 17.
On Sunday September 18, School of Rock will perform a Springsteen tribute as part of New Jersey Family Day sponsored by Kean University. Family Day celebrates the New Jersey music scene with the Smithereens and a full lineup of bands from all across the state, headlined by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
MusicFest will also once again feature local bands throughout the event, from Wednesday through Sunday, on the C Stage sponsored by The Crossroads of Garwood.
Previously announced main-stage performer Blondie is confirmed for MusicFest on Saturday night, and Collective Soul will headline on Friday night.
For continuous MusicFest updates visit theucfair.org, ucmusicfest.org, and facebook.com/musicfest, or follow on Twitter, ucnjmusicfest.
Prospective MusicFest sponsors can contact Cherron Rountree, Director, Union County Division of Intergovernmental Policy and Planning, 908-527-4200 or crountree@ucnj.org
For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.
SPRINGFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal are happy to announce the next evening of “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer outdoor entertainment and film series – will show the movie “Finding Nemo” on Tuesday, August 9, at Meisel Park in Springfield.
“Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but come early to the park to enjoy interesting preview activities that are fun for the whole family,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn or save a seat in the bleachers – either way, the early birds are sure to like the preview activity before each movie.”
Come to Meisel Park at 7:30 p.m. on August 9 and have fun making a fishy craft project before watching the animated 2003 Disney/Pixar feature film, “Finding Nemo.” At dusk, sit back with your popcorn and enjoy the G-rated comedy-adventure about a young fish who winds up in a dentist’s office aquarium and his father’s epic journey to bring Nemo home.
The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:
• Tuesday, August 19 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside: Enjoy a classic car show by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment and the Garden State Chevelles at 7:00 p.m. before the animated adventure comedy, “Cars.”
• Friday, September 9 at Warinanco Park in Roselle/Elizabeth (co-sponsored by OneMain Financial): Enjoy a fun fishy craft project at 7:00 p.m. and free popcorn before the animated Disney/Pixar comedy-adventure, “Finding Nemo.”
Movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.
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CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday, August 10, with an evening of Jersey Shore Soul performed by JoBonanno & the Godsons. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
JoBonanno and the Godsons have been electrifying audiences in the tri-state area since 1992 with their infectious style of Jersey Shore get-up-and-dance rock and soul music. Considered one of the Top Ten bands in New Jersey, they have opened shows for James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, The B-52s, Joan Jett, The Stylistics, Gary U.S. Bonds, Mitch Ryder, and Eddie Money. On numerous occasions, they’ve been joined on stage by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. In 2003 and 2007, they appeared at Giants Stadium before Bruce and the E Street Band took the stage.
“Bring the entire family for a rocking good evening of music at Oak Ridge Park in Clark,” said Freeholder Chairman Scanlon. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”
The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs along with other knowledgeable Union County staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities that are available to Union County residents.
Admission to the August 10 concert by JoBonanno and the Godsons is free of charge. Sponsored by Union Center National Bank and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout August on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m. The remaining concerts in the series will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark and at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.
The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:
August 17 – Almost Queen (Queen cover band); at Oak Ridge Park.
August 24 – Parrotbeach (Jimmy Buffett cover band); at Echo Lake Park.
August 31 – The Nerds (high energy party band); at Oak Ridge Park.
For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org
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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular Wednesday Matinee Series continues on August 10 with a visit by Jungle Jon, “The Lizard Guy,” and his menagerie of live animals. This family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 17. Each show runs approximately 45 minutes. The shows are recommended for children ages 4 and older. Admission is $4 per person. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. before each matinee.
Jungle Jon Czerwienski effortlessly connects with children and adults to deliver a performance both memorable and educational. Whether he’s draped with a python or a boa, or is dancing with a millipede or a tarantula, his enthusiastic presentation will take the audience on a journey to learn about a day in the life of bugs, frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles.
“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside offers families an assortment of creative fun and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight children of all ages,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Union County is committed to providing affordable, fun, family programs at our facilities and Trailside’s Wednesday Matinee Series certainly is a summertime treat.”
The Wednesday Matinee Series ends August 17 with “Hocus Pocus,” a show that is sure to astound, baffle and thrill the audience. Joe Fischer, Magician Extraordinaire, does a fast-paced show with the perfect blend of magic, comedy, audience participation and excitement.
For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee Series or other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .
Free outdoor screening of Disney comedy “G-Force”
Free children’s activities and inflatable rides, public safety
exhibits and demos,snacks and hot dogs before the movie
Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites one and all to join in a celebration of National Night Out at Union County’s Meisel Park in Springfield on Tuesday, August 2. The free festivities start at 6:00 p.m. and continue with an outdoor screening of the popular Disney movie “G-Force” at dusk.
“Normally our public parks close at dusk, so National Night Out is a great opportunity to enjoy fun activities under the night sky with family, friends and neighbors, free of charge,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.
Free activities for children at Union County National Night Out include inflatable rides, “Bubblemania” bubble-blowing fun, Bingo, crafts, and more.
Union County’s Bomb Squad, SWAT team, and K-9 Unit will stage live demonstrations, and there will be a hands-on exhibit of two dozen police and emergency vehicles along with the county’s Fire Safety Trailer.
A raffle is also included in the event, featuring Somerset Patriots tickets, Staples gift cards, bike helmets, Flip cams, and more.
Visitors are welcome to bring picnics. An ice cream vendor will also be on site. Free snacks are available courtesy of ShopRite, and there will be free hotdogs and bottled water courtesy of Target.
The screening of G-Force, a G-rated animated comedy, will begin at 9:00 p.m.
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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.
Event will no longer be held at Nomahegan Park
Union County, NJ – Following 12 successful years at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, the Union County Red Ribbon Day Drug Awareness Event will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark this year on Saturday, October 22. Supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links and the Union County D.A.R.E. Officers Association, the Red Ribbon Campaign works to prevent substance abuse through awareness by bringing families together. Red Ribbon Day is packed with free children’s activities including such favorites as a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, games, and helicopter landings. The activities take place from 11 AM – 4 PM.
Also a part of Red Ribbon Day this year, the Red Ribbon 5K Run will again be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, October 22 at Oak Ridge Park. The USATF Certified course features a flat and rolling path on paved trails and local roads. The Red Ribbon Family Fun Walk at 12:00 PM is an opportunity for families to participate in a healthy activity with their children. Registration will be opening soon. Please check www.preventionlinks.org for more details.
The Union County Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Event is a long-standing countywide event which draws almost 4,000 people each year. Red Ribbon Day acts as a kick-off to many other Red Ribbon activities throughout the county. Coordinated by Prevention Links, this event is a collaborative effort of many partners from local, county, state, and federal agencies.
The Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Campaign commemorates the life of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while conducting an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer before joining the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information on the Red Ribbon Campaign and all Red Ribbon activities, contact Prevention Links at info@preventionlinks.org or (732) 381-4100.