By: Al Wicklund
MONROE Laughing youngsters bounced on the inflated surface of the Moonwalk, veterans of past wars manned their booth, the range of foods added an Asian-Indian flavor to the day and a constant flow of music embraced everyone.
In a nutshell, the township’s 13th annual Country Fair enjoyed a busy day complete with a good-natured crowd and sunny weather at Thompson Park Sunday.
The event was conducted by the Monroe Township Recreation Department and the township Mothers Club.
The children’s contests, chaired by the Mothers Club’s Laurie Gang, had Justine Nesti finishing first in the Little Miss Monroe contest for 3-5-year-olds. Dean Disanzo won the Town Squire contest for 3-5 and Desiree Oresto won the Baby Buggy contest for newborn to 3 years old.
Right by the entrance from the Jamesburg Borough Hall parking lot, next to the hot dog and hamburger stand, standing under a large hand-held, black umbrella, to protect him from the sun, was Sam Sanyal offering Indian appetizers.
He said he came because he was told the Fair Committee wanted more ethnic food.
Mr. Sanyal, whose wife runs Suruchi Indian Cuisine in East Windsor, stressed that what he was offering was just appetizers and not regular Indian fare.
Lori Merendino of Mid-State Realty was with her agency’s Moonwalk. Mid-State also had a train, clowns, face painting, offered a raffle (dinner for two) and a variety of give-aways.
"The day is going well," she said.
Nearby, in uniform, seated at a table with a display of rifles, were Commander Jesse Foy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 262, past Commander Jerry Setzer, Senior Vice Commander Jerry Bruno and post Quartermaster Mike Bennet.
Mr. Setzer said the post is interested in new members. The post is open to any veteran who served overseas in any of America’s wars.
Also interested in recruiting new members were parents from township Cub Scout Pack 105, including Cindy and John Ronan and son Brian, 7, and Al and Sue Holtje, who were with daughter Stephanie, 5, and son Christopher, 7. The Cub program is open to boys in first through fifth grade. More information can be obtained by calling the Ronans at (732) 656-0444.

