Jamesburg to host festival Saturday

Downtown stores will be joined by some 80 vendors for the borough’s first Tonkery Boulevard Street Festival and Car Show.

By: Al Wicklund
   JAMESBURG — Tonkery Boulevard/West Railroad Avenue will have a new face tomorrow (Saturday) when it becomes the site, and lends its name, to the borough’s first Tonkery Boulevard Street Festival and Car Show.
   The borough’s downtown stores will be joined by some 80 vendors who are expected to give the area the atmosphere of a fair.
   The vendors will add adventures in eating, music, games, information — on not-for-profit and for-profit groups — crafts and children-pleasing rides.
   The Street Festival, being conducted by the borough and the Jamesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to start at noon and will continue until 8 p.m.
   "It looks like we have the ingredients for a big day," Jamesburg Business Administrator Denise Jawidzik said earlier this week.
   Ms. Jawidzik said variety will be the mark of the event.
   "We have a nice mix of profit and nonprofit vendors. There should be something of interest for all ages and all members of the family," she said.
   She added that vendors have been encouraged to hold their prices down.
   "We’ve reminded them that it’s a family event and should have costs that a family can afford," Ms. Jawidzik said.
   She said vendors are not being charged a fee.
   On a serious note, Ms. Jawidzik said she expects there will be opportunities for those attending the fest to contribute to help the families of the fire, police and emergency workers killed and injured in New York City’s World Trade Center disaster.
   Ms. Jawidzik said the display of cars and motorcycles will be an attraction for young and old.
   "Awards will be given to automobiles and bikes in a variety of categories. The winners will be decided by the fair-goers who will vote for their favorites," she said.
   The 80 vendors’ tables and displays will stretch along Tonkery Boulevard from Forsgate Drive to Gatzmer Avenue.
   Mayor Tony LaMantia said all of the borough’s departments and offices and volunteer services are involved in working to make the Street Fest a success.
   "Just about everyone is helping. It should be a fun-filled day for the community," he said.
   The mayor said the borough’s response to the day will determine if the Street Fest is to become an annual event.