Street fest a huge success

By: Al Wicklund
   JAMESBURG — There will be a second annual Jamesburg Street Festival.
   Mayor Tony LaMantia said the first-ever street fest, held Sept. 29 on Tonkery Boulevard/West Railroad Avenue, was a success and merits a repeat performance next year.
   "Threatening weather in the morning discouraged some people, but the event had a great turnout of residents, people from neighboring towns and vendors.
   "Those who came to enjoy the street fest numbered in the thousands, and the people I spoke to were having a good time," Mayor LaMantia said before Wednesday night’s Borough Council meeting.
   Councilman Adam Bushman said the October date for the festival was the perfect time for such an event.
   The inaugural street festival was conducted by the borough and the Jamesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
   It was coordinated from the municipal offices by Business Administrator Denise Jawidzik, Borough Clerk Gretchen Schauer and Sewer Administrator Kelly Taylor.
   Ms. Jawidzik said she was pleased with the turnout.
   "Of the 80 vendors scheduled for the day, I know of only one that didn’t make it. Some of the antique-car owners didn’t come, but we expected that. When there’s a threat of rain, they don’t like to take their ‘babies’ out of the garage," she said.
   Ms. Jawidzik said she hadn’t heard any complaints and was still hearing how well the event was received.
   "It was to be a community event and a time for family fun. The community response was great and people coming together helps make for a good time," she said.
   She said vendors were not charged a fee.
   The vendor tables and displays stretched along Tonkery Boulevard/West Railroad Avenue from Forsgate Drive to the stop sign at Gatzmer Avenue.
   Mayor LaMantia said all of the borough’s departments and offices and volunteer services were involved in working to make the street fest a success.
   "We particularly are thankful for members of the Police Department who volunteered their services that day," he said.
   The Borough Council presented a resolution of appreciation to Monroe resident Jerry Sperling, who donated his time and artistic talents to designing and painting free-hand signs for the festival and some of its vendors.
   The council resolution said the mayor and council would be honored if Mr. Sperling, a resident of Monroe, would consider himself an honorary citizen of Jamesburg.