By jane meggitt
Staff Writer
ALLENTOWN — Representatives of a local church hope a new event will spice up the summer in the area.
Organizers of the Freedom Festival describe the plans for the event as "totally family-oriented, with good values."
Nick DeMauro, chairman of the Allentown Presbyterian Church’s Freedom Festival, said that the festival will be held on the grounds of the Allentown-Upper Freehold elementary school from June 29 to July 6.
DeMauro said he joined the church recently, and, like all new members, was asked for ideas to help the community.
DeMauro is the chairman and CEO of DARE New Jersey Inc., and he said he has a great deal of experience running these types of events, including one held at the Governor’s Mansion and another for developer Donald Trump.
DeMauro said he joined "because the church does a lot for the town, with missions and kids," and his concept of the festival involved helping other local nonprofits.
"It’s not about making money," he said. "It’s designed to be a fun-type initiative for the community."
A 25-person committee is in charge of the festival, including a 12-member leadership team.
"It’s still in the beginning stages," according to DeMauro. "We’re meeting two or three times a week, and moving forward methodically."
Amusements of America, the largest traveling amusement company in the country, will be providing the rides, he said.
"We’re very lucky to have them," said DeMauro. "This will be their smallest event."
DeMauro hopes the festival will "put Upper Freehold and Allentown on the map," and attract people from all over the area.
"The area is ready for it," he said.
Organizers are looking for craft booths and would like to highlight the agricultural nature of the region.
While members of the Board of Education had expressed concern at a recent meeting about possible damage to school property from the festival, DeMauro stressed that the festival was being held on the elementary school field, not on any of the new fields.
In keeping with the wholesome atmosphere organizers hope to create at the festival, DeMauro said there will be no 50/50 raffle or other types of gambling, and all games will be games of skill.
For further information, call DeMauro at (609) 208-0999.

