Monther’s Club’s annual festival brings out the community
By: Stephanie Brown
MONROE Pud, a 13-year-old pony from Ponies for Parties of Sicklerville, moseyed along the makeshift corral as if eagerly anticipating his next fare.
Three-year old Melissa Esposito’s bright blue eyes lit up when she saw him, and as she was lifted up onto the saddle, a smile spread across her face from cheek to rosy cheek.
"It’s her first pony ride," her mother, Kerry, said while taking a picture to capture the moment.
The Espositos were one of many families to attend the 18th annual Monroe Township Country Fair held in Thompson Park Sunday.
Sponsored by the Monroe Township Mother’s Club and The Monroe Township Department of Recreation, the free event featured many family-fun activities, including a petting zoo, pumpkin painting and two raffles.
The fair is a major fundraiser for the Mother’s Club, which is a nonprofit, civic organization that helps community members in need, said Marguerite DaFoe, the fair’s chairwoman and member of the Mother’s Club.
She said the event’s proceeds go back to the community through donations to local organizations and families and in the form of special children’s events.
"You always wonder, ‘Gee is there going to be big crowd,’ " said Ms. DaFoe, who has been organizing the event for the past 10 years. "We’re very happy with how the fair turned out this year."
Several hundred people turned out for the annual event, which featured music from local band Sunset Boulevard and D.J. Wacky Wayne, a classic car show, and a presentation by Jundokan Goju Ryu Karate Do school of Monroe. Over 20 vendors lined the fairgrounds, selling everything from ponchos to a one-of-a-kind mini-marshmallow shooter.
Samantha Varga, 12, of Monroe demonstrated the toy, which she bought for a mere $8.
Surrounded by her girlfriends from Absolute Dance, a dance studio in Monroe, Samantha held the plastic pipe to her lips and blew.
A tiny marshmallow shot about three feet into the air.
"You can’t find this kind of stuff anywhere else," said Samantha, before stashing her rarity back into her backpack.
Across the ballpark, smaller children indulged their creativity with sand art, a country fair staple.
Beverly and Ira Reich, of Toms River, said they have been running the sand art stand since the fair began.
"We make it every year," said Mr. Reich. "It’s very popular with the kids and they do a nice job."
Bala Naga, of Monroe, stood behind his son, Bhargav, 3, who diligently filled a small, plastic frog with blue and yellow sand.
Mr. Naga said his family has been attending the fair since they moved to Monroe three years ago.
"There’s always a lot of people here, and the kids can play and get some goodies," said Mr. Naga.
The fair featured pageants for preschoolers and a baby buggy contest.
Boys and girls up to age 5 could participate in the Little Miss Monroe and Town Squire contests. The contestants answered questions from the master of ceremonies and were judged by out-of-town vendors.
Parents could decorate their child’s carriage or stroller for the baby buggy contest.
Gabrielle Tirelli, 3, won the title of Little Miss Monroe, Liam Fennelle, 3, won the title of Town Squire, and Rose Richards won the baby buggy contest.
Liam, who said his favorite color is blue and favorite character is Batman, held his scepter proudly in one hand and used his other hand to hold blue cotton candy.
"I thought it was cute," said his mother, Rochelle, before snapping another picture.
The smell of Italian sausage and peppers wafted through the air, leading hungry stomachs to the C & C Homemade Quality Sausage stand.
Sporting a red apron, owner Tony Chaknis stood behind the grill, sautéing onions and red and green peppers.
Mr. Chaknis has been working the country fair for many years.
"It’s a great little event they have here," he said, scooping the perfectly browned veggies on top of a bare sausage.
Mr. Chaknis said the event had been profitable so far.
"Everything’s weather permitting in this business, and we couldn’t have had any better weather today," he said with a grin.

