More food means more fun at Foodfest

By Mary Ellen Zangara Special Writer
   MANVILLE — The Manville First Aid and Rescue Squad Auxiliary are holding the seventh annual Foodfest of Manville from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2290 on Washington Avenue.
   Betty Cowen, chairwoman of the event, is looking forward to this year’s event.
   ”I’m enthused this year as we have a few new restaurants — our count is up to 17,” she said.
   For the auxiliary, this is one of their main fundraisers to support the First Aid and Rescue Squad. They hold two flea markets annually, one in the spring and one in the fall and an all-you-can-eat filet mignon dinner in March. All the events are held at the VFW post.
   ”The squad has been receiving approximately $10,000 annually from these fundraisers,” Ms. Cowen said.
   Ms. Cowen said that people are calling or tickets even from out of town.
   ”Ticket sales are going pretty well so far,” she added.
   Tickets for the event are $25 a person with all the proceeds going to the First Aid and Rescue Squad and will be used for necessary equipment.
   Food sampling will be from local and area restaurants as well as beverage suppliers according to Ms. Cowen. Restaurants include Manville establishments European Deli, Dunkin Donuts, Frank’s Pizzeria, Manville Pastry Shop, Manville Pizza and Restaurant, Mia Sorella Ristorante. Also participating is Camplain Liquors and Cyburts Liquors from Manville. Others participating include Costco Wholesale and Somerset County Vo-Tech high school culinary from Bridgewater.
   Hillsborough restaurants include Royce Brook Golf Club, Pheasants Landing and Culinary Creations. Neighboring Raritan restaurant Nonna’s and Sara Jane’s in Somerville are also participating as new comers to the event for this year. Applebee’s and Coccola in Hillsborough have also joined, too.
   ”I hope it will be a success,” Ms. Cowen said. Tickets for the event can be purchased from any squad or auxiliary member or by calling 908-725-3694 or 908-722-0156.
   The auxiliary is also looking for new members to join and help in projects like this. If you would like to join the auxiliary you can call President Kathy Erickson at 908-725-9580 or Dottie Lachac at 908-725-9157.