By: centraljersey.com
HIGHTSTOWN – Over the last eight years, the Hometown Harvest Fair has grown to become, with the Sprint Triathlon, one of the borough’s signature events. On Saturday, downtown Hightstown will hold the popular event once again, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s event will begin with the traditional 5K race and feature the popular chili cook-off, Ducky Derby, pedal boating on Peddie Lake and almost 200 vendors. The Children’s Pavilion will have games, a moon bounce, stilt walker and juggler, balloon artist, pony rides, baby dragons, yo-yo balloons, and a petting zoo.
A fair tradition, this year’s Ducky Derby, with its cash prize of up to $500, also will feature pink ducks to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
For the first time, a scarecrow decorating contest will be held, as well as an OctoberFest with beer and wine tastings, and strolling musicians. Also part of the festivities will be a train show, farmer’s market and trolley rides to and from off-site parking at either end of Main Street.
The borough is expecting 5,000 people to attend this year’s Harvest Fair.
"It’s always a delightful day in town to enjoy each other’s company and learn about new businesses in the area." said fair organizer Kathy Patten.
No fair would be complete without food, and this year’s Harvest Fair will have plenty of it.
Those attending are encouraged to bring their appetite because this year’s menu has expanded to include 25 vendors, including those serving Thai food, pulled pork, as well as traditional fair food like Italian sausages, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and funnel cake.
Another addition to this year’s fair is the John Kark Cancer Fight Club toy drive booth.
Ashley Kark, 22, of East Windsor, is organizing the local toy drive in memory of her uncle, John, who died of complications following his long battle with cancer in April. The John Kark Cancer Fight Club was established in Chicago shortly after his death, and now Ms. Kark is starting a new local chapter to benefit the children of New Jersey.
The foundation is collecting toys all over the state for children with cancer and blood disorders. The toys will be distributed at three area hospitals later this month: the Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, Robert Woods Johnson Pediatrics, and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
The club’s booth will also have information on how to join the fight against cancer, and also will be accepting monetary donations.
The foundation expects one of their largest collections will take place at this weekend’s Fall Harvest.
CCL Label, at 120 Stockton St., also is celebrating by opening its doors during the fair for an open house tour of their pharmaceutical label-making operation. A second open house will be held at the Glackin Saul Funeral Home on Stockton Street.
One of many participating local businesses, CCL is sponsoring a strolling barbershop quartet, one of several musical attractions at this year’s fair. The Lakeside and Fountain Stages at Peddie Lake will be hosting continuous entertainment for the duration of the fair, including live music, a fashion show, and appearances by the Hightstown A Cappella Choir and Jazz Band.

