By Heather Niccoli, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — A beach party celebration at Tavern on the Lake drew a crowd Saturday. A heat wave that hit the area likely impacted mid-day attendance at the July event.
The event began at noon.
General manger Joan McMahan said noted that most people arrived at night.
”The turnout was great. (It) was slow in the beginning, but changed around 6 p.m. (It) was a successful day!”
She added that it may become annual event.
For Ms. McMahan, she said her favorite part of the day was when the bands playing outside. She also enjoyed when a water fight broke out.
”The customers and employees were involved!” she exclaimed.
Bands Drew’s Farm and Wilson N’ Main played outside. Steve played both inside and outside.
When the event first began, people were coming and going, enjoying the ice-cold beer and water to cool down.
”We did not expect the 100 degree weather,” said Shirley Petrella, of Millstone, a bartender and server at the tavern. The group Steve (the band), has played at the tavern since 2008. Saturday’s gig was their first appearance in a year, however. They will be back Aug.26.
”We love playing here, they have been good to us for a long time,” said band member Zack Kiensicki.
The employees freely wore summer clothes atypical of their standard black uniforms.
”We do three pig roasts a year, I got tired with doing the same thing,” said Ms. McMahan.
Some sand was scattered on the floor outside. There were over 20 beach balls, a tiki bar and four kiddie pools.
”It’s a great way to beat the heat and it is a good way to get away from the work week,” said Brittany O’Brien, of Allentown, who works at the Tavern as a server.
”I started talking about it a year ago,” Ms. McMahan said.
It took Ms. McMahan a few months to plan the event, she said.
”I saw it on their Facebook (page), that is how I knew about it, we don’t live to far away,” said Holly Dembinski, of Millstone.
There were girls from different alcohol companies handing out promotional items to the public, such as shirts and hats.
”It’s nice to have something going on in the community during the day,” said Holly Rienzi, of Monroe, who dressed as a tiki girl.
”I’m enjoying the weather,” jokingly said Amanda Benigno of Marlboro, who was also dressed as a tiki girl.
