EAST WINDSOR: Community comes together to celebrate Fourth

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   EAST WINDSOR — Blankets, chairs and the smell of food cooking on barbecue grills filled the air in Etra Park during the annual Independence Day celebration Tuesday.
   The annual event included live bands, family entertainment and variety of vendors and concluded with a 30-minute fireworks display, which started around 9:30 p.m.
   ”We are very pleased that we can present tonight’s event as well as many other events over the course of the summer due to the generosity of our many corporate sponsors,” said Mayor Janice Mironov. “This is a beautiful place, and we are blessed with beautiful weather wise again.”
   She added, “Tomorrow is an important day for all of us. It is our country’s birthday, and it is an opportunity when all of us should be focusing on the very wonderful opportunities, the treasures, the values and the freedoms we enjoy here in America, the greatest country here on Earth, and to remember that we are blessed to be here and to be part of this great country and all it has to offer.”
   She said, “We come together tonight as a community and celebrate our community and enjoy a great night out in this beautiful park. Let us also remember the very wonderful things that we enjoy together and opportunities we have and the freedoms we enjoy that many around this world do not share with us.”
   The free entertainment began at 6 p.m. with Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Jazz Band, a six-piece band from the Delaware Valley area, followed at 7:30 p.m. by the Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One, a six-piece ensemble from Central Jersey, which performed Americana music and a variety of popular melodies.
   It was estimated around 2,000 family and friends gathered to spend an evening together between Etra Park and the surrounding area streets, which included Milford Road, Twin Rivers Drive, Lake Drive and the surrounding streets.
   Local council members also were in attendance, including Deputy Mayor Perry Shapiro, Marc Lippman, Hector Duke, Alan Rosenberg, Peter Yeager and John Zoller.
   ”I think it is a nice that the town does it,” said Melissa Florke, of East Windsor.
   For some, it was their first time, and others have been coming for as long as they can remember.
   ”To have fun and watch the fireworks and make some friends,” said Kidest Debebe, of East Windsor, while waiting in line to jump around in the bouncy.
   ”Happy to be here celebrating the fourth of July,” said mom Eseyete Debebe, who was there celebrating for first time with her family.
   For Jeanine Celestin, of East Windsor, this year, she decided to help volunteer at the event, which she has been attending more many years. Ms. Celestin was volunteering in the game area.
   ”A lot of fun,” Ms. Celestin said. “The funnel cake is the best.”
   She added, “I have more time as a mom of three kids so I wanted to give back to East Windsor after 18 years, and recreation is my thing since I am an educator. It’s a nice event for families, networking, (and the) community. I wish more people would attend.”
   ”My favorite is the bouncy houses,” said Isabella Dimuro, of Hightstown.
   Aldo Sanchez has been coming since his family moved to the area when he was 3 years old.
   ”My favorite thing is to enjoy the fireworks and all the people that come here,” said Mr. Sanchez, of East Windsor, with his friends while they enjoyed running around and playing games.
   Many families and friends brought food and had a picnic or grilled for the evening like Darlene and Tim Duttry, of East Windsor, who met up with others and waited for the fireworks to start for the evening, which was the highlight for many in their group.
   ”Wearing the neon glow-in-the-dark necklaces later on,” said Tim Duttry, who has been coming for the past 10 years.
   ”Getting to wear the crazy hats,” said Sophia Pirrera, of West Windsor, who had a headband on with long strands of red, white and blue hanging from them. She has been attending the celebration since she was a baby.
   ”It’s the best family gathering,” said Darlene Duttry, of East Windsor, who has been coming for the past 10 years.