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EAST WINDSOR: Twin Rivers Day returns

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   EAST WINDSOR — Several hundred people came out to take part in the annual Twin Rivers Day on July 15.
   It was hosted by the Twin Rivers Community Trust next to the Twin Rivers Library on an open field along Abbington Drive from noon to 5 p.m.
   ”It’s just something we do each year for the community,” said Kathee Stauffer of the Twin Rivers Community Trust. She noted that the trust had sponsors support the annual event.
   ”We pay for the DJ, rides and entertainment,” Ms. Stauffer said.
   Despite the hot, humid weather, Twin Rivers residents participated in a range of activities throughout the afternoon, after first purchasing a wristband which gave them the access to unlimited rides, bouncy houses, waterslides, and facing painting.
   Mia Kirk, of East Windsor, and her family were experiencing this day for the first time.
   ”So far so good,” said Ms. Kirk. “I wish I had invited more friends to come.”
   ”He likes things stuff like this so $20 for everything is good especially the pony rides and the bouncy houses,” Ms. Kirk said of her son.
   ”We have come every year since (my son) was born,” said dad Libarbo Salazar.
   ”We enjoy the water rides,” Mr. Salazer said.
   ”There is a lot here,” said Scott Drummond, of Philipsburg, who was visiting relatives of Twin Rivers.
   ”Every time you turn around there is something new and you are like ‘Wow’,” Mr. Drummond said.
   For those feeling the heat and wanting to cool off, the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, cooled them down with a squirt truck.
   Many children screamed with glee and laughed as they ran through the water. In addition, two firefighters used two small hose lines to sprinkle additional water at the youngsters as the children ran around the area.
   Participants also could also partake in some free activities which included dancing and singing along to DJ, check out the library book sale, balloonists, magician, a petting zoo and various contests from a hula to limbo contests.
   Jon Koons, of Englewood, is a performer and was the stilt walker of this year’s event. He later took on another role — that of magician — and wandered around performing tricks for the crowd. He said it is something he has been doing for 41 years.
   ”I have been performing since I was nine as a magician and I am what is called a full, multi-talented performer,” said Mr. Koons who noted it was his 50th birthday.
   Mr. Koons said he performs magic tricks, juggling, stilt walking, comedy, fire eating in addition to being an actor and has been a singer for Broadway, movies and television.
   Danielle Biggs, of Swedesboro, came to visit her mom and said she has been attending Twin Rivers Day for the past three years.
   ”It’s a lot of fun,” Ms. Biggs said. “The kids love it.”
   ”I like the bounce house with the slide,” said daughter Kylie Biggs, 4, of Swedesboro.
   It was noted by people in attendance that there seemed to be less vendors this year versus other years and that the event looked bigger than in 2011.
   ”It’s family-oriented and being with the kids,” said Miriam Patino, of East Windsor, adding that she has come to the event for the last eight years.
   When asked what her favorite thing was, Victoria Rios, 6, of East Windsor, said, “Mine is the water rides.”
   ”I think it’s a nice way to bring the community together and fun for the whole family,” said Beth Dohm, of East Windsor, and has been attending Twin Rivers Day since her family moved into the area approximately 11 years ago.
   ”The rides are all good. They are for all ages and for $20 that’s cheap enough and you can’t find that anywhere else outside of here,” Ms. Dohm said.
   ”I like the horses,” said daughter Brynn Dohm, 8, of East Windsor in reference to the pony rides.
   Due to inclement weather, the evening concert featuring Diverse, Joel Katz and the Dynamics, and The Crystals was relocated to inside Hightstown High School.