Football rivalry: Make it better!

Steve Chernoski
Lambertville
    Some future considerations should be made to enhance the new Thanksgiving football rivalry between New Hope-Solebury and South Hunterdon Regional high schools.
   While, New Hope-Solebury High School is a very walkable destination for many in the area, South Hunterdon is not. The parking situation in West Amwell on Thursday calls for some new thinking when the game is on the New Jersey side.
   For 2014, South Hunterdon should consider the following options:
   — Close off Rocktown-Lambertville Road to traffic and have a Turkey Trot 5K. Fans could run or walk to the game. The demand is there. This year, over 6,000 people attended the overly crowded Flemington Turkey Trot.
   — Use the preregistration profits from that race to pay for fan buses. Buses could stop in New Hope, Lambertville and Stockton. Put members of the high school bands (or local musicians) on the buses and have them play during the journey.
   For next year, it’s simpler: When the game is at New Hope, close off the free bridge, decorate it, and encourage more walkers. As this new tradition goes forward, school and local officials should cooperate to strengthen the experience for our communities.