JACKSON – An annual community celebration for the people of Jackson will take place at John F. Johnson Jr. Memorial Park on Sept. 19.
The Jackson Clean Communities and Recycling program and the municipality will host Jackson Day at the park, Cooks Bridge Road and Manhattan Street. The event for people of all ages will run from 2:30 p.m. to dusk. Admission is free.
The Jackson Day rain date is Sept. 20.
For Sheri Silversmith, who is the Clean Communities coordinator and the acting director of recreation and senior services, Jackson Day is a time for residents to learn about the people and places around them.
“It is so nice to have a day to celebrate the community we live in and for everyone to come together and meet one another,” Silversmith said. “It is nice to be able to come out and learn more about what is actually going on in the community.”
Jackson Day’s opening ceremonies will feature performances by the Jackson Memorial High School chorus and the Jackson Memorial High School and Jackson Liberty High School dance teams.
Live entertainment will feature performances by Screaming Broccoli and The Wild Ones. Vendors will sell food and other items, and representatives of nonprofit organizations will provide information about their services and programs.
Silversmith said the township will have a booth to showcase municipal projects and programs. Special promotions and giveaways will be offered throughout the day.
The rides at Jackson Day will be free to all attendees courtesy of Jackson Realty. A picnic area sponsored by ShopRite will be open to all attendees.
A fireworks display is scheduled for just after 8 p.m.
Silversmith said it was important for the organizers of Jackson Day to solicit sponsorships so taxpayer funds are not expended to present the event. Any costs not covered by sponsorships will be funded by a Clean Communities grant, she said.
To help senior citizens attend Jackson Day, free transportation will be provided to Johnson park. Any senior who wants to attend the event and needs a ride may schedule a pickup from their home by calling 732-928-2313. Rides must be scheduled by Sept. 18.