By Mike Morsch, Executive editor
Christine Thompson believes Cranbury Day is an opportunity for townspeople to come out and mingle with their neighbors in a laid-back, community atmosphere. It’s always been that way.
Ms. Thompson has been chairwoman of the event, which is hosted by the Cranberry Business and Professional Association, since 1997. This year’s festivities will be held on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.
“It started out as a sidewalk sale back in the 1970s, that I know. A couple merchants got together and said, ‘Hey, let’s get rid of some summer stuff.’ It just kind of evolved as the years went by,” said Ms. Thompson. “The past three or four years we’ve really expanded on the music. Music has become a big thing for Cranbury Day. People are sitting down, eating their ice cream, and enjoying it. The music is a real positive.”
About 80 vendors will participate this year, including local merchants, associations and organizations, many of which use the event as a fundraiser.
The day kicks off with the Helen Cody Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, a 5k and one-mile Fun Run/Walk. The run/walk is held in memory of Cranbury resident Helene Cody, who died on her 16th birthday, and uses the funds raised to inspire youth to volunteer to better their communities and themselves.
“A lot of people that are involved in that race end up wandering down Main Street,” said Ms. Thompson. “That brings a lot of people into town, and Cranbury Day benefits from that, too.”
The annual Lions Club Rubber Duck Race is back again this year, as are the helicopter rides, both of which have proven to be popular attractions of the day. The event also gives people a chance to meet with local business owners as well as elected officials of the Township Committee and members of the township’s various commissions.
The Cranbury Public Library will have a table where library board and foundation members will give updates on the status of the new library and community center. Hear and see what we will be able to offer residents in our new facility. Donations for “Discover Our Future Library,” which will include small study rooms to a large meeting room; comfortable common areas, one with a fireplace; children, teen and creative spaces; and an historical archive, will be accepted. The library hopes to break ground for the new facility in early 2017.
Ms. Thompson said it’s difficult to get an accurate count of how many people will attend the event, but given past food sales estimates, the business association is anticipating a good crowd.
“Most years we have wonderful weather and we think we have around 1,000 people in and out throughout the day,” said Ms. Thompson, who is co-owner of Cranbury Limousine Service, which is in its ninth year as a local business in town. “I’ve worked and lived there for many years. If you want the community to thrive and continue as the small town that it is, you have to give back,” she said.
