I would like to give a big shout-out to the Manalapan Arts Council (MAC) for putting on another spectacular Manalapan Day. Although the weather was not looking to be in our favor for a few hours, it turned out to be a rain-free night with a great crowd.
The MAC committee is a group of volunteers who work together quite nicely, planning for months to give our community a family friendly event. There is something for everyone to enjoy – rides for the kids, a DJ for the teens, food trucks to satisfy everyone’s palate, vendors, a petting zoo, and a Living Legend main stage act. The evening ends with what is always an outstanding fireworks display.
I have been on this committee since 2004, although I took a three-year hiatus, I came back and it was like I never missed a day. As a committee, we have come a long way since 2004. We have learned what works and what doesn’t. Every year we try our best to improve to make it a day for the community to come together, set up chairs on the lawn, listen to music and enjoy each other’s company, all while making great memories for our families.
Personally, I would like to give a special thank you to the following people: Marty, our fundraising guru, without your efforts where would we be; Barry, for making sure those portable restrooms made their way because, well, that might have been a disaster; Dotty, for making sure we all stayed hydrated and nourished; Alan, Danny and the entire Department of Public Works for working crazy hours to help us and doing it all with a smile; Dave, for taking my endless questions on food safety; Irene, for fielding all those crazy calls; my daughters, for helping me; and my husband, for putting up with my stories.
To the rest of the MAC committee, Township Administrator Tara Lovrich and the Township Committee, thank you. Without all of you there would be no Manalapan Day. I hope that if you made it out to Manalapan Day, you enjoyed yourselves. I know I did.
Kathleen Donohue
Manalapan Arts Council
Manalapan