By Vita Duva, Correspondent
Hightstown’s own Hometown Harvest Festival celebrated its 14th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 8, despite this fall season’s relentless stormy weather forecast.
“From what I’ve been overhearing, the rain has slowed things down a bit,” Hightstown Fair Volunteer, Emily Tufford, 17, said while manning the Harvest Festival’s information booth.
A senior at The Peddie School, Miss. Tufford went on to note, “People are still out and about today though, walking around with their family and friends.”
As a colorful sea of umbrellas and tents helped to ward off the threat of raindrops, more than 200 vendors featured crafts and collectibles for fair-goers to thumb through as they strolled through the center of town.
A number of food vendors were also present for Saturday’s event, from the authentic Mexican taste of Hightstown’s own TacoRito to Roselle’s smoky Oriental BBQ, there was something for everyone to chow down on.
This year, the Harvest Festival also boasted an improved line-up of entertainment, as well as a new children’s area.
Courtesy of the Hightstown Fair’s new entertainment coordinator, Daniel Trent, the festival’s stages were vibrating with an eclectic mix of local jams throughout the course of the day. Musical performers included, Turiya, Dan Kassel, Dallas Vietty, Elise and the Backseat Drivers, Andy Demos, Kim Yarson, Claire Ernst and Funk Point 5.
The kids’ section featured more autumn crafts, and number of fun rides.
Festival attendees were also given a chance to soak their favorite high school football player in the dunking booth. Hightstown Rams’ football players bravely sat in the booth to raise funds for the Rise Food Pantry, which provides provisions to more than 600 local families on a weekly basis.
As expected, the ever-popular Chili Cook Off, sponsored by the Hightstown Elks Lodge 1955, was a big hit, while the Ducky Derby Race rounded out the day’s events.
“It’s always an exciting time for our community as we welcome thousands of folks to our historic town,” said Trish Egan, Hightstown Fair’s Committee Chair. “It’s a great event that offers something for the whole family.”
Ms. Egan went on to thank the Harvest Fair’s sponsors — 1st Constitution Bank and CCL Label.
“They have always supported us and it is greatly appreciated.”
