Middletown Day returns to the Great Lawn at Croydon Hall on Saturday, September 29th from 11 a.m. to 6p.m.
Highlights of this family fun day include children’s activities and sports contests, a community showcase, a craft fair and a tag sale, food court, local music and entertainment, a petting zoo and hayrides. Middletown Day, which is sponsored by local business, community groups and individuals, will be held rain or shine. Free shopping bags will be given to the first 1,000 attendees.
Middletown Day is organized by a committee of local officials, community leaders and township staff. The fall extravaganza we’ve planned this year is a mix of new attractions and familiar favorites, said Mayor Anthony P. Fiore, who serves as chair of the committee.
Among this year’s new attractions are three sporting contests for children ages 6-15 and a Community Showcase. On the football field will the Soccer Shooting and Dribbling Contest hosted by the New York Red Bulls and the Middletown Soccer Club as well as an official NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition hosted by the Middletown Athletic Club. Winners of the Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition will go onto a sectional competition and could qualify to complete in the finals held during the Superbowl. There will also be a Free Throw and 3-Point Shot Basketball Contest in the gym hosted by St. Mary’s Athletic Association.
Visitors will find an all-new Community Showcase along the main driveway. The showcase features local businesses, community associations and school groups that support Middletown. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the many businesses spread across the township’s 42 square miles and meet the volunteers that work so hard to make Middletown a great place to call home.
Family fun abounds throughout the festival grounds. There’s a petting zoo and pony rides, mini-golf near the gym as well as free carnival games, an expanded selection of bouncy houses, magic shows, and fire safety lessons in the smoke house. Don’t forget to get your ride on the hayride!
In addition, the Middletown Arts Center will return to Middletown Day. Drop by to peruse local art, meet the Doodle Dude and watch some of the performers from the Talent Showcase. There will also be free arts and crafts for our youngest visitors and a display of the Calendar Project, featuring drawings of Middletown sites chosen from artists from each of the 12 Middletown Elementary Schools.
Car lovers are invited to visit the Classic Car Show. The show, presented by the Middletown Lions Club, features an impressive fleet of classic and antique cars from the tri-state area. Trophies will be awarded in several categories. On-site registration is accepted. Look for free health screening stations near the car show. This service is provided by Care One and the Lions Club.
Middletown Day also offers opportunities for family learning. Learn about nature and colonial times at the Poricy Park Conservancy exhibit; storm water pollution at the Clean Communities display; emergency preparedness at the Emergency Management tent, and drug abuse prevention from the Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance.
Middletown’s volunteer firefighters, first aiders, and emergency management members will be on hand with equipment displays and demonstrations. The children are always welcome to explore the trucks and try out the drivers’ seats.
The day offers continuous live entertainment. A series of talented performers with local roots will perform in the entertainment tent for your listening and dancing pleasure. The Middletown Day line-up includes Rockin’ Music Academy Bands, Jonnie Dogs & the Dingos, the Colts Neck Swing Band, Riffed, performers from the Talent Showcase, Bill and Frank, and the Middletown High School North Jazz Band.
Middletown Day is a great place to get a little early holiday shopping done. Stroll through the craft fair with items ranging from jewelry and clothes to paintings, photography, and toys. Don’t forget to visit Granny’s Attic where Senior Center members sell treasures, trinkets and bits of nostalgic knickknacks.
Parking is limited at Croydon Hall. Visitors are encouraged to park at Bayview Elementary School or Kunkel Park and ride the free shuttle to and from the Middletown Day grounds. Continuous round trip shuttle services will be provided every 5 to 10 minutes.
Visit www.middetownday.org and find us on Facebook for more information.