Children enjoy a “train” ride during 2014 Community Day. This year’s event will take place June 13 at Community Park, located at the corner of West Manor Way and Garden Road. (File photo by Suzette J. Lucas.)
By Jessica Oates
Summer fun is on the horizon for Robbinsville Township with the annual Community Day and Father’s Day Fishing Derby events fast approaching.
Community Day is set for Saturday, June 13 from 2-9 p.m. The Best of the Eagles band will be back by popular demand to rock with the township.
The annual event usually draw as many as 4,000 people together for a day of fun at Community Park, located at the corner of West Manor Way and Garden Road.
Local businesses will line up their tents and hand out small treasures to those who pass through Prize Valley. Historically, this particular attraction has been organized by the Chamber of Commerce, but this year, the township recreation department in conjunction with the Economic Development Advisory Committee are in charge.
“It gives businesses a great opportunity to come out and introduce themselves to the public,” said Joy Tozzi, township business administrator. “Our hope is to bring businesses, nonprofits and residents together to engage with each other.”
Recreation Department Director Joe Barker said attendees could look forward to enjoying a better view of the fireworks, thanks to this year’s new event setup, but not much else has changed since the event was kicked off more than 10 years ago.
“The feedback we get year after year is tremendous,” Barker said.
Robbinsville residents also can enjoy live entertainment and activities, like a rock climbing wall and giant inflatable bouncers, as well as jungle land and a fire train ride for younger children, free of charge.
At Community Day, the only thing that costs money is food.
The Father’s Day Fishing Derby will take place on Sunday, June 21, from 7 a.m. until noon. In contrast with Community Day, the event will not include any music, rides or fireworks—just a morning of fishing on Town Center Lake.
“A few years ago, a certain woman came to me and told me the story of how her father and she would spend a special day on the lake,” Barker said.
“I’m the woman Joe’s talking about,” said Tozzi, who explained that those special days with her father inspired her to organize a technology-free, family bonding day for the town.
The Father’s Day Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Robbinsville Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse. Tozzi serves as the township liaison to the organization.
The event provides R-MAPSA with a chance to communicate with Robbinsville parents and children about important substance abuse topics, encouraging family discussions that play a big role in preventing kids from using drugs.
“We’re kicking off a new theme this year: ‘Parents who host lose the most,’” Tozzi said. “There is a misconception that many parents have that if they allow their child to drink alcohol at home they’ll be less likely to drink outside, but the statistics tell us this isn’t true.”
R-MAPSA volunteers will be present at the Fishing Derby to help promote awareness, but the focus will be on enjoying a peaceful day on the lake with loved ones.
There will be prizes for the most fish reeled in by age group.
For more information about upcoming events within the community, visit robbinsville-twp.org.
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