Like Founders Day celebrations everywhere, Plainsboro relies on tradition. As one of the most culturally diverse towns in the state, community involvement results in a kaleidoscope of activities beginning with a parade and ending with a concert for the whole family.##M:[more]##
Plainsboro Township’s 27th annual Founders Day celebration will be held on Sunday, May 7. The yearly community celebration commemorates the incorporation of the township on May 6, 1919.
The event will kick off with a traditional parade through town to the festival grounds at the municipal center. Featured participants in the parade include marching bands from High Schools North and South; Central Jersey Antique Auto Club; Chinese Drummers; Wicoff, Town Center, and Millstone school PTAs; Giant Library Puppets including the new Chinese Lion; Plainsboro’s Town Crier and the 2006 Little Town Crier; Korean Dancers; the MacGregor Pipe Band; community groups and cultural organizations; and fire and rescue vehicles.
Scheduled to depart from Waters Edge Park on Pond View Drive at 12:30 p.m., the parade will travel Edgemere Avenue to Plainsboro Road (at the Dey Road intersection), then follow Plainsboro Road to the municipal center. Children who would like to march or ride bikes with the parade may do so by joining the Kids Kaboose at Wicoff School on Parkway Avenue.
Residents are advised that each intersection will be closed and re-opened by the police department as the parade progresses. Traffic detours and temporary delays should be expected.
Following opening ceremonies at approximately 1 p.m., featured performers will include Mad Science, Give & Take Jugglers, MacGregor Pipe Band, Jazz Ensembles from High Schools North and South, and Society for Creative Anachronism. Plainsboro Chinese School will present the Chinese Lion Dance, folk and children’s performances. There will also be performances of children’s dance groups and martial arts demonstrations.
The Plainsboro Historical Society will open Wicoff House with displays highlighting local history. A static display of helicopters and military equipment is also scheduled. Amusements for children includes a superslide, meteor moonshot, radical run, and moon bounce, and older attendees can enjoy “giant chess.”
The event festivities will conclude with a family concert and musical contests, scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m. Led by the popular Daisy Jug Band, the family oriented performance will feature just-for-fun games and competitions for a chance to win prizes.
Event parking will be available at Enterprise Drive across the street from the municipal center. There will be no public parking at the municipal building. Police will be directing traffic and residents are advised that road closings and detours will be in effect in the vicinity of the municipal center until 5:15 p.m.
The Founders Day Celebration will be postponed only if it is raining in the morning and forecasted to continue all day. Check the recreation information line 609-799-0909, ext 350. The rain date is Saturday, May 13. Attendees are always amazed at all of the activities and performances. Just when you think you’ve seen it all — you haven’t.
Founders Day, Plainsboro Historical Society, Municipal Complex, 609-799-0909. www.plainsboro.com/historical. Free. Raindate May 13. Sunday, May 7, 12:30 p.m.
