September is finally on our doorstep, bringing with it a packed calendar of fall events that can happily distract you from your to-do lists. Yes, the house and yard need to be locked down for colder weather, but not yet. Hey, is that a festival in Mauricetown? Is the A.J. Meerwald back in Bivalve, offering sails from its home port? An Oktoberfest in September? What’s that about a family-friendly karaoke contest in Vineland? All your questions will be answered here.
We shopped around to find some of the best weekend distractions that won’t require a big road trip or drain your bank card.
LACE UP THE SNEAKS
For the first time since 2019, The Arc of Cumberland County will hold its annual Walk-A-Thon. The fundraiser, its 20th, was canceled in 2020 because of Covid, so organizers are thrilled to be able to bring it back to spread some joy and raise money for a good cause at the same time.
“We have music, we have dancing, we have food. There are goodie bags, there are raffle baskets. It’s a fun time,” said executive director Jackie Steiner.
The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, September 15, at Parvin State Park. Proceeds benefit the program, which helps support services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The Arc of Cumberland County provides help and support to more than 400 people with developmental disabilities, as well as their families. Over the past 10 years, the organization has greatly expanded its services to include a walking club, ceramics program, monthly dance and dance instructions, bingo games and Special Olympics competitions.
People can choose between two Parvin State Park trails; the longer one is nearly three miles, while a shorter trail is about a mile long.
Residents may register online—arccumberland.org—but most people simply show up the day of the event. The event is free, but feel free to support the group by donating or buying a goodie bag for $20.
Steiner hopes the group raises around $15,000 for the charitable organization.
“It’s the only really large fundraising event we have,” she said. It started 20 years ago and people like it. They like the spirit of family,” Steiner said. She said music will be provided by DJ Chris Hannah and honorary Chairperson Victor LaTorre of LaTorre Hardware in Vineland will make a speech.
Steiner especially cherishes the upbeat, cheerful vibes that walkers and organizers spread during the morning event. “We treat (disabled children and adults) the same way we treat our family. It’s the reason why the walkathon is such a fun time. And it’s a good cause.”
SING, SING A SONG
Twenty people from age eight to 80 have signed on to compete for a total of $1,000 in prize money during Vineland Sings 2 Karaoke Contest. The contest will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at Landis Theater, 830 E. Landis Ave., Vineland.
The event, organized by the city of Vineland, will pit young and old against each other during the competition at the Landis Theater, according to City of Vineland special events coordinator Sheena Santiago.
Top prize is $500 for the first-place winner, $300 for second place and $200 for third. Contestants must provide a track from an artist that does not exceed 5 minutes. The prize money is contributed by Vineland business owner Jamie Afanador of PedMar Property Support in Vineland.
“He wants to give back to the community, so this is how he’s giving back,” Santiago said.
The competition is limited to the 20 people who signed up in advance. However, residents are invited to show up at the Landis Theater and enjoy the show, which is free of charge.
The idea was the brainchild of Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci. The first karaoke event was held at Eastlyn Golf Course and the Greenview Inn in Vineland, and it drew more than 300 people to it. This year, they wanted to provide more room for an even bigger crowd, Santiago said.
Inside the Landis, the canteen will be open and will sell drinks and snacks. Outside, a food truck, Mobile Street Food, will sell affordable food, such as hot dogs and loaded hot dogs, burgers, cheesesteaks, shrimp, Italian sausage sandwiches and soda.
The mayor wants it to be a family event—not just a night out for grown-ups, Santiago said. For more information on the contest, call Santiago at 856-794-4000, ext. 4169.
THE WILD AND SCENIC RIVER
Mauricetown and the Maurice River will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, as part of Riverfest at the Mauricetown Historical Society, 1229 Front St., Mauricetown.
The event, which was renamed from Mauricetown Outdoor Artist Day, celebrates the Wild and Scenic Maurice River, with its unique natural, cultural and scenic resources, according to Karla Rossini, executive director of Citizens United To Protect the Maurice River (CU).
“It’s a celebration of the history and the natural character of Down Jersey and the Maurice River watershed. It’s a good way to connect to our roots and celebrate the future of stewardship,” she said.
An artistic panel discussion, music and food will part of the day. The Mauricetown Historical Society will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, chili and drinks. Riverfest will also include craft vendors and plenty of activities for children. Admission is free.
Among the events planned:
• 11 a.m. – Architectural and art tour given by Matt Pisarski, who works with the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Foundation and is planning director for the department of planning, tourism, and community affairs. Pisarski will take a group of visitors on a walk around Mauricetown, relate some of its history, and celebrate its beloved architecture. Along the way, the group will see the art of three artists whose works are inspired by the river and its resources.
• 1 p.m.: The Commercial Township Environmental Commission will hold a ribbon cutting of a sign that will be installed nearby to commemorate the osprey and its recovery on the river. Following that event, Mauricetown resident Pete Dunne, a noted author and ambassador for the New Jersey Audubon Society, will speak.
• 2 p.m.: Panel discussion with three artists, including artist and teacher Matt Daniels, who will discuss the Maurice River School of Art and the Barn Studio of Art. Artist Ted Walsh will discuss his work, which combines his life of architecture with the local landscape as well as Bill Horin, whose new book about local artist Patt Witt will soon be released. Some of her works will be displayed and the discussion will touch on the inspiration of the river on artwork.
Also, sailings aboard the AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s Official Tall Ship, will be available for an additional fee in nearby Bivalve, a short drive from the Riverfest location. Check bayshorecenter.org/our-ship for sails throughout September, now that the schooner has returned from Cape May to its home port.
Next week: Some late September events, including the 52nd Annual Greenwich Craft Faire, Celebration of Women, and the Cumberland County Business Expo and Job Fair.
Raise a Pint: Oktoberfest in September
The third annual Oktoberfest Celebration will be held at Glasstown Brewing Company, 10 Peterson St., at Millville Airport from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 21. The free event will feature live music, lawn games, food trucks and limited-edition merchandise. The Glasstown Brewing Company is a small craft microbrewery at Millville Airport.
