Fanny Wood Day September 30, 2007

FANWOOD - Fanwood residents will come together as a community on Sunday, September 30, during the borough's sixth annual "Fanny Wood Day" celebration, to be held from noon to 5 p.m. in the heart of the borough's downtown.

Named for a 19th-century folklore figure, the popular street fair will once again be held along South and Martine Avenues. The rain date for the event is the following Sunday, October 7.

"Fanny Wood Day," which typically draws several thousand people to the downtown each year, offers something for everyone with a potpourri of activities, food and exhibits. The festival area will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the event.

Among the returning attractions will be sidewalk sales by local merchants, as well as an array of craft items. Additional food vendors are expected to take part in this year's festivities as well, according to Neil Schembre, Co-Chairman of the Fanny Wood Day Committee, which sponsors the event.

A disc jockey will entertain visitors with a mix of oldies through contemporary tunes, while two barbershop quartets, one stationary and the other roving among the crowd, will also lend their musical talents to the festival, Mr. Schembre said. For younger fair-goers, there will be a moon walk; a 20-foot rock climbing wall designed for different skill levels; pony rides and Wally the Whale.

In addition, Enchantments will again sponsor the "Little Miss Fanny Wood" contest, for which girls between the ages of 4 and 12 are invited to wear their Victorian best. The judging will take place at 3 p.m., with prizes to be awarded. Entry forms are available at Enchantments, located at 234 South Avenue, and Enchantments Too, at 230 South Avenue, in Fanwood. For further information, please call (908) 322-6161 or (908) 322-4110.

In addition, the Florida Fruit Shoppe, located at 226 South Avenue, will hold its traditional piebaking contest. Entry forms containing contest information are available at the store.

Pies must be brought to the display table by noon, for a 12:30 p.m. judging, after which they will be raffled off. For additional details, please call (908) 322-7606 or visit the store. Former heavyweight boxer and current Fanwood resident Gerry Cooney will be on hand again this year to sign autographs and demonstrate his skills in the ring.

Rounding out the "Fanny Wood Day" itinerary will be a collection of educational exhibits, ranging from one on butterflies from the Jersey City Science Center to "Mad Science of Union County," a theatrical program for children and parents which combines science and fun. There will be displays of Fanwood Fire Department and Fanwood Volunteer Rescue Squad vehicles, as well as a scheduled rope walk exhibition by Boy Scout Troop No. 33 near the Millennium Clock at the intersection of South and Martine Avenues. In addition, "Fanny Wood" herself is expected to be there to greet visitors to the fair.

A 50/50 raffle is also planned, along with the raffling off of New Jersey Patriots tickets and sports memorabilia, Mr. Schembre revealed. Additionally, James and Barbara Vierschilling will be in attendance at the event to discuss and provide information on the bed-and-breakfast establishment they plan to open soon in a Dutch Colonial Revival home they own on North Avenue, opposite the Fanwood train station.

Proceeds from this year's festival will go toward the purchase of a pair of Victorian motif benches for the plaza where the Millennium Clock is located. The balance will go into a fund maintained by the Fanwood Downtown Revitalization Committee for future downtown improvements. With Tom Drubulis as Co-Chairman, the Fanny Wood Day Committee also includes Linda Caminiti, Police Chief Robert Carboy, Helen Ling, Director of Public Works Raymond Manfra, Robert McCarthy, Pamela and Peter Sayles, Tricia Scarlata and Ken Fischer.

Official Website: http://www.visitfanwood.com/fannywood/