Fanwood Recreation Commission Reviews Plans for Tomorrow's Party in the Park

The Fanwood Recreation Commission reviewed the final plans for Tuesday night's Party in the Park, a kick-off celebration for the borough's annual Movies in the Park program. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the event will feature rides, food, music, an outdoor screening of The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and a Mr.Fox-themed scavenger hunt. The first seventy children to participate are guaranteed prizes.

Tickets for rides cost the same as they did last year: two dollars per ride, and $10 for an unlimited-pass wristband. Hot dogs, pizza slices and ice cream will all be one dollar (ice cream was free in 2009). There will be an event sponsored by the US Sports Institute during the Party. Applications for the Fanwood 5k will be available, along with representatives from the Union County College summer programs.

 "The Party in the Park is always well attended, and it's a great kick-off for the Movies in the Park," said Joseph Valente, who is organizing the Fanwood 5k.

The U.S. Sports Institute, which hosts summer camps throughout the northeast, will provide staff to help run the event. But Recreation Commission director Bob Budiansky called for more volunteers to help sell food and tickets, and set-up the scavenger hunt.

The commission also discussed the status of sponsorships for the Fanwood Movies in the Park program. There are several different sponsorship programs available, including those that offer space on the commission's new inflatable screen. Several businesses have expressed interest, but none have committed to purchasing space, the board said.

For a full preview of the Party in the Park, as well as the Fanwood Business and Professional Association's classic car "Cruise Night," check back tomorrow morning. To contact the Fanwood Recreation Department to volunteer or sponsor an event, call 908-370-7092.