Rain Doesn’t Stop Fanwood’s “Party in the Park”

It takes more than a little rain to scare away Fanwood and Scotch Plains residents from having a good time, as evidenced by the turn out at Tuesday night’s “Party in the Park” summer film series kick-off.

Despite a slight rain delay, dozens of kids, parents, and movie buffs of all ages showed up at La Grande Park, ready for popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, lemonade, ices, ice cream—and a free showing of WALL•E.

An inflatable obstacle course, clown-shaped jumping machine, and Eco-Robot Building Contest were among the activities offered, but the run-away hit of the night was the Corn-on-the-Cob Eating Contest. Each contestant was given a single ear of corn, and the fastest eaters won a free piece of candy. Kernels flew all over the place, cobs were spun, tilted, and twisted, and at the end of the evening, 10 winners were announced.

Justin D’Angelo, 7, of Scotch Plains, triumphed in the 5 to 7-year-old category. A three-way tie for first place concluded the 8 to 9-year-old category, with Briana McGowan and Rock Valian, both 8 and from Fanwood, and Scotch Plains resident Madison Coleman, 9, coming out as the winners.

In the 10 to 12-year-old group, Jack Valian, 11, from Fanwood, and four Scotch Plains residents tied for first place: Samantha Miccio, 12, Lea Kronstiner, 11, Britney Coleman, 10, and Francesca DiFabio, 10.

The competition was fierce in the “Adult” category. Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr gave several locals a run for their money, but in the end, first place was awarded to Colin Mahr, the mayor’s two-year-old son.

Several Scotch Plains Fanwood High School students were also present, selling candy and accepting donations for their “Amnesty International Save Darfur Coalition.”

“I just felt bad that not everyone could make it because of the rain,” said Willie Green, treasurer of the Fanwood Recreation Commission. “The Corn-on-the-Cob contest was great, though, and I think everyone—even the adults—enjoyed it. We’re here trying to provide a service because we need to have some fun in all this rain.”

Unfortunately, not all of the events planned were able to take place due to the bad weather. The new, 16-foot-wide inflatable screen that was purchased last fall for this summer film festival had to remain under wraps. Instead, WALL•E was projected onto the side of the park building as in previous years.

“Because of the rain, we had to condense everything into a smaller space than we had planned, and we didn’t have enough room for the new screen with all the other inflatables,” said Bob Budiansky, director of the Fanwood Recreation Commission. “Hopefully we’ll be able to use the screen next week. Right now, I’m really happy that we were able to get a break in the weather and so many people were willing to risk the elements to come out and enjoy the party. Congrats to all of the Corn-on-the-Cob contest winners. I admire their fortitude and perseverance!”

Fanwood’s Summer Movie Festival continues every Tuesday night through August 18.

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Fanwood Free Movie Festival

Tuesdays at dusk (8:30pm in June and 8pm toward the end of August)

Rain date on Wednesdays

La Grande Park, Fanwood

*Bring your own blanket or low beach chair

Schedule:

6/30     WALL•E (rated G)

7/7       Horton Hears a Who! (rated G)

7/14     Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (rated G)

7/21     Kung Fu Panda (rated PG)

7/28     Beverly Hills Chihuahua (rated PG)

8/4       Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (rated PG) 

8/11     Bedtime Stories (rated PG)

8/18     Bolt (rated PG)

For more information: http://www.fanwoodrecreation.org or call 370-7092.