Temperatures in the 90s did not deter music enthusiasts and families from turning out for Fanwood FanJam, on Sunday, May 14 at La Grande Park. The event, held from 11 am to 7 pm, featured live bands, food trucks, a Kids’ Zone and a Beer Garden sponsored this year by Crossroads of Garwood.
Throughout the day the stage, located under shade trees just off the main ballfield at LaGrande, featured the bands Higher Ground, playing rock, blues, gospel, and country music; The Funktion Band, playing SouSl, Funk and Pop music; Christina & The Gents, which plays rock, metal and pop music, and Back 2 Mack, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band.
FanJam also included over 20 food vendors, vendors selling goods and services and crafts, a Kids Zone area with rides and attractions, and classic cars which lined Helen Street, 2nd Street, and LaGrande Avenue.
Fanwood Memorial Library trustees handed out flyers on the opening of the new library in the fall.
Councilwomen Patricia Wash and Erin McElroy Barker greeted the crowd. The Fanwood Public Works kept the park clean of trash, while police patrolled the event. The Fanwood Rescue Squad was there with a table along with their ambulances.
Master of ceremonies was local comedian and impresario Marklyn “MisterDirect” Johnson.
FanJam is an event of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Family Investors Company.
Sunday’s event was interrupted by afternoon showers, which delayed the music for a half hour, but attendees stuck around under vendor tents and the park’s pavilion until the music continued.
Thanks to the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Fanwood resident Aimee Nuzzo for continually putting on this event and the main event sponsor, Family Investors Company.