(Fanwood, NJ) – A beautiful summer evening greeted Fanwood families who turned out for Wednesday’s kick off of summer with the annual Party in the Park at LaGrande Park following Tuesday’s postponement due to rain.

Inflatables including a bouncy house and slide, a child’s play challenge course along and a fitness fun wheel, presented by the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, gave kids plenty of fun things to do. Adam Sackett, of the Family Martial Arts Center in Scotch Plains, returned to conduct a karate demonstration to the delight of the crowd who watched.

Kids play in the Bouncy House.

The event featured music by DJ John DePalma of All Star Entertainment and plenty of food as members of the Fanwood Recreation Commission dished out hot dogs, pizza and cold drinks. Bruce Zacharin of the Recreation Commission was the Master of Ceremonies, assisting Recreation Director Bob Budiansky.

Recreation Commission member Bruce Zakarin welcomes families to Party in The Park.

The Party in the Park is the usual launch of the Fanwood summer movie series. Wednesday’s feature was The Wild Robot. There will be a movie scheduled outdoors in LaGrande Park every Tuesday night at dusk through August 19th.

Thanks to the Recreation Commission, Department of Public Works, Fanwood Police and Rescue Squad and Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwomen Erin McElroy Barker and Gina Berry for participating.

Mayor Colleen Mahr, Recreation Director Bob Budiansky, Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker, Councilwoman Gina Berry, Recreation Commission member Bruce Zakarin at Party in The Park, and Lt. Dan Kranz, Officer in Charge of the Fanwood Police Department.
American Water representatives were available to answer questions on their projects.
Recreation Director Bob Budiansky announces rules for the scavenger hunt.
Working the food cash table.
Grilling hot dogs for a hungry crowd.
Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker and Lt. Dan Kranz, Officer in Charge of the Fanwood Police Department.
Mayor Colleen Mahr poses for a photo with these young ladies.
Adam Sackett of the Family Martial Arts Center in Scotch Plains leads his students in a martial arts demonstration in front of the Party In The Park crowd.
A student of the Family Martial Arts Center gives a martial arts demonstration with his instructor Adam Sackett.
Family Martial Arts Center students line up for a demonstration.
Fanwood Rescue Squad members were available for tours of their rig.
This youngster gets some help in spinning the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA fitness wheel.
This youngster gets some help in spinning the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA fitness wheel.
This child climbs the wall with some help from staff.
Crawling through the obstacle course.


Kids enjoy popping balloons at this Party in The Park attraction.

Mayor Colleen Mahr and Councilwoman Gina Berry pose for a photo.

Kids line up to sign up for the scavenger hunt.
DJ John DePalma of All Star Entertainment.
Recreation Director Bob Budiansky, Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker, Councilwoman Gina Berry, Mayor Colleen Mahr and Recreation Commission member Bruce Zakarin at Party in The Park.