Families Pack LaGrande Park for Kickoff of Summer’s Party In The Park

(Fanwood, NJ) – A beautiful summer evening greeted a large turnout of Fanwood families who attended Thursday’s kick off of summer’s annual Party in the Park at LaGrande Park and the first weekly summer movie night.

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, and a scavenger hunt gave kids plenty of fun things to do during the party that ran from 6-8:30 pm followed by the movie. Adam Sackett of the Family Martial Arts Center in Scotch Plains returned to conduct a karate demonstration to the delight of the crowd.

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

The Party in the Park is the usual launch of the Fanwood summer movie series. Thursday’s feature was Zootopia 2. There will be a movie scheduled outdoors in LaGrande Park every Tuesday night beginning at dusk through August 11th.

Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwomen Patricia Walsh and Gina Berry were on hand to assist Recreation Commissioners in running the popular event along with the Department of Public Works crew, who kept the park clean, Fanwood Special Law Enforcement Officer Jack Ross and the Fanwood Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Adam Sackett of Family Martial Arts and his students perform a martial arts demonstration.

Recreation Director Bob Budiansky.

Kids having fun in the Bouncy House.

Recreation Commissioner Bruce Zacharin.

A child climbs the wall in the Child’s Play Challenge Course.

DJ John DiPalma of All State Entertainment keeps the music rocking.

The Fanwood Rescue Squad crew brought their rig for kids to see at Party in The Park.

Recreation Commissioner Neil Pierce grilling hot dogs for hungry children and their parents.

Dancing to the music.

Martial arts demonstration by a Family Martial Arts student.

Mayor Colleen Mahr with Recreation Commissioner Mike Lowenthal, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh, and Councilwoman Gina Berry.

Volunteers serving hot dogs and pizza to hungry families.

Steve Goldman of the Rotary Club of Fanwood and Scotch Plains and Councilwomen Patricia Walsh and Gina Berry selling tickets for rides at Party in The Park.