Fanwood, NJ) – Fanny Wood Day was held under sunny skies Sunday, attracting thousands to Downtown Fanwood. The event featured hundreds of vendors including food trucks, kids’ activities, a petting zoo, a Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife show, a DJ as well as live music featuring local bands throughout the day.
The opening ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance led by World War ll veteran Joe Schott (103 years old), and the singing of God Bless America by Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student Arielle Soloman. Borough Council members Erin McElroy Barker, Gina Berry, Anthony Carter, and Jeff Banks were on hand for the opening ceremony along with Fanny Wood Day emcee Bruce Zakarin of the Fanwood Recreation Commission, now in his 17th year as the event’s organizer. Pat Hoynes is the co-organizer of the event.
Emcee and Recreation Commissioner Bruce Zakarin with World War II veteran Joe Schott (103 years old), Councilman Anthony Carter, SPFHS student Arielle Soloman, Councilwoman Gina Berry, and Councilman Jeff Banks.
Joe Schott leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
SPFHS student Arielle Soloman sings the National Anthem.
The event, held along South and Martine Avenues, included a Kids Area sponsored by the Fanwood –Scotch Plains YMCA at the South Avenue train station parking lot. The Kids Area featured inflatable rides, a petting zoo and pony rides. Members of the Fanwood Rescue Squad, Fire and Police Departments were also on hand.
This child goes airborne on one the rides in the Kids Zone area at the South Avenue train station parking lot.
WrestlePro returned for a third straight year and attracted large crowds as wrestlers held a Meet and Greet. Five wrestling matches were featured to the delight of the crowd, especially children, as wrestlers went airborne and crashed down their opponents on the wrestling ring floor.
A wrestler is flipped airborne and out of the ring.
Also featured was a water balloon toss, bubble gum blowing contest and a spaghetti and meatball eating contest.
Fanny Wood Day sponsors included Fabio’s Bistro, Unity Bank, The YMCA, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Dental Care, the Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife Center, Fresh & Co., K9 Resorts, Carano Square, SoHo, and the Union County Board of Commissioners.
Emcee and Recreation Commissioner Bruce Zakarin.
Vendor tents as scene from the Martine Avenue bridge.
Vendors along Martine Avenue.
The Fanwood Fire Department had handouts for kids.
Fanwood Police officers Jeff Yosurack, Kyle Rajcevic, Lt. Dan Kranz and Sgt. Dan Piccola.
Fanwood Rescue Squad ambulance at Fannywood Day.
Fanwood Rescue Squad EMTs Riley Yau and Adam Kern in their rig at Fannywood Day
A petting zoo was popular with kids.
Kids take part in one of several activities at the main stage.
Councilwoman Gina Berry at the Real Hot Yoga vendor table.
Hungry Fanny Wood Day attendees at the Greek Gyros food truck.
Inflatables in the Kids Area at the South Avenue Train Station lot.
A line builds for an inflatable ride in the Kids Area at the South Avenue Train Station lot.
This child gets a ride on a pony.
Food trucks along South Avenue.
Vendors along South Avenue as seen from the train station walking bridge.
A Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife show was a new feature this year at Fanny Wood Day.
A representative from Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife shows the crowd a close up look at one of their reptiles.
WrestlePro featured five matches that was popular with kids and adults alike.
Two wrestlers battle it out to the delight of the crowd.
Two wrestlers battle it out in the ring.
WrestlePro matches drew a large crowd at Fanny Wood Day.
Two wrestlers battle it out in the ring.
Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker, Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell and former Councilwoman Donna Dolce.
Mayor Colleen Mahr with County Commissioner Al Mirabella, Councilwoman Gina Banks and Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell.
