The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people filled downtown New Providence on South Street as they shopped, ate and enjoyed the town’s Second Annual Street Fair.  

The event, which was jam packed with families, young children and vendors, was sponsored by the New Providence Business and Professional Association. The NPBA is a group of merchants and professionals working to make the town the premiere place for family and shopping. According to the organization’s website, their mission is to support and give back to the New Providence community.

The family-oriented street festival will offer attractions for everyone including a “Kid Friendly Art Tent,” kiddie rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, food, such as sausage and pepper sandwiches, hot dogs, shish-k-bobs, as well as offerings from local food establishments. Street vendors also sold unique items at great prices and local non-profit organizations offered contests and games. The South Street Stage featured known artists as well as local talent of all ages including singers, dancers, bands and karate and gymnastic demonstrations.

For many families this was a great way to meet new people and get acclimated to the area. Melissa Hendricks and her family recently moved to Summit from Norfolk, Va., and heard about the festival through the local newspaper. Hendricks told the Alternative Press, this was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon because it allowed her family to meet new people in the community.

“I think it’s great. The kids are enjoying the animals,” Hendricks said as her 5-year-old son Max and her 2-year-old daughter Madeline fed the animals.   

Fellow newcomers to the area are the Fennessy’s, who recently relocated to New Providence after living the past two years in California. Jill Fennessy said after moving here only a week ago, their realtor suggested they attend the street fair because it would be a lot of fun.

While they made it only halfway through the fair before their daughter 7-year-old daughter Kate asked to get a tattoo on her arm, the intoxicating aroma of the food was drawing them in, she said. As soon as she was done, they were definitely going to grab a bite to eat and take in the rest of the fair, she said.  It really is a great way to feel welcome in the neighborhood, Fennessy said.  

“She’s in awe. There’s all kind of stuff and great things for kids to do here,” she said.

There were many vendors at the event selling various things and one of them was JAG physical therapy. JAG, which has five locations throughout the state, helps not only sports related injuries, but helps anyone that needs physical therapy. While it is their first time at the fair, JAG representatives Jenifer Boules and Marleiz Maglei agreed it’s a cool event.      

“It’s pretty fun. It is a good time,” Boules said.

The Newcomers Club of Summit, New Providence and Berkley Heights was also there to welcome new families into the community.  The group holds monthly events for couples, moms, playgroups, book discussions and many other events. It isn’t just for new residents, it’s more of a social gathering, said Sara Lerner a member of the group.

“It’s really a great way for us to advertise and have new people hear about us,” Lerner said. “It’s just a great way to meet new people in our new area.”

 So far, many people had signed up for the organization and Lerner anticipated more registering throughout the day.