Hardyston Day attracts large crowd, despite rain

HARDYSTON — The intermittent rain did not put a damper on the exciting happenings on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Hardyston Township Sports and Recreation Center.

Jacks Travelling Petting and Pony Farm from Kinnelon provided the petting zoo that had baby goats, llamas, pony rides, roosters, chickens and a cow. The children had fun playing with the animals. "It makes him happy to see the children enjoy themselves,” Jack said.

Doris and Roy Bouckenooghe, a couple that came from Milford, Pa., said they saw the advertisement in the Pike County Courier for Hardyston Day.

Gail Koch said she “came to support the local police and fire department.” They had music playing by the Kootz Band, while Sandy and Irene Engel from Vernon were dancing and having fun.

There were live performances from students of Master Ken’s Extreme Martial Arts Center in Hamburg, as well as some very talented performers from Dance Expressions Dance Art in Hamburg.

As you made your way to the other side of field you can see Eddy Miller, the owner of EaZy Bubbles, entertaining children and adults with his huge bubble machine. There also was face painting by Bellafaccia Face Painting, a balloon-making clown, inflatable bouncing houses, and great food ranging from meatball sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, root beer floats, and funnel cakes provided by “The Scoop” Company.

Mayor Carl Miller, Township Manager Marianne Smith and the Township Council came out to enjoy the festivities.

Officer Ed O’Rourke of the Hardyston Township Police Dept. volunteered to sit in a dunk tank to raise money for the Police Benevolent Association.

Due to the cancellation of the fireworks on Hardyston Day, Hardyston will host a Fall Family fun night on Friday Sept. 25, from 6-8 pm, with the Kootz Band performing and fireworks to follow at the pavilion.