The Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that a good time is in store for all who visit the 47th Annual Metuchen Country Fair, which is scheduled for October 2, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with raindates of October 9, 16 & 23. Each year the committee chooses a new theme, with this year’s theme being “Countries of the World”.
Thousands of visitors will fill the four-block area on Main Street enjoying a variety of food selections and a feast for the eyes, with two hundred booths competing in a booth-decorating contest to reflect this year’s theme. Homemade crafts, face painting, and games of chance or skill will add to the fun.
When visiting the fair this year, be sure to stop by the Metuchen Public Library where the Friends of the Library will be hosting a book sale offering real bargains on great books.
In keeping with tradition, the Metuchen High School Marching Band will start the day with the National Anthem, followed by musical selections from their repertoire. In addition, Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre, St. Joseph High School’s musical ensemble, Metuchen Dance Centre, Black Belt Institute including the Kung Fu Lion Dance, Ms. Doreen’s Fabulous Feet, Strauss Performing Arts, and the Forum Theatre, will entertain spectators throughout the day. This year’s entertainment will also feature a local band, “The Spidermonkeys”, performing classic rock and blues.
For the second year, this event will also serve as a Community Food Drive. Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of canned or packaged goods to help replenish the supply of food for the local food pantries that service Metuchen and Edison residents. There is an urgent demand for emergency food at this time. Our goal is to help replenish the supply of food so that all local residents in need have access to nutritious foods and necessities. For additional information about the type of items that will be collected, visit our website (www.metuchenchamber.com). The following booths will serve as drop off locations for your donations: Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce, Metuchen Savings Bank, Metuchen Rotary Club, and the YMCA Corporate Office.
The Annual Metuchen Country Fair was started by community leader Marty Jessen as an outgrowth of the New Jersey 300th Anniversary Celebration in 1964 and continues to be a very special day in Metuchen. It gives us all a chance to visit with friends and neighbors we may not have seen in a long time, and it shows out-of-towners what a very unique town Metuchen is. Mr. Jessen, Ms. Katherine Liseno, and employees of the Metuchen Savings Bank, work as a team, arriving early in the day to prepare Main Street for the two hundred booths that are made available to charitable, religious, political and social groups from Metuchen and the surrounding area. For many of these groups, the fair serves as a major fundraising opportunity. It is also open to members of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce.
Monetary prizes of first, second, third place and honorable mention will be awarded to participants for originality and execution of theme, as well as special youth group awards. One of the prizes will be a plaque awarded to the Chamber member who “contributes the most to the spirit of the Fair.”
This special event provides Metuchenites and visitors with a feeling of togetherness and a sense of pride in tradition. It serves as a reminder why Metuchen should be your “destination” for shopping, dining and professional services.
For more information about the 47th Annual Metuchen Country Fair, call the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce at 732-548-2964 or visit our website: www.metuchenchamber.com.