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Street fair celebrates Vernon businesses

| 10 Sep 2018 | 04:12
    On right, Cole Benkendorf - Harry Potter - shoots silly string at Captain America - Nathan Fitch - on left, while a little boy plays with Potter's wand.
    On right, Cole Benkendorf - Harry Potter - shoots silly string at Captain America - Nathan Fitch - on left, while a little boy plays with Potter's wand.
    Ziegler Dance Centre dancers leap for an audience.
    Ziegler Dance Centre dancers leap for an audience.
    PHOTOS BY VERA OLINSKIThe Vernon community enthusiastically turns out for the Vernon Street Fair and Farmers Expo.
    PHOTOS BY VERA OLINSKIThe Vernon community enthusiastically turns out for the Vernon Street Fair and Farmers Expo.
    Ziegler Dance Centre dancers practice before their demonstration.
    Ziegler Dance Centre dancers practice before their demonstration.
    Cinderella - Rylee Smaldone - gives a wand to a little girl on left.
    Cinderella - Rylee Smaldone - gives a wand to a little girl on left.
    Healthy Thymes provides healthy food at the Vernon Street Fair.
    Healthy Thymes provides healthy food at the Vernon Street Fair.
    Vernon Valley Karate Academy students spar.
    Vernon Valley Karate Academy students spar.

VERNON — A vibrant community flowed through Vernon Main Street, Sept. 8, at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce Vernon Street Fair and Farmers Expo.
Vernon Township High School Theater program students portrayed well-loved characters, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Cinderella, and Harry Potter, bringing wholesome fun for area children.
Harry Potter — Cole Benkendorf — shot silly string from aerosol cans at Captain America — Nathan Fitch — while little boys pointed Potter's wand at Captain's shield.
Other children squealed as enormous bubbles floated from a gigantic fish net dipped in liquid soap buckets, courtesy of EaZy Bubbles, while other little ones bounced in a nearby bouncy house.
Robert Cassanelli was surrounded by his handsomely crafted walking sticks, which he had busily carved.
Both Republican and Democratic Committees attended; and Sussex County Freeholder candidates Dawn Fantasia (R) and Patrick Curreri (D) met and greeted residents.
Dignitaries Mayor Harry Shortway and Vernon Township Council President Jean Murphy also attended.
New competitions and prizes were introduced this year: Corn-on-the-Cob eating contests, Donuts on a String, Face the Cookie contest, and Anything Pumpkin Recipe contest. Cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50, along with Vernon Valley Farm honorable mention egg dozens were awarded to recipe winners.
Christ Community Church Pastor Michael Rojas won first place in the Corn-on-the Cob eating contest – eating two ears of corn in 42 seconds.
Ziegler Dance Centre and Vernon Valley Karate Academy provided demonstrations.
Volunteer organizations, including the McAfee Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary, Glenwood Ambulance, and Vernon Township Ambulance Squad attended.
Sue's House tasty fudge and Russo Brothers' fresh hot Zeppoles were enjoyed by residents, along with other food choices.
Vernon Chamber of Commerce Vice President Jennifer Hopper said, all the contests were new and exciting, with community sponsors making them possible: Vernon Valley Farm, Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Acme, and Stephanie Scilingo Insurance, along with the Vernon Women's Club helping host and judge the recipe contest.
She added, they had sold out all 62 booth spaces a few months ago, with enthusiastic return and new vendors. In addition, they had teamed up with the Vernon Township Recreation Director Mishelle Downtain and Whiskey Crossing to coordinate the music line-up for the day-long community concert.
As a result, she said, everything led to one nice community event, as more and more organizations work together and support the community.