250 celebration

Considering all the things they close down Main Street for, you would think something for America 250 would qualify. But I don't think so.

Kind of lame if you ask me.

Route 46
2 weeks ago

Blame it on the annoying Lori in the BID office who needs to be replaced already. All of these stupid promotions that close down Main Street but nothing for the Fourth of July? Previous BID directors were much better and time for new BID leadership.

magnomustgo
2 weeks ago

I respectfully disagree with MacGoo and magnomustgo. I don't believe this relates to either politics or any one individual. Society has changed. Years ago service oriented organizations like the Eagles, Kiwanis, Lions, Moose and Rotary had large memberships. Volunteer organizations like fire departments and rescue squads had many volunteers to answer calls when needed. Now, virtually every one of them have the "help wanted" sign out. Some local clubs have merged in order to survive. One local rescue squad found it necessary to cease operations due to lack of volunteer members.
I fear that too many people have compartmentalized their lives and many live on their cell phones rather than commit to doing good for their community or neighbor. Don't get me wrong - a lot of people do a lot of good things. However that does not always translate into devoting time to volunteer organizations as mentioned above.
Yes, there are many fund raising events that help people with specific needs. But again, these events are often organized by small core groups of hard working individuals. The events are attended by large numbers of entrants who pay their entry fee, participate for a short time, get their free tee shirt and go home.
Years ago there were huge firemen's parades. No more. Hackettstown used to host huge Memorial Day parades and spectators standing 3 or 4 deep along Main Street, We now see smaller parades and fewer spectators. More importantly, the most important Memorial Day ceremonies at Union Cemetery use to draw a crowd lining both side of the river. Sadly, these ceremonies devoted to honoring those veterans who gave their lives to protect our freedom are now too sparsely attended.
Hackettstown, like most communities has witnessed a change in demographics. America has always seen similar changes. However, I do wish that more of our recent immigrant population would become more community oriented, participate and volunteer. The same goes for all of the new residents of our town, not just ethnic groups.
Lastly, criticism was leveled at the Hackettstown B.I.D. and it's director which is unfair. They are not in existence to provide entertainment or organize holiday events as such. Read the B.I.D. mission statement: "The primary goal of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District is to improve the economic potential of each and every business that is located within the district. By providing a clean, safe, attractive business district that meets the needs of residents, customers, owners, and employees, the Business Improvement District promotes Hackettstown as a desirable location to visit and invest."
I have vented.

wondering
2 weeks ago

What 4th of July promotions existed in years past, mango?
What other towns with similar demographics and geography are thriving? What are they doing differently?
Because no one is believing a SINGLE PERSON on a town's chamber of commerce-esque committee is responsible for falling foot traffic and consumer engagement of brick and mortar businesses.

Illo
1 week ago