Hackettstown Fiesta Offers Multi-Cultural Celebration

Posted on April 26, 2007 3:49 pm

What do Korean violinists, East Indian dancers, and soccer players have in common? They're all part of the Hackettstown Fiesta, a multi-cultural celebration that will be held throughout the town’s business district Satuday, May 5 from noon to 5 p.m.

Co-sponsored by the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) and Trinity United Methodist Church, Hackettstown Fiesta also offers a free, guided trolley tour throughout the town, bringing visitors through the business district and to and from the Spring Festival grounds behind Centenary College.

BID Executive Director David M. Rucki says the Fiesta has something for just about everyone.

"Trinity United Methodist Church has, for several years, offered a multi-cultural event that celebrates our diverse community as it offers an afternoon of entertainment and refreshments," he said. "The BID offered to partner with this program in order to expand its audience and help drive foot traffic through the business district during Spring Festival weekend when the streets are typically quiet."

"In an effort to participate in the Spring Festival sponsored by the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce, we’re offering a free, guided trolley tour from 11 am  to 6 pm that not only offers transportation to the fair grounds but also takes riders throughout the business district."

Trolley stops are scheduled on Main Street at Hackettstown Ford, between The Canine Cafe and Ken's Corner Cafe, and in the Skylands Community Bank parking lot on Mountain Avenue.

In addition to the BID's free trolley and multi-cultural activities sponsored by the church, merchants will offer sidewalk sales, discount sales, and piñatas for customers to explore.

"We're excited about this opportunity to showcase our local merchants during a time when thousands of people are coming into town for Spring Festival," he continued. "It's important to the BID and its business community that visitors see everything Hackettstown has to offer. The special activities and entertainment being offered by Trinity United Methodist Church add an exciting level of interest to our downtown."

Activities planned in front of Trinity (inside Starr Hall if it rains) and at the gazebo on Main Street include Trinity UBS Fiesta Singers, East Korean dancers, Korean violinists, Mary Taylor and the Big Daddy Band, Spanish dancers, Dover UMC Praise Team, Afro-Cuban percussion ensemble, Hackettstown Community Band, America Troupe, Classic Ballroom dance demonstrations; soccer, karate, and martial art demonstrations; The Heritage Clothesline Project,  "What in the World" shop, "World Tour" at Sunrise School, and Cocqui storytelling and piñatas.

Popcorn and candy will be available for all. Presenting sponsor is K. Hovnanian and trolley sponsor is Warren County Community College. Additional sponsorship has been made available by Skylands Community Bank.