MANALAPAN – The township’s annual community celebration, Manalapan Day, will welcome people of all ages to the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522, on June 10.
Manalapan Day will be held from 3-10 p.m. The Manalapan Arts Council (MAC) is organizing the event, which features free parking and free admission for all.
“For the first time, Manalapan Day will open early at 2 p.m. for families with small children to enjoy, including a free bounce house, a special time and perfect for parents with little kids,” MAC Chairman Marty Gelfond said.
Starting 3 p.m., the Manalapan Rec Center will officially open for Manalapan Day for seven hours of excitement.
There will be games, food, exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, local performers including the Manalapan High School cheerleaders, Buster from the Lakewood BlueClaws, musical acts and non-stop entertainment on two large stages, according to a press release.
Manalapan Day 2017 will be highlighted by a performance by Philadelphia rhythm and blues legends Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes.
Also highlighting the main stage will be the popular Manalapan music group Alter Ego, the steel pan ensemble The ManalaPANS, and Davia Echols, performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
A fireworks display will close the evening.
“On Manalapan Day the town gives back to our residents. With the help of our truly dedicated and phenomenal MAC volunteers, we are able to once again raise the bar,” Mayor Susan Cohen said.
“Come show your Manalapan spirit and see why Manalapan is a great place to live. This year’s sponsorships have far exceeded expectations and once again Manalapan Day entertainment is brought to the residents without using any taxpayer funds,” she said.
The master of ceremonies for Manalapan Day for the 10th consecutive year will be Tommy G, longtime New York and New Jersey radio personality and the afternoon host on WCTC-AM.
Tommy G will also host “Trivia with Tommy G” with WABC-AM reporter Jeff McKay at the main stage, giving guests chances to win prizes, according to the press release.
In the event of rain, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes will perform at Manalapan High School, Church Lane. There are 1,000 seats in the auditorium that will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Free parking is available at the Manalapan Recreation Center, entering on Route 522 near Taylors Mills Road; at the municipal complex across Route 522 from the recreation center; and at Temple Beth Shalom on Route 522, a short distance from the recreation center, after 12:30 p.m.
Parking locations with free shuttle bus service to Manalapan Day are Manalapan High School and the Covered Bridge 1 clubhouse. For more information, visit www.mtnj.org
