Within the 35 square miles of Edison Township lie 9,000 businesses bordered by Route 1, Route 27 and Oak Tree Road.
Approximately 350 businesses are part of the Edison Chamber of Commerce.
Patrons of those businesses are from a variety of sectors, such as residents, employees of large companies lake Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center, sporting events like softball tournament and cricket, attendees at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, PSE&G employees, real estate developers, and those working on road and infrastructure projects, according to Joseph Coyle, Edison Township council member and president of the Edison Chamber of Commerce.
The focus of the chamber is to keep the township thriving. As such, the chamber has partnered with the nonprofit Edison Community Beautification to develop a schedule of community and music events that are open to the public.
In June, the Edison chamber launched Mayor Thomas Lankey’s summer music series every Wednesday night on the corner of Amboy Avenue and Third Street to provide free entertainment for residents from 5-8 p.m.
There is live music and a local artist and artisan vendor market known as “Meet Your Neighbors Monday” under the commercial tent at 926 Amboy Ave.
On-site food options have included food trucks such as Cousins Maine Lobster and the Mexi-Boys, an ice cream cart, specialty items like quiche and vegan entrees from local chef Raphi Victus and the Coffee House.
There is table seating for diners and shoppers, or guests can bring a chair.
Adjacent businesses in the Clara Barton section of town have been doing their part to entice attendance with menu specials, according to Melissa Peterson.
On Wednesdays, the summer music series continues from 5-8 p.m. on the corner of Amboy Avenue and Third Street. A closed section of street provides table seating and ample room for guests to bring chairs while taking in a full band performance, Peterson said.
There are $5 food specials for takeout from Ruby’s Kitchen, Nick’s Meat Depot and Fratelli’s Pizza Café, and the Coffee House sells soft drinks and ice cream.
In addition to hosting the market, the “big tent” will be the new home to the town’s annual Beer and Wine Festival and a fall farmers market is set to launch in October, Peterson said.
Also planned for the fall are the Edison Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf outing and the 2021 Taste of Middlesex.
A car show and holiday event planning are also underway.
“This is all a continuation of our program to bring neighbors together and have a good time,” Coyle said. “It’s a great opportunity for folks to come down to Clara Barton, grab a bite to eat and be entertained.”
Visit www.edisonchamber.com or follow @downtonclarabarton on Instagram for updated event information, or email edisonchamberartandmusic@gmail.com
