FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 7/30/07

Contact: Regina Perry, Public Information Officer

               973-266-5339/Office

               973-449-4876/Cell

               973-395-8927/Fax

City of East Orange Second Annual Picnic

            EAST ORANGE, NJ, July 30, 2007-- The City of East Orange is still in the process of planning the Second Annual City-Wide Family Picnic.  Last year the event attracted well over 2,000 residents, and due to last year’s tremendous success, higher numbers of participation is expected for this year. In the planning process for the City-Wide Picnic, the City of East Orange Second Annual Picnic Committee solicited funds from business owners, and the owners of all multi dwelling buildings located in the City. “Many have responded with significant contributions”, said Catherine Willis the Picnic Committee Coordinator.

Mayor Bowser will present all the business and building owners who donated, with certificates of appreciation to place in the public areas of their buildings. Mayor Bowser said, “It is important for renters and those who support businesses in East Orange to know the landlords and business owners who care about their quality of life. If it were not for the generosity of the property owners and businesses in the community there is no way that the City could sponsor an event of this magnitude, with the activities, entertainment, and food all free of charge”.

            The Committee continues to solicit contributions and seek volunteers to assist with the days activities. Contributions can be forwarded to: The City of East Orange Division of Senior Services, 7 Glenwood Avenue Suite 107, East Orange, NJ 07017. Persons interested in volunteering may call 973-266-8832 and speak with Monique Swain for further information.

            The picnic will be held on Saturday, August 11^th from 10:00a.m to 6:00p.m.at Elmwood Park (corner Oak Street and Elmwood Avenue).  The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, August 12^th from 2:00-8:00 PM.  We are encouraging all East Orange residents to participate. The pool will be open for swimming along with the following activities:

10:00  -    2:00         Registration (for food/beverage tickets and activities)

10:00  -    4:00         Double Shot Basketball

10:30  -  12:30         Scavenger Hunt (Prizes for all age groups)

10:00  -    6:00         Trackless Train Ride

                                 Big Bounce

                                 Giant Slide

  11:00                OPENING CEREMONY--City Officials, Picnic Co-Sponsors, and Special Guests will be led to the entertainment stage by the Mark Turner African Drummers and Dancers for a brief program.

11:00  - 12:00           Arts & Crafts

  2:00  -   3:00           Arts & Crafts

12:00  -   4:00           Pony Rides

12:00  -   4:00           Clown Shows

12:00  -   4:00           Card Tournaments

12:00  -   3:00           Entertainment by various gospel and cultural artist

12:00  -   3:00           Food Court  (Hotdogs, Hamburgers, Corn, Fish, Beverages)

             12:00           Petting Zoo

               1:00           Karate Demonstration

               1:00           Drill Team Competition

               3:00           Local Talent Showcase

               4:00           Dance Contest

               4:00           Watermelon & Snow Cones

               5:00           Awards Ceremony

All Day                      Music by Ronnie DJ

This event is for East Orange residents only, and assured to be a great, fun-filled, family day for all! 

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