Camp Jefferson to celebrate Fall

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township Recreation Department will host its annual Fall Festival at Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p,m. This event and all activities are free to the public.

Confirmed entertainment will include music by DJ Earl Heller of Sound Solutions, Wisch-Craft Magic Shows at 10:30 am and at 12 noon, A Mad Science demonstration entitled “Halloween Fire and Ice” at 1 p.m., and Karen’s Pony Rides and Petting Zoo will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be daytime hayrides, a fall coloring activity, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin picking in the pumpkin patch, and the Camp Jefferson Corn Maze.

Information tables will be set up featuring the Police Department’s Community Services Unit, the N.J. Forest Fire Service, and the BD&W Model Train Club display. There also will be a special appearance by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and a night-time haunted hayride (nominal fee) throughout the spooky Camp Jefferson grounds.

Refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day with proceeds to benefit “Operation Camp Jefferson," a scholarship fund set up for needy families so their children can have a summer day camp experience next year. Members of the Jefferson Township Middle School Student Council and Red Cross Club will be volunteering at the refreshment table.

When approaching Camp Jefferson, please follow the directions of the volunteer parking attendants. Continuous shuttle service for overflow parking will be provided by the Township’s Dial-A-Ride vans to and from off-site locations at the the Board of Education’s Central Offices Building at 31 Route 181 and at Ellen T. Briggs Elementary School, 1 Jefferson Drive (off Espanong Road), both in Lake Hopatcong.

The festival will be host to several collections throughout the day. The Recreation Department will be taking food donations for the local pantries; Girl Scout Troop 747 will be collecting new or gently used pillow cases to make dresses for African children; and the Jefferson Township High School Soccer Association will be collecting clothing, shoes, accessories, household items, and toys. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Call the Recreation Department at 973-663-8404 for information about its Fall Festival events; log on to www.jeffersontownship.net, Departments, Recreation; or e-mail CPUNTURIERI@jeffersontownship.net.