Harvest Fest to benefit the Growing Stage

MOUNT OLIVE — The Growing Stage — The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey will hold its second annual Harvest Fest fundraising event on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6 until 9 p.m. at the Morris Crossroads Corporate Campus (the former North American headquarters of BASF), 3000 Continental Drive, Mount Olive.

All are invited to attend this magical evening of gourmet food, fine wines and specialty beers, live performances, and exciting prizes.

The event features wine and beer tastings from more than 20 vendors, as well as gourmet tastings from fine local restaurants including Perona Farms, the Black Forest Inn, Fanucci’s Café and Gelato Bar, Krave Café, Shakey Jake’s, Andre’s Restaurant, Café Pierrot, Rose’s Place, and Bell’s Mansion. In addition, celebrity chef Sal Scognamillo of the renowned Patsy’s Italian Restaurant in midtown Manhattan will be on hand to greet guests and sign copies of his cookbook with all proceeds of that book being donated back to The Growing Stage.

A deluxe basket raffle held throughout the event will add to the fun. Highlighting the evening will be live professional entertainment by The Growing Stage cast of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

RoNetco Supermarkets and ShopRite Wines and Spirits are Grand Event sponsors of Harvest Fest. Tickets are now on sale for $75 per person (or $250 for a party of four), and must be purchased in advance. Attendees must be 21 or older.

All proceeds from the event benefit both the mission of The Growing Stage and the continued restoration of its home — the historic Palace Theatre. The Growing Stage is a professional, non-profit performing arts company dedicated to theatre for young audiences and families. The company provides distinctive arts programming for children and families including Main Stage productions, classes and educational workshops at the Palace, along with touring productions and residencies statewide. The Growing Stage begins its 33rd Main Stage season with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, with performances running Oct. 3 through Oct. 26. Fundraising events such as Harvest Fest help The Growing Stage keep its professional programs affordably priced for schools and families throughout the region.

In conjunction with Harvest Fest, The Growing Stage is holding a raffle to benefit its artistic and educational programs for young people. Three prizes will be awarded: a $2,500 ShopRite gift card; four tickets to the 2014 Radio City Music Hall Holiday Spectacular, plus dinner at Casa Bella in Denville and limousine service to and from New York City (total package value $1625); and a Luna Americana series AMT 100 dreadnought acoustic electric guitar with accessories (total package value $499.99).

Raffle tickets are $10 each, and may be purchased weekdays at the historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, or by calling 973-347-4946. The drawing will be held at Harvest Fest on Oct. 23, but winners need not be present.

To purchase tickets for Harvest Fest or for more information, visit www.growingstage.com or call 973-347-4946.