COLTS NECK – Mother Nature smiled on the 25th Anniversary of the Colts Neck Country Fair. Unlike previous years, the only precipitation was one overnight, off-hours thunderstorm that caused no damage to the Bucks Mill Recreation Area fairgrounds.
The result was a five-year high attendance of some 6,000 visitors, not counting children under five who are admitted free and not counted. Judging by the high activity level at the “bounce house” attractions and pony rides, the toddler contingent was well-represented. Saturday night brought the biggest crowd, which overflowed the entertainment tent; there to see the Rock of Ages Band, led by the Tony-nominated star of the Broadway production and American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis.
Appearing and singing with Maroulis onstage was Colts Neck’s Barry Habib, an entrepreneur and producer of Rock of Ages. While name acts traditionally highlight Saturday night performances at the fair, the local connection was key in booking Maroulis’ performance.
“I play in a band and know Barry,” said fair Co-Chairman Larry Duffy. “He was good enough to step up and help our committee.” Fans gravitated to Maroulis as soon as he arrived, seeking photos and autographs. While he declined an interview, he told the Two River Times, “I’m very happy to be here” before his performance. Also taking the main stage during the four-day fair were Alex English, the Matt O’Ree Band, the Moroccan Sheepherders, Echos, Slim Chance and the Gamblers and a variety of student performers.
Costumed characters and clowns roamed the grounds, which included rides by Majestic Midways, a food court, vendors, pony rides, games, and a variety of continuous family-oriented attractions and performances. The first night featured fireworks. Other fair co-chairs were Anita and Emory Dedalis. Sunday’s highlight, the Great American Apple Pie Contest, saw Timothy Slisky of Marlboro win first place for his Apple Caramel Pecan Pie. Second Place went to Bob Deluca of Freehold for his Apple Crumb Pie. Colts Neck’s John Grabowski, a fair volunteer and long-time resident, came in third. Judges included Mayor James Schatzle. Winner of the Largest Tomato Contest was Vera Santucci of Colts Neck, whose tomato weighed in at 19.9 ounces. Both contests were sponsored by the Women’s Club of Colts Neck.
The “Volunteer of the Year” award was given to resident Vincent Maltese on behalf of all the volunteers who have worked on the fair committee during its 25-year history. Maltese was co-chairman of the first fair after the event was taken over from the fire department when it was known as the Firemen’s Fair, according to Colts Neck Recreation Director Thom Hennessy. Maltese received a plaque, while his co-chair from 25 years ago, Hank Meisner, was recognized with a proclamation at a recent Township Committee meeting. Hennessy said that on Sunday, the last day of the fair, a special award was given to Larry Duffy, “for all the years he has participated in the fair in a variety of capacities.” Hennessy noted that at its height, the Colts Neck Fair Committee had over 40 members. This year’s fair had a core committee of about a dozen volunteers, “with the same amount of work,” he said.
“There might not be a fair next year unless we can get some new, energetic people who can help with the planning and help get sponsors,” Anita Dedalis said. “People must understand if you like this event, you must step up.” Committee members acknowledged that local civic and youth groups are instrumental in the fair’s operation. Scouts, church groups, students, the fire department, members of the Parent-Teacher Association, Education Association, the Fire Department, First Aid Squad, police, and the business community volunteer time and services to make the fair safe and successful.
“Without the volunteers and sponsors, we’re just two people standing in an empty park,” Dedalis said. Long-time residents Hennessy, Phil Maida, and John Robinson have been volunteers throughout the fair’s 25 years. To get involved, visit www. coltsneckfair.com, or email coltsneckfair@aol.com.
Story by Laura D.C. Kolnoski • Photos by Rosemary Daniel
