To Our Readers
Town and firemen’s fairs hold a special place in my heart. Growing up in Colts Neck, when we had an RFD Route, no police other than the occasional state patrol, and lots of horse farms, going to the fair behind the Colts Neck firehouse is a wonderful memory. Having attended Red Bank Catholic, the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair also was one of the highlights of the summer because so many of my school mates and dear friends lived in Fair Haven and Rumson and the surrounding towns that the fair draws from. Of course the beach and the boardwalks were the critical focus to teenage girls, as was shopping at Bambs and the movies, but the town/ fireman’s fairs were, well, special. There were bigger rides in Asbury and even Long Branch, and all the games on the boardwalks were such fun. Most are gone now, unfortunately, but the memory of the local fairs had something the boardwalk didn’t. Maybe it was the sense of community I so often bring up. Yes, we identify with the beach but living in Colts Neck at the time was almost akin to living in Pennsylvania, at least to the “train people” who came to RBC from Spring Lake and up the coast. It was pretty far out there for even the Rumson-Fair Haven crowd, but RBC brought us together. And, as a result, the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair was a must attend. It didn’t hurt that at the time Rumson-Fair Haven High School was our football archrival. We played Thanksgiving Day. Nothing was more important than that rivalry, well except basketball, and CBA was that archrival. Those are the bonds that hold us together and make the area rich with memories. As I grew older and had children, the St. Leo the Great Fair in Lincroft also now holds a special place in my heart because of the excitement it generated particularly for my younger son, but both really, and their friends. Despite loving the fairs, I have to admit to one irrational fear – Ferris wheels. It doesn’t matter the size. I’m not afraid of heights but when I get to the top of a Ferris wheel and the bucket starts swinging, my heart starts pumping way too fast. I love the romantic look of them, but that was the one ride I wouldn’t go on at any fair. Even with the kids. Silly, but true.
I was very happy to see a packed house in June at the St. Leo the Great Fair and equally pleased the Colts Neck Fair drew a huge crowd of 6,000 last weekend. I know this week, the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair will share equal success. But it’s important to remember how much work goes into preparing these often three day events and it’s more important to get involved. Colts Neck, celebrating its 25th anniversary (it was suspended for a while and started up again 25 years ago), is concerned it won’t continue much longer because of a lack of volunteers from the community. These fairs take a lot of planning. There are safety concerns, rides and games providers to coordinate, government regulations to meet and crowd control to manage. The list is endless, really, and all hands on deck are often required. So, if you enjoy the fairs, offer to help a bit. It’s all part of being a community.
Let’s Have Coffee!
Jody Calendar
Executive Editor/Co-Publisher
editor@tworivertimes.com
