End of summer bash! Weehawken hosts their annual field day celebration

Weehawken celebrated its end of summer bash at the new Weehawken Waterfront Recreation/ Park Complex on Wednesday, Aug. 20, with its annual Field Day event coordinated by the Recreation Department.

After a summer of contests, shows and numerous summer activities for the town kids, field day is the highlight of the end of the summer bringing everyone together for final blowout before school starts.

“We have games and contest with prizes and to end it around 8:30 we’re showing the movie Grease,” Kate McMahon, coordinator for the summer recreation program. “It’s a nice way to end the evening.”

Over 600 residents came to Field Day last Wednesday, which ran from 6 to 9 p.m., and ended with a screening of the movie Grease on the lawn of the complex.

“I’m eating a hot dog and I’m going to watch Grease,” said Tracy Kelly, 5.

“I think it’s beautiful down here. It’s so wonderful,” said Lori Kelly, Tracy’s mother. “This is our first time out here.”

Contests, games and free food

Families and neighbors munched on free hot dogs, watermelons and refreshments, while watching their kids play.

Among the many activities kids participated in was the hot dog eating contest, water balloon toss, potato sack races, and tug of war.

“I think I feel so full,” said Jorge Carrera, 8, who won first place in one of the hot dog eating contests. “I love hot dogs. I’m ready for another hot dog.”

“I’m eating a hot dog and I’m going to watch Grease,” said Tracy Kelly, 5.

“I think it’s beautiful down here. It’s so wonderful,” said Lori Kelly, Tracy’s mother. “This is our first time out here.”

Contests, games and free food

Families and neighbors munched on free hot dogs, watermelons and refreshments, while watching their kids play.

Among the many activities kids participated in was the hot dog eating contest, water balloon toss, potato sack races, and tug of war.

“I think I feel so full,” said Jorge Carrera, 8, who won first place in one of the hot dog eating contests. “I love hot dogs. I’m ready for another hot dog.”

“It’s great, like old fashioned field day,” said McMahon. “We have a soccer kick out, tee ball, home run derbies for the little ones, football throwing contests, three legged races, a water balloon toss, tug of war, belly bumpers, and potato sack races.”

Kids participating in the contests were between the ages of 4 to 15.

“Just look at the family oriented community we have,” said Stephanie Riveros, who was out enjoying the day with her two year old daughter Zamaya. “I grew up here in Weehawken and [I enjoy] just being able to socialize with everyone.”

For the traditional sport fanatics there were plenty of games including tee ball, football, and soccer.

“I came to hang out with my friends and I’m having a great time,” said Ricky Preslari, 18. “It’s really fun. I played foot ball with my baseball coach.”

Other field day favorites for the little ones were building blocks on the new field, and older kids enjoyed running into each other with the inflatable belly bumpers.

“We look like donuts,” said Neidelyn Pina, 10, who was colliding with her friend Erika Cardenas.

Great night out

“Field day has been going on for 15 years, as long as the [summer] contests have been going on,” said McMahon. “It’s a celebration for the children that participate in recreation all year long.”

Of course, field day was not just for kids. The above 15 years of age crowd had the chance to mingle and enjoy the cool summer evening.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Maria Rial. “I love living in Weehawken we get all types of events. I think it’s well organized and they think about the kids before anything else.”

“I think today’s event is excellent,” said Karl Halligan. “[These town events] show how community oriented Weehawken and the vision Mayor Turner has for the community.”

“Today is fantastic. We must have about 500 kids here,” said Mayor Richard Turner. “It’s a Class A night.”

Turner said that the new waterfront complex has allowed the town to expand on its annual field day celebration, and include more activities.

“Having this new waterfront facility makes its all bigger and better,” said Turner. “It’s a great town, it’s been a great summer, and it’s a great night.”

As the sun came down, the evening ended with the screening of the movie Grease. Families surrounded the inflatable jumbo screen and set up blankets and lawn chairs along the grass as they enjoyed complimentary popcorn.

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