The smells of Italian, Indian, Japanese, Irish, and American food commingled in the air and commuters from the nearby PATH station headed straight for booming music a week ago Tuesday. The eighth Annual Newport Beach Party officially began at 5 p.m., sponsored by the University of Phoenix and by the nearby Newport residential development on Jersey City’s waterfront.
The Newport Town Square came alive with the laughter and screams of young children. Within half an hour of the start time, the crowd, estimated at 2,000, had grown so large that one could barely walk through the central promenade.
Local restaurants offering refreshments included Komegashi Too, Dorrian’s, Raaz, Fire & Oak, Boca Grande, Bertucci’s, Confucius, Babo, and Cosi.
“It’s very international here, and there are lots of young families.” – Christina Ang
________
Just moved here
Christina Ang sat on the northwest lawn of the square with her 6-year-old son Asher and 2-year-old daughter Ashley. As she blew bubbles at her running children, the newly-minted Newport community member – they’d just moved from Boston three months ago – said she’d heard about the party from the fliers posted throughout her building.
She liked a lot of the Newport restaurants featured at the party, especially Komegashi Too’s Japanese offerings. More generally, she liked how the party reflected the character of the Newport community.
“It’s very international here, and there are lots of young families,” said Ang.
Jeff and Miriam Burt, 10-year residents of Jersey City who currently live in nearby Hamilton Park, brought their 4-year-old daughter Penelope to the party. Young Penelope was initially disappointed that there wasn’t a real beach, but as she bopped along to the cheery music, she seemed perfectly happy to soak in the warm weather. Her parents were similarly content.
“We basically live here,” said Jeff, looking over Newport’s various offerings. The family liked Newport’s collection of restaurants, as well as its easy access to the waterfront. Both Jeff and Miriam agreed that they felt Jersey City could use more relaxed events like this, and felt that there were few public entertainment options in the area beyond ethnic parades.
A boy and his rabbit
Most of the beach party’s attendees seemed to be there not so much for the food as they were to meet each other.
For 10-year-old Newport resident Harold Johnson, the crowds themselves were the main draw, but not just for the sense of community. He’d brought along Cali, a new professional associate – and California Dwarf rabbit.
Johnson, a magician – one of approximately 20 in Jersey City – was out “bonding” his rabbit amongst the crowds, building a rapport between the animal and himself as well as instilling comfort around large groups of people.
The laid-back atmosphere of the beach party was great prep for future performances, and a loose leash allowed Cali to interact with eager children. But for the most part, Johnson kept Cali close, nuzzling his neck as the two sunned and strolled.
Average age of 31
The swelling crowds and easy atmosphere of the beach party showed a community eager for more outlets. It’s not surprising, considering Newport’s high density and relative youth. The roughly 8,000 residents have an average age of 31, according to marketing representative Eric Markowitz. He touted the recent opening of a baby store as well as the dog run as amenities for these many young families. But it’s clear that youthful Newport could sustain even more public activity.
For more information and articles on events and entertainment in Jersey City, check out our Entertainment section in the back of the paper!