4th of July fireworks and concert – save the date
Good Vibrations, the Beach Boys tribute band, will play at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 at Secaucus Swim Club. Come celebrate with food, amusements, entertainment, and fireworks. The event begins at 4 p.m. for Secaucus residents and their guests only. ID is required to enter the swim complex. (Rain date July 3.)
Take the farmers market survey
The Town of Secaucus is exploring options for a farmers market this summer/fall. You can help by taking a very brief survey to supply your opinions and suggestions. Visit secaucusnj.gov and click on the link under “News and Announcements.”
Riverkeeper Environmental Boat Rides this Monday
Reserve your spot today for the boat rides on June 22 and July 20. The mayor and Town Council along with the Hackensack Riverkeeper invite residents 10 years old and older on a free environmental boat ride along the Hackensack River. Rides take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, June 22 and July 20. Call (201) 865-4422 to reserve. Limited seating.
Girl Scouts art supply drive benefits hospitalized kids
Your donation will help entertain children who are stuck in the hospital all day. This art supply drive is a Bronze Award project for Girl Scouts Alexandria, Athanasia, and Samantha.
Donation boxes are located at the Secaucus Public Library, Huber Street School, Clarendon School, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the farmer’s market, and the Recreation Center on Koelle Blvd.
Boxes will be available through July 4. With your help, enough art supplies can be collected to give to every single child in a local hospital.
Residential curbside tree planting program runs through October
The curbside tree program is back with planting taking place from May to October. The price is $200 for each tree. The tree will be planted curbside only. The proper tree will be determined by the administrator of tree conservation and the Shade Tree Committee in consultation with the homeowner and in accordance with the curb location.
Planting will be done by the Department of Public Works. Root barriers will be installed with each planting. If the tree is severely damaged or dies within the first year, it will be replaced at no cost.
For more information or to ask what tree species are available, call Town Hall at (201) 330-2008 and leave a message for Frank Sasso, administrator of tree conservation. Frank will visit the location and advise the homeowner which tree will be best suited to the particular spot.
World Pork Roll Eating Championship debuts in the Meadowlands
The first ever World Pork Roll Eating Championship will take place on June 20 at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, 1 Racetrack Dr., East Rutherford. Top-ranked competitive eaters from around the country will take on the challenge for a chance to win the title of World Pork Roll-Eating Champion and a $4,000 cash prize during the night of live harness racing.
The event will host a table of seasoned eaters. Competitors will include No. 3-ranked eater Tim “Eater X” Janus of New York, who currently holds the title of Tamale-Eating World Champion for eating 71 tamales in 12 minutes, and the title of Tiramisu-Eating World Champion for eating four pounds of tiramisu in just six minutes. Other eaters on the roster include No. 6-ranked Erik “The Red” Denmark of Washington, No. 9-ranked “The Lovely” Juliet Lee of Maryland, No.13-ranked Badlands Booker of New York, No. 15-ranked Yasir Salem of New York, and No. 18-ranked Meredith Boxberger of Ontario.
The competitive eaters will have 10 minutes to eat as many half-pound pork rolls as possible. The evening will kick off with introductions at 8:15 p.m. before the contest at 8:52 p.m. First prize is $2,000 with the runners-up awarded $1,000, $600, $300, and $100 respectively.
Live harness racing will commence at 7:15 p.m., and fans can test their luck in “Horseplay” beginning at 6 p.m. Buy a horse for $1 and throw the horse into a car for a chance to win $100 and entry into the Aug. 8 car drawing for a 2015 Scion FRS. All proceeds in the month of June will be donated to the USA Pour Tour for Cancer Research.
Ride a pontoon in June
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s (NJSEA) guided pontoon boat tours of the Hackensack River give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the amazing natural beauty and wildlife of the Meadowlands up-close while learning about the remarkable history of the river and the region. Expert staff members narrate the leisurely two-hour tours. While talking about the Hackensack River estuary’s storied history they point out birds, diamondback terrapins and other wildlife along the way. Wear comfortable footwear and don’t forget your camera: the cruises afford great photo opportunities.
Tours take place at 5:30 p.m. on June 23 and 25. All tours launch from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. Advance registration and $15 per person payment required. Visit www.njmeadowlands.gov and click on “2015 River Tour Season” or call (201) 460-4677 or email cathy.vonk@njmeadowlands.gov