FREEHOLD – For generations of local families, Olde Freehold Day has offered an opportunity to gather with neighbors, enjoy live entertainment and celebrate the community.
The tradition continued as the event marked its 50th celebration at Lake Topanemus, commonly known as “The Pond.”
The anniversary celebration featured live music, food trucks, vendors, canoes and paddleboats, a kids zone, an art show and a beer garden. The event brought together longtime residents, volunteers and families carrying on a community tradition that has lasted for decades.
Former Freehold Borough Mayor Roger Kane serves as one of the main organizers of Olde Freehold Day and works alongside a committee to plan and coordinate the annual celebration. His son, Kevin Kane, currently serves as mayor.
“What makes this special is the fact that it has lasted this long,” said Kane, who served as mayor from 1975 to 1980. “I’ve been involved with Olde Freehold Day since it started. It was originally my brother’s idea.
“We don’t use a dime of taxpayer money. It is all funded through donations. We have different levels of sponsorship, and we’ve never had a problem raising the money. It costs about $13,000 to put on the event, and we’ll begin raising money for next year immediately after this one.”
While activities and entertainment have changed over time, the event’s purpose has remained centered on bringing the Freehold community together.
“In the very beginning, ‘The Gong Show’ was popular,” Kane said. “So we used to have our own Gong Show here. The fire department and first aid squad would put together teams and participate. We also did ‘Almost Anything Goes.’ It was just fun, and we tried to involve as many people and community organizations as possible. Things were a little different back then.”
Several familiar traditions returned for the anniversary, including the dunk tank, which was open from noon to 5 p.m. Canoes and paddleboats were also available at the lake, while musical performances and activities provided entertainment throughout the afternoon.
The celebration began with a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. recognizing veterans and thanking them for their service and sacrifice.
According to Kane, some traditions have helped give Olde Freehold Day its identity and have encouraged families to return year after year.
“The boats have always been here,” Kane said. “We bought them from the Monmouth County Park system about 15-20 years ago, and they had been with the park system for a long time before that. We also got the canoes from the park system.”
Longtime volunteer and 11-year committee member Annette Jordan has also seen Olde Freehold Day evolve during its history. Jordan recalled the event’s early years and the community effort that helped it grow into one of Freehold’s most recognizable annual celebrations.
“From the beginning, it’s been all about community and people coming together one day a year to celebrate Freehold,” Jordan said. “We’ve evolved with the times. Now we have food trucks, pony rides, a Kids Zone. It’s become a true celebration of the community.”
The event has reached 50 celebrations through the work of local officials, volunteers, organizations, vendors and residents. Kane and the event committee spend months preparing for the celebration, coordinating entertainment, activities, vendors, transportation and other details needed to bring the day together.
“We have a committee of about 25 people, and they review the dos and don’ts from the previous year to see how we can improve the event,” Kane said. “They’ll start meeting again in a couple months to begin planning for next year.”
Jordan credited the event’s longevity to the pride residents have in Freehold and their willingness to support a day dedicated to the community.
“It’s about the people who come out,” Jordan said. Some people grew up here but haven’t been back in a while. They still feel a kindred spirit with Freehold Borough and want to come back and celebrate it.”
For longtime attendees, Olde Freehold Day also provides an opportunity to reconnect with friends and recall past celebrations.
“At the end, Eddie Testa, of the Eddie Testa Band, always closes the event, and the committee members get up there and sing a few songs with him,” Jordan said. “That’s always a lot of fun and has created some of my favorite memories.”
Free shuttle buses transported attendees from the Monmouth County Courthouse beginning at 10:15 a.m., helping families reach the lake and take part in the celebration.
Although Olde Freehold Day has expanded and changed over five decades, Jordan said its importance to the community has remained strong.
“It’s nostalgia. It’s a Celebration,” Jordan said. “It’s truly an opportunity for everyone to come together – people of all ages, longtime Freehold residents and new Freehold residents.”
Kane said he hoped this year’s celebration would allow families to enjoy time together while also recognizing the history behind the milestone.
“I hope people see that it’s just a family-friendly, fun day,” he said. “It’s geared towards the kids. We do as much as we can, and we keep it free. Again, that’s because of the donations we receive.”
After 50 celebrations, Olde Freehold Day remains a tradition built around community involvement, shared memories and pride in Freehold.
