JACKSON – It was postponed by a week due to a threat of rain but this year’s rain date came in handy as Jackson Day enjoyed a perfect fall day.
Last year Jackson Day was rained out but Mother Nature cooperated on October 22 and the show went on from 1 to 7 p.m. There was a slight chill in the air that had most attendees in sweat shirts and jackets and an autumn breeze that kept you alert. There was no rain so a large turnout enjoyed a variety of fun activities.
Those activities ranged from inflatable attractions for children and the FMX Dialed Action motorcycle stunt show that made its debut this year. Johnson Park was filled with vendor tables, food trucks, a stage area that provided live music and many township organizations including religious groups that were promoting their respective houses of worship and their events.
Mayor Michael Reina said a lot of effort had been put into this year’s celebration of Jackson Township. “The committee this year that put this on outdid themselves. We had to postpone it last week due to adversity of weather. We have some wind today that prevented a planned flyover and a hot air balloon but we have a lot going on here.”
Kid friendly activities like petting zebu cows, rabbits, alpacas and goats were part of the fun at the Honky Tonk Ranch area that provided pony rides for children.
The Super Fun Slide proved popular at the event with children. It rose to a height of 33 feet and stretched 100 feet long. Parents were taking photos of their kids descent down the slide of the thrill ride.
The Jackson Township School District had a strong presence at Jackson Day this year with a table featuring Board President Giuseppe Palmeri, Superintendent Nicole Pormilli and other members of administration and staff. They were getting the message out about the special ballot question that will be appearing on the November 7 ballot that involves more than $4 million that would allow for additional staff for the district.
The Jackson Memorial High School Boys Soccer Team was selling hotdogs, water and soda as a fundraiser and there was plenty of merchandise to buy from the Jackson Township Memorial High School table. Students who are part of the Jackson TV program were there taping segments and interviews.
As for food it would be pretty hard to go home hungry as there was a choice for just about everything from freeze dried treats, to the offerings of Wholly Bowls, The Boiling Pot, Mister Softee ice cream, Cinnabon, Maine Lobster, and El Gaucho that served up Uruguan cuisine. The Jackson PBA once again provided a beer garden for those guests 21 and over.
Local organizations like the Jackson Elks, Knights of Columbus Council 6201, the Jackson Veterans Commission and others held some fun games of chances at their tables or simply offered up displays to showcase what they did.
A township fire department conducted a fire prevention exercise at their specially designed trailer that put smoke into the air. Jackson EMS units also had an area to showcase their rigs and medical equipment as the greeted members of the community.
The Ocean County National Organization of Women was there to promote its mission focusing on various issues including reproductive rights, ending sex discrimination/constitutional equality, promoting diversity and ending racism, economic justice, stopping violence against women, and LGBTQ+ rights.
There were several pet adoption organizations present and the event itself proved pet friendly. Township agencies such as the Jackson Municipal Utilities Authority, Jackson Recycling and Jackson Clean Communities were present distributing materials and information. You could also hear plenty of musical entertainment during the breezy day.
