BARNEGAT – The joy was unmistakable – radiating from every face that stepped off a boat and onto the docks at Sherer’s Boat Basin. Some grinned from ear to ear. Others clapped, waved, or beamed with quiet awe. But the emotion that tied everyone together was one of pure, unfiltered delight.
This year marked the 26th Day on the Bay, an inclusive, free event hosted by the Barnegat Recreation Disability Advisory Board that gives children and adults with special needs the chance to enjoy some time on the Barnegat Bay. The boat rides may only last 20 minutes, but for many, the memories last a lifetime.
“It really was such a great day,” said Meredith Jackstadt, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Barnegat’s Special Needs Program Coordinator. “It’s amazing to see someone experience a boat for the first time – the look on their face when they step off says it all.”
Jackstadt and fellow Barnegat Recreation Department teammate Stacey Fehringer were among the organizers of the event. Fehringer, a professional photographer, captured the day through her lens while also playing a key role in making it all happen. Stacey’s daughters Kate and Ava also had some fun catching candid shots at the event.
Though weather forecasts threatened rain, the skies cleared to deliver a picture-perfect summer day – allowing boat rides to begin even earlier than scheduled. “We had riders there as early as 9 a.m.,” said Jackstadt. “We started boat riding at 9:30, wrapped it up by 2, and were out of there by 3 p.m.”
Fifteen boats of all shapes and sizes – pontoons, speedboats, and fishing vessels – took to the bay with their precious cargo. Volunteer captains navigated with care, while a small army of 40 volunteers made sure every participant boarded safely, including those in wheelchairs or using walkers.
One of the volunteers handing out snacks was a familiar face from the Meadowedge Social Club – an organization for adults with special needs run through the Barnegat Recreation Department. Once based in Meadowedge Park, the club now meets at the Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company building and offers life skills training and social engagement for participants.
Barnegat Police and the First Aid Squad remained close by throughout the event, offering support and helping ensure everything ran smoothly.
Officers from the Barnegat and Stafford Marine Patrols also took to the waterway, waving as the boats passed by. Their presence added a reassuring sense of safety – and their smiles showed they were just as moved by the day as anyone else.
Some families traveled hours for the experience. Two made the trip from Maryland. For the first time ever, vans from the ARC of Cape May rolled in to be part of the action.
Barnegat’s own Walt Fernandez, who first sparked the idea for Day on the Bay years ago, was stationed at the entrance – directing traffic with cheerful enthusiasm and helping attendees find parking by the docks. A shuttle bus whisked guests back to the marina.
DJ Mike Thompson kept the mood upbeat, spinning feel-good tunes as the crowd enjoyed lunch courtesy of The Lunch Wagon, which donated time to cook up food provided by the Barnegat Rotary Club.
“The owner does it all for fun,” Jackstadt said with a smile. “She even lets us use her freezer for the day – we couldn’t hand out ice pops without her.”
Barnegat Santa made a summertime appearance in his off-season attire, spreading joy in true festive fashion. Craft tables buzzed with activity under shaded tents. Participants munched on chips and colorful treats as they decorated wooden sea creatures, chatted with friends, and soaked up the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. A photo booth set up by Caught Ya Looking gave guests a chance to pose with props and snap mementos of the special day.
Students from MATES (Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science) were also on hand to talk about their terrapin conservation project, bridging environmental education with community engagement.
And of course, none of it would have been possible without the generous support of the event’s sponsors. Local marinas like Sherer’s Boat Basin, J3 Marine, and Mariner’s Marina joined a long list of community-driven organizations, individuals and donors who made the day a reality – from legal firms and construction companies to senior living apartments and small businesses.
At its core, Day on the Bay isn’t just about boats or crafts or snacks. It’s about access. About creating a day where barriers disappear and the only thing that matters is joy – unfiltered and unforgettable.
“Just look at their faces,” said one volunteer as a group returned from their boat ride, cheeks flushed with sun and grins stretched wide. “This is why we’re here.”
