Spirits High at Lake Como Day

Threatening weather didn’t rain on the parade of the hundreds who turned out for the 16^th Annual Lake Como Day along the Lake Como lakefront on North Boulevard on Saturday.

Possibly anticipating rain – which, thankfully never happened – the north shore of the lake looked like tent city, with dozens of vendors and parts of the beer garden housed under white canopies or umbrellas. Regardless, live music by Belmar-based band Holme had folks dancing in the street – literally – while the younger crowd kept occupied with balloon art by Fooper the Clown, free rides on a mini-tractor, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and other activities.

A meeting in Trenton didn’t deter Lake Como Mayor Mike Ryan from attending the event, and he wandered among the festival-goers, as the sun peeked in and out throughout the afternoon.

“Lake Como Day was started by Councilwoman Cathy Mileski years ago and originally was held in the parking lot by the police station and on Main Street. About five years ago it was moved to the lake so everyone could enjoy the beauty of Lake Como,” said Ryan. “The Tourism Commission – under the leadership of Councilman Brian Wilton – took over hosting the event, and working in conjunction with the Lake Como Business Association and their president, Pat Mastorelli, were able to add a fireworks show to the event, and it has been very much enjoyed by everyone, young and old. Several years ago we added a beer and wine area and it has been very successful, and over the years thousands have come and enjoyed the event.”

Dozens of families were at Lake Como Day, with a number of children preoccupied with the pumpkin-painting area.

Lake Como Day devotee Alli Mullan, 9, Wall, pretty much tried everything the festival had to offer for the young crowd.

“I’ve been to four Lake Como Days. I’ve painted a pumpkin, and done sand art, and I’m happy the sun is out,” said Alli.

Waiting patiently at the enormous painting table while her son created his masterpiece was Brooke Bohrman, Wall.

“We’re having fun. We’ve been every year. We enjoy the beer tent, and with two kids, the pumpkin painting,” said Bohrman.

Children could allow their van Gogh to come out for $3.50-per-pumpkin, and the pumpkins for the event were donated again this year by McCann’s Tavern, Main Street, Lake Como. Supervising the painting area was Pam McCann, Belmar, of McCann’s Tavern.

“It’s the fifth year I’ve done this with the pumpkin painting. We’re having a good day today, especially since it was supposed to rain. I’m absolutely pleased with the turnout,” said McCann.

Ryan was also quite happy with the results at Lake Como Day.

“I’m very pleased with the outcome – it’s a great day and everyone’s having a good time. It’s a wonderful day – the weather’s given us a break,” said Ryan. “There are a lot of kids out, a lot of younger children. It’s funny – there are also a lot of seniors probably to the fact that Holme is playing.”

The band consisting of Kip Conner, Frank Sementa, Harry Filkin, Billy Morris, Marc Ribler, Peter Schulle and Tom Labella played classics the entire afternoon, and kept the crowd on its feet.

Close to the stage was a popular area along the lake front – and one not seen at many “town days” – the beer garden, which offered various brews, and a few tables with chairs and umbrellas.

Making his way over to the garden was Bill Wheeler, Carteret, who knew people in the Lake Como area.

“I’m enjoying myself. I’m heading to the beer tent soon. We came all the way from Carteret to go to Lake Como Day, and we’ve been to five or six,” said Wheeler.

Lake Como Councilman Jared Cohen wasted no time, and was already positioned inside the beer garden enjoying the live music.

“It’s a beautiful day. It always works out here in Lake Como – it’s great to see all the town here,” said Cohen.

Lake Como Day also had several dozen vendors offering various foods with which to enjoy the beer. “Standards” such as hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob, and chicken fingers were available, as well as more unusual fare such as Italian sausage and onions, kielbasa and sauerkraut, Philly cheese steaks, and barbecued chicken sandwiches. Deep-fried everything – mac and cheese bites, Twinkies, funnel cakes, and Oreos – were also available.

“We’ve come to every Lake Como Day. We’re enjoying ourselves – I just finished a fried Twinkie,” said Anthony Runfola, Lake Como. “We’ve been her since 2, just chillin’ out before the fireworks.”

Michele Petri, Neptune City, decided to eat first, then accompany her daughter Mia as she painted a pumpkin.

“We’re having fun. This is our first one – it’s awesome,” said Petri. “We’ve been here a couple of hours. I had a bbq chicken sandwich – it was delicious.”

Making their way around the lake front post-meal, and enjoying the classics performed by Holme were a quartet of teen friends.

“The music’s good. The food was delicious,” said Alex Ranieri, Lake Como.

Her friend Jared Herman, Belmar, found the free kid’s activities more enjoyable.

“I’m having a blast – the bouncy house was probably the best six minutes of my life!,” said Herman.

James Martin, Howell, also appreciated the family oriented event, and summed up the successful Lake Como Day.

“It’s a nice family event. It’s got a lot of good activities – the clown is adorable,” said Martin.

Families, and children alike also browsed vendors that offered toys, mini bundt cakes, soy candles, T-shirts, scarves and an endless supply of jewelry.

Mayor Ryan gave nothing but praise to those who made the event possible. 

“It’s the volunteers and vendors who make Lake Como Day happen. Many thanks go out to Ken Shinn, Peter Lair, Bill Clanton, Reggie Hyde and Amy Sandborn, and the entire council for making Lake Como Day happen,” said Ryan. “I’d like to give a big shout out to the Tourism Commission and Councilman Brian Wilton; Pat Mastorelli, president of the Lake Como Business Association; and Reggie Hyde and Johnny “B” of Bar Anticipation. Also, Holme has already agreed to play again next year on Oct. 6.”

The evening wore on, and the crowds enjoyed an incredible fireworks display over Lake Como celebrating the end to a perfect Lake Como Day.