Hometown Tradition: Olde Freehold Day Is Almost Here

FREEHOLD, NJ — Add an "e" to "old" and you get a special day in the borough - Olde Freehold Day.

The annual celebration is Saturday, Aug. 6, this year, from noon to 5 p.m. at Lake Topanemus Park, Pond Road, Freehold. Admission is free and food is moderately priced.

And while the day may tip its hat to the past, it's as fresh as ever, with lots to do for every age group, organizers say.

Olde Freehold Day was established in 1976, said Andy Magioncalda, the chairperson of the event this year.

It was begun as a way to mark the country's Bicentennial, he said. And Freehold itself and the surrounding area, such as Monmouth Battlefield in Manalapan, have a storied Colonial-era history.

It was the brainchild then of Richard Kane, whose brother Roger Kane was mayor then. Judi Guy was the third member of the trio who "made sure it all happen," Magioncalda said.

"The three of them found sponsors and made it a reality that year and every year since," he added. In fact, the three are still on the volunteer committee, he added. Roger's son Kevin Kane is the current mayor, he added.

He said there are 30 to 40 craft vendors; paddle boating and canoeing in the lake; and the music that closes out the festival each year is The Eddie Testa Band, "a Freehold son, born and raised," Magioncalda said.

Speaking of music, and another Freehold son. . . . "Maybe this will be there year Bruce Springsteen shows up!" Magioncalda said with a hopeful chuckle. But Magioncalda would clearly love that.

But whoever is there, the day itself is the star of the show.

"Olde Freehold Day is less than two weeks away. There is something for everyone at this much loved community event. Enjoy the music, food and vendors. Connect with old friends and meet some new ones." the borough says on its Facebook site.

Billed as "Olde Fashioned Family Fun," the day includes art shows, vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, boat rides and more.

There is a "Kids Zone," with a petting zoo, pony rides, a rock climbing wall and bounce rides.
Live music is by The Eddie Testa Band, Step Aside, The Half Brothers and NickE1.

Magioncalda said the Freehold Arts organization will be in the park with an art gallery and painting on the spot in the park. And there is a kids art project, he said, where they will be painting peace flags.

The start of the day is heralded by the town's bicycle group, which will roll in from their bicycle ride that day to kick off festivities.

Sponsors include Keystone Contracting, Higgins Memorial Home, Frankie Fed's, Freeman Funeral Home, Sweet Lew's Cafe and CentraState Healthcare System.