Fun for All Ages at Lawrenceville Main Street Jubilee

Lawrence Township residents basked in the warm spring weather and the smells of carnival food during Lawrenceville Main Street’s annual Jubilee celebration this past Sunday (May 1). With the scent of fried Oreos and funnel cakes in the air, Lawrence came out for family oriented fun.

“The food is a big draw,” said Lara Lovett, secretary of the Lawrence Township Community Foundation. The foundation was one of the sponsors of the event.

That food included the usual carnival fare, such as ice cream and water ice. Local restaurants also supported the event by providing food or discounts.

The highlight of the food-related fun was the pie-eating contest, where brave participants of all ages dove face-first into pies trying to eat their way to victory.

Tyler Sokoloff was a big fan of the food at the Jubilee. Tyler came to the event with his parents, Kelly and Josh, and his brother Sam. When asked what his favorite part of the event was, he immediately went to the ice cream.

“We’re looking forward to the ice cream truck,” Josh confirmed.

Others were more interested in the games and events going on. In addition to pony rides and two moon bounces, the event featured face-painting, ring toss, dancing and raffles.

Siara Mason, who was there with her mother, Sarah Mason, was especially fond of the pony rides.          

“She’s done all of the games,” Sarah said. She said that she, Siara and the rest of her family come out to the event every year, but this year was the first Siara was old enough to do all of the games.

Sarah was grateful that the event organizers were accommodating to Siara, who uses a mobile chair to get around but had no trouble navigating the games and activities that day.

This kind of open, fun environment was just what the sponsors and organizers were hoping for, Lovett said. “Basically, it’s just to get people out and face-to-face with the people of Lawrence and the business owners.”    

Dawn Flippin is a member of the Community Foundation’s board who only recently moved to the area from the Midwest. She was impressed with the welcoming atmosphere of the event.

“It’s been really nice to come to New Jersey and find that it’s really neighborly,” she said. “It has some of that Midwest charm.”

Overall, the event was meant to provide a cheap and fun way to enjoy the local community and the beautiful weather. “It’s just having something to do outside and you don’t have to spend a dime,” Lovett said.

The free entertainment included music, provided by the jazz-inspired Cowop band. The band is comprised of two Lawrence High School students – Adam Tecley and Eliot Nagele – as well as one former student - Danny Albi.

They set up their guitars and drums for an impromptu performance at the event. They also have an online presence on YouTube and Myspace.

For those who wanted to get involved in the music themselves, there were dance lessons with the instructors at local Viva Ballroom Dance Studio. The Zumba instructors even got the Care Bear and other animal mascots involved in the dance. The studio offers dance and Zumba classes for all ages and hopes to get kids involved in dance as a fun way to enjoy fitness.