Springfield Avenue Businesses to Host Events as part of Month-Long HarvestFest Celebration

Maplewood's Springfield Avenue Partnership invites community residents and visitors to celebrate HarvestFest in October by participating in a variety of special events and activities hosted by businesses on the Avenue. The events are supported through a grant program provided by the Partnership as part of a month-long series for the fall, part of the fourth annual Maplewood HarvestFest. HarvestFest, being presented by the Partnership and Walgreens, will be held on the grounds of the Hilton Branch Library at 1688 Springfield Avenue between Tuscan and Oakland Roads on Saturday October 13th from 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, October 14th).

Visit the following businesses to celebrate the harvest of goods and services that are provided in the Springfield Avenue District. Their celebrations include special events that give you opportunities to create, taste and learn while you meet the business owners and their staffs. Contact the business directly for updated information as they may change.

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY & SATURDAY IN OCTOBER – “Celebrate Autumn”Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Avenue, Time: 10 am – 11 am; 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Ages 2 - 4

Toddlers can enjoy a special lesson about autumn and participate in a fall inspired art project.  This program is offered as part of Express Yourself Studios’ weekly Crafty Toddler Workshop open to children ages 2-4. The Crafty Toddler Workshop is $15 per child/per session (all materials included).  For additional information or to RSVP for any event please register 1-2 days prior, contact Express Yourself Studios 973.763.5256, info@expressyourselfstudios.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.expressyourselfstudios.com.)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11TH – “Paint a Pumpkin with a Buddy”, Astah’s Fine Art Gallery, 1897 Springfield Avenue, Time:  4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

For Precious Kids After School Kids Only, featuring Artist Bahiyyah Sing.  Van Transportation & Pumpkins will be provided.  *Note: Parents May Pick Children Up From Astah’s Art Gallery.  Contact Astah’s Fine Art Gallery 973.761.5012, www.astahsartgallery.com or Astahsart@aol.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11TH & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12TH – “Fall Into Wellness”, Pro Elite Nutrition, 1912 Springfield Avenue, Time:  10 am – 7 pm

The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of vitamins, herbs and nutrition.  In addition to highlighting the importance of vitamins we will be sampling fall flavor protein shakes and bars.  Everyone who visits will leave with recipe, vitamin samples and coupon for future purchase.  Contact Pro Elite Nutrition at 973-313-3140 or Proelitenutrition@yahoo.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13TH – “Welcome the Fall Season”, Our Gang Travel, 1897 Springfield Avenue, Time:  3 pm – 6 pm

Presentations of Fall Vacation Specials.  We welcome the season and celebrate the bounty with presentations of our many fall vacation specials to be enjoyed through the Holiday Season and beyond.  For more information, contact the agency at 973-763-3616.

 MONDAY, OCTOBER 15TH – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH – “Celebrate Learning during our Fall Open House”, Alfa Health Care Training Institute, 1691 Springfield Avenue, Time:  10 am – 5 pm

Participate in Open House activities including a scavenger hunt - interactive sessions to ensure unique experience; and guided tours daily with high interest “exhibits” that will inspire curiosity and appreciation to potential students.  A list of graduate students gainfully employed and employers seeking for graduates to employ will be provided. For further information contact Mr. Adefowoju at 908-693-5036, adefowad@yahoo.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18TH – “Apple Extravaganza”, Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Avenue, Time:  4 pm – 5 pm, Ages 6 – 11 years, Come to the library to hear an apple story, make an apple print tote and have an apple snack! Phone: 973-762-1688

WEEK OF OCTOBER 22ND – 27th – “Falltastic Free Trial Class”, Dancers Pointe, 1874 Springfield Avenue

Fall into classes at Dancers Pointe and help us welcome in the fall season. Take a free trial class the week of October 22-27. (Normally $20). Ages 2 – Adult.  Call in advance to reserve your spot for this falltastic event.  Contact Anne Branco at 973-996-2193

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25TH – “Clay Creatures”, Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Avenue, Time: 6 pm – 8 pm

As part of the Studio’s monthly Pizza & Pottery Workshop, children ages 5-12 will participate in a fun Halloween inspired sculpture project, sculpting and painting clay creatures.  Pizza & Pottery is $20 per person (all materials, pizza and beverages included).  For additional information or to RSVP for any event please register 1-2 days prior, contact Express Yourself Studios 973-763-5256, info@expressyourselfstudios.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.expressyourselfstudios.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25th – “HarvestFest Jazz”, Churrasco, 1844 Springfield Avenue, Time: 7:00 pm

Featuring Jim Buchanan & Friends.  Call for reservations at 973-761-7744, churrasco_bbq@verizon.net. *This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.churrascosteakhouse.com.)

 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27th – Zakiya’s Way Pre-Halloween Party, Zakiya’s Way Floral Designs, 1877 Springfield Avenue, Time:  4:00 pm

Games, fun, and prizes for best costume, candy and so much more! Contact Zakiya at 973-391-3419, 973-996-2396, zakiyaswayfloraldesign.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27TH – Fall Sessions & Workshops: Credit Repair, BCBL Credit Solutions, 1837 Springfield Avenue, Time:  10:00 am – 3 pm.  Contact BCBL at 973.327.2729, childs926@gmail.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28th – “Halloween Tea Parteaz for Boys & Girls”, Parteaz, 1860 Springfield Avenue, Time:  5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Pizza Dinner included.  Wear your costume or ours! Make a spooky craft and dessert! Play ghostly games! Search in a caldron for a prize! $30 per child - sign up 2 or more $25 each, pizza dinner included. For additional information or to register, contact Parteaz at 973-447-0616, parteaz4-8@verizon.net (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.parteaz.com.)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28th – “Pumpkin Painting”, Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Avenue, Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Studio will host its annual Pumpkin Painting from 11:00am - 3:00pm. Pumpkins and treats provided (while supplies last). Children of all ages are welcome to paint pumpkins, participate in face painting and enjoy treats. A participation fee of $10 is required. For additional information or to RSVP for any event please register 1-2 days prior, contact Express Yourself Studios 973-763-5256, info@expressyourselfstudios.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.expressyourselfstudios.com.

In addition to the business events, the Springfield Avenue Partnership will present Maplewood’s fourth annual HarvestFest on Saturday, October 13th featuring a petting zoo, pony & hay rides, Glitter Tattoos, a Classic Car Show, and food sales from local restaurants and specialty food stores. The HarvestFest celebration will also include an iPad giveaway in addition to fun for the whole family.

The complete list of upcoming HarvestFest business events and the complete schedule of HarvestFest activities can be found on the Partnership’s website, SpringfieldAvenue.com. You can also follow Springfield Avenue Partnership on Facebook.