Annual Mendham Carnival a Tradition for 70 Years

Can you remember the last time you attended a local event that had been going on since the Great Depression?

It’s a tradition unlike any other in Mendham Borough, and this weekend will celebrate its 70th year.

The annual Pastime Club Labor Day Carnival is set to kick off Friday at Mendham Borough Park on Mountain Avenue. The event runs Friday through Monday with events for kids of all ages.

But before the fun can begin, some 200 members of the Pastime Club – now in its 98th year of service to the community – have had their hands in the planning of this since January, according to Jake McCarthy, the first Vice President of the club and Carnival Chairman.

More than half a dozen club members were at the field Wednesday setting up tents and other parts of the carnival’s amenities, McCarthy said, and that was just the beginning.

“It’s a lot of work, and it’s a joint effort, but everyone in the club knows about service and enjoys doing it,” McCarthy said.

Of the club’s more than 200 members, about one-third have served in the military, McCarthy said. Because of that, the service to the community comes naturally.

Proceeds from the event support youth sports in Mendham Township, and the funds are nothing short of impressive.

One of the biggest draws of the four-day event is the 50/50 raffle, which culminates in a drawing on Labor Day evening. Last year’s winner – coincidentally a member of the Pastime Club – won $20,000.

“Monday night is kind of a frenzy because of the 50/50,” McCarthy laughed. “So because (club member) Mike Ryan won it last year, we put him in charge of running it this year.”

The Mendham Borough parade is also a major part of the weekend’s festivities, which goes through town at 10 a.m. Monday morning. The final day of the Carnival kicks off immediately after at 11 a.m., and closes up for good at 10:30 p.m., just after a nightcap featuring fireworks.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Carnival times are from 6 to 10:30 p.m., and 50/50 raffle tickets can be purchased at Mendham Books, Blue Ridge Pool & Spa, Robinson Drugs, Mendham Cleaners, and Pastime Lanes, as well as in front of Kings and at the carnival itself.

“As long as we keep doing the same thing that works and make sure nothing gets screwed up, the event will be great for everyone,” McCarthy said. “It’s a great event. I always see everyone I know from town, and the teenagers love coming here – a perfect way to kick off the school year.”