Janet Wood Church

Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

New York City Metropolitan Area

Hillsborough

New Jersey

Manville

Bridgewater

Hunterdon County

Flemington

Mercer County

Sarah Salvadore

Princeton

Middlesex County

Middlesex

South Brunswick

Carly Baldwin

New Brunswick

Hopewell-Pennington

Warren

Bernardsville-Bedminster

Duke Island Park

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to participate in the Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is designed to bring the community together to raise awareness about substance use disorders, celebrate recovery, and connect individuals and families with local treatment and recovery resources.All registered participants will receive an official Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K finisher medal, a commemorative event T-shirt, and a complimentary post-race ice cream. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age division. Children ages 7 and under are invited to participate in the Kids Dash at no cost.In addition to the 5K run and walk, attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and public safety demonstrations. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit will conduct a demonstration at 10:30 a.m., and the Somerset County SWAT vehicle will be on display throughout the event.More than just a race, the Running for Recovery 5K is a community outreach event that promotes hope, healing, and support for those impacted by addiction. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to walk or run in support of recovery while helping reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit resource tables featuring treatment providers, recovery support organizations, prevention agencies, and community partners. Families can also explore interactive displays from local law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations.“Recovery is a journey that no one should have to face alone,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, show support for individuals and families affected by addiction, and highlight the many resources available throughout Somerset County. Every step taken is a step toward hope, healing, and recovery.”Operation Helping Hand is a countywide collaborative initiative that brings together local law enforcement agencies, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers, and community organizations to support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. By working together, these partners provide compassionate outreach, connect individuals to treatment and recovery services, and help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. The program is committed to saving lives, reducing overdose deaths, supporting long-term recovery, and strengthening healthier communities throughout Somerset County. This coordinated approach reflects Somerset County’s commitment to improving public safety, saving lives, and ensuring that recovery resources are accessible to all who need them.Somerset County Operation Helping Hand partners with CiC for Prevention and Recovery, a community-based organization supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and behavioral health challenges. Through consistent participation in Operation Helping Hand and other community outreach efforts, CiC helps build trust and meaningful connections with the community. CiC provides prevention, recovery support, education, and connections to resources from its offices in Bernardsville and Franklin Township, NJ.This event is supported through Operation Helping Hand grant funding provided by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR). The grant reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to expanding access to treatment, recovery support services, and community-based responses for individuals impacted by substance use disorder while strengthening collaborative partnerships that promote public health and public safety.Registration is $15 per participant. As a community awareness event, registration fees help offset the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, or simply attend to learn more about available resources, your participation helps strengthen a community committed to recovery. Recovery starts one step at a time. Join us on September 12th and take that step together. Together, recovery is possible.For additional information or to register for the event, please visit<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZd1RlNFJLTmRpWXZwM3poc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlp2c4XO3xTOWukYiA7pJDgC4YZ1OZqvnEBc-_4BvH5Ti24hCrBIIBc0L13B_aem_VU0S-jeo6KloZqS-iNFsDQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH</a> or contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program at OHH@somersetcountynj.gov.Prosecutor McDonald and Chief Meredith McKay request anyone seeking addiction services contact OHH by calling (908) 393-8888, visiting the Somerset County OHH website at <a href="https://www.bit.ly/somersetohh?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZd1RlNFJLTmRpWXZwM3poc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpA42G5sL0yT4Xc1F_wdW7WFDim6zpC345AVVIbhXrfp2CNMP1VB9L9gtFlx_aem_hbTkXsnBdB-FmiLa9nauXw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.bit.ly/somersetohh</a> or emailing OHH@SomersetCountyNJ.gov to be connected to services.

Local Event: Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K...

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to...

Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Warren County Community College

Come out to Warren County, New Jersey, and explore the beautiful terrain as the seasons begin to change. Nestled in Washington Township, Warren Community College is where you will find a mix of hot air balloons, fun, and games on September 19 &amp; 20.
Warren Community College is conveniently located on Route 57, just minutes from Routes 31, 22, and 78, and less than 1.5 hours from both Philadelphia and New York City.
Hot air balloons will take off each evening between 5:15–6:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Limited full-flight hot air balloon rides are available. Morning full flights have been added this year at 6:30 a.m., prior to the festival opening at 1 p.m. Many visitors come from out of town to take rides and are pleasantly surprised by the natural beauty of Warren County, New Jersey. This gives riders an opportunity to explore the area and all it offers before returning later in the day for the festivities.
Tethered rides (short up-and-down flights) are also available each day for $30 per adult and $20 for youth ages 4–12. Purchase your tethered ride tickets at the Balloon Ride/Info booth. 
Gates open at 1 p.m., and the festivities run until 8:30 p.m. each evening. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors, children’s entertainment and games, live bands and a DJ, tethered rides, and of course the mass balloon launch. 
Did you know that Warren Community College has one of the top Unmanned Systems programs in the nation? Learn how to pilot, design and develop, maintain, and repair drones, in addition to AI and robotics. A variety of professions utilize Unmanned Systems technology for efficiency, and you could be at the forefront of this fast-growing field. Be sure to drop by the College’s WarrenUAS tent—they can answer all your questions.
There will be a variety of games, some of which are free. Game tickets are $5 each, and some games may require more than one ticket. Pay once, play all day with Soccer Darts ($5), Autocades vintage video games ($10 per person, $20 family special), and the Gel Blaster ($10). There will be a bounce house with slide and a photo booth ($5). Purchase tickets at the Balloon Ride/Info booth. Save on a 6-pack for $25 or a 10-pack for $35—the more you buy, the more you save. Free games and activities include mini-golf, tee-ball, Rocket Ready, basketball hoops, and crafts at Fascination Place.
Enjoy strolling entertainment with dulcimers on Saturday and a barbershop quartet on Sunday. Learn circus tricks with the popular Grins &amp; Grins Juggling. Additional musical entertainment includes bands such as TimeWhys, Zaire, StoneHearth Bluegrass Band, and the incredible vocals of the Pro Kids Holiday Vocal Troupe.
Saturday features the Hot Rods &amp; Hot Air Balloons Car &amp; Truck Show from 1–5 p.m., with all registration fees supporting the Fred Grotenhuis Memorial Scholarships. Pre-registration is just $15 and includes entry into the event for you and your riders. Day-of registration is $20. Registration/check-in for the car show begins at 12 noon. Download the details and pre-registration form from the website.
The evening ends with a patriotic balloon glow featuring the Freedom Flyer balloon and other select balloons. The glow will begin around 7:30 p.m. DJ Gold’n will host a dance party beginning at 6:30 p.m., leading up to the glow. Show your favorite dance moves and you might win prizes. Kids can also pick up their sound-activated glow bracelets so they can sync with the glow music.
The Fred G. Monster special-shape balloon will also be part of the glow, and once it is standing, kids are welcome to celebrate an American favorite as they trick-or-treat at some of the balloons during the glow.
Admission
General Admission
Save on advance tickets at <a href="https://www.balloonfestnj.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.balloonfestnj.com</a> (handling fees apply).
<ul>
<li>Adult: $10</li>
<li>Youth ages 4–12: $4</li>
<li>Ages 3 &amp; under: Free</li>
<li>Parking: $5 per car</li>
<li>Family packs: $40&nbsp; include parking and allow up to 5 people per car. </li>
</ul>
Online tickets offer the option of ticket protection.
At the Gate (cash or credit)
<ul>
<li>Adult: $12</li>
<li>Youth ages 4–12: $5</li>
<li>Ages 3 &amp; under: Free</li>
<li>Parking: $6 per car</li>
<li>Family packs: $50 include parking and allow up to 5 people per car.</li>
</ul>
Warren Community College has plenty of lawn space to spread out and social distance. Pets, outside food, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. (Exceptions: clearly marked service animals; snacks and beverages for small children). Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs.
Proceeds from the event support the Warren Community College Foundation, the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project, and the Fred Grotenhuis Scholarships (fredgscholarships.org).
Additional information is available at <a href="https://www.balloonfestnj.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.balloonfestnj.com</a>.
Funding was provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Warren County Cultural &amp; Heritage Affairs, a Division of the Department of Land Preservation, with support from the Warren County Board of County Commissioners.

Local Event: Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival

Somerset

Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games...

Come out to Warren County, New Jersey, and explore the beautiful terrain as the seasons begin to change. Nestled in Washington...

Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival

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Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival