By: Melissa A. Kay

Just three years shy of three delightful decades of tradition, togetherness, and good times, the 27 th Annual Hackettstown Spring Festival is just around the corner – May 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th . A weekend’s worth of wholesome family-friendly fun will kick off the month of May with memories to be made, as locals and visitors gather for food, entertainment, exhibitions, attractions, and more. According to Jim Sheldon, Executive Director, Hackettstown BID, anywhere from an impressive 10,000 – 15,000 people are expected to attend over the 3-day period, making the 27 th Hackettstown Spring Festival a “come one, come all” extravaganza.
Sheldon shares some of this year’s highlights, “Expect carnival rides, live music, and lots of games. Mars Wrigley Confectioners will be giving away a truckload of candy, and there will be about 25-30 business booths.” And bring your appetite, as Sheldon notes there will be 5-6 carnival food trucks serving festival fare that’s not to be missed. Do yourself a favor and ditch your diet for the weekend. Those treats are too good to pass up.
This year’s main sponsors include Mars Wrigley Confectioners, Atlantic Health, and Centenary University, which has been a proud sponsor for all 27 years. Sponsorships are still available, as well as some slots for exhibitors, food vendors, non-profits, and local businesses still interested in being part of the program. The more, the merrier, and that is just what the Hackettstown Spring Festival has always been about.
When asked what’s his favorite thing about the festival – a difficult question when there are so many terrific things to choose from – Sheldon sums it up, “If the weather cooperates, the large crowds are amazing. And the young children having a fun time is always special.” With the entire event geared towards kids, their delight puts heartfelt smiles on everyone’s faces. Although the adults are sure to have just as great of a time.
The 27 th Annual Hackettstown Spring Festival hours are 6-10PM on Friday, May 3 rd ; 12-10PM on Saturday, May 4 th ; and 12-6PM on Sunday, May 5 th . As an added perk, on Saturday and Sunday, station WRNJ will be doing a live broadcast from the Festival, so tune in if you can’t make it, or perhaps if you attend, you’ll be part of the live action on air.
Spring simply wouldn’t be the same without the Annual Hackettstown Spring Festival. Each year is bigger and better than the last, with plenty to do, people to see, and fun to be had. Whether young, old, or somewhere in-between, the beauty of bringing together the community is something to cherish.
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your appetite. And bring your sense of adventure. The 27 th Annual Hackettstown Spring Festival is the highlight of the spring season, and the folks of Hackettstown and the surrounding areas are as thrilled as ever. May 3 rd can’t come soon enough. And the best part?
It’s free to attend!
For more information about the Festival and to register, visit www.hackettstownbid.com/springfestival.