By Elsie Walker

It’s a wonderful day to explore Netcong! That’s exactly what Netcong Day is all about: Learning what the community has to offer.
The 31st annual Netcong Day is set for Sunday, Sept. 9. The day kicks off with the 11th annual 5k walk/run race (on-site registration 8:30 a.m., event at 10:30 a.m.) followed by a street fair/musical festival 11a.m. – 5 p.m. on Main street.
There will be a variety of vendors, entertainment, a kid’s zone, and even a visit by Santa. At noon, a 911 memorial will be held in the Quick Check parking lot.
Recently, Netcong Mayor Joe Nametko talked about this year’s Netcong Day.
“The primary reason Netcong Day was started over 30 years ago, was not only for local residents, but those in surrounding towns, to see what Netcong is all about,” said Nametko.
“[The course] literally runs through Netcong,” said Nametko. Last year, 325 people participated in the 5k run/walk.
“We’re looking to top that [this year],” he shared. Nametko noted that people have run with their dogs and some have even done the course while pushing a baby carriage. Last year, the participants ranged in age from 8-86. “We already have an 86 year told registered this year.”
A highlight of the race is the support the Lenape Valley High School Cheerleaders give participants as they cheer them on their way. A variety of corporate and local sponsor make the event possible.
The street fair and music festival starts at 11a.m. There will be booths run by local businesses and organizations, items for sale such as jewelry, food trucks, and Jersey’s best Zoepoles. There will be a free kids’ zone with bouncy rides and a DJ courtesy of the Netcong Community Partnership. The mayor shared that there is
still time for those who would like to sign up to be vendors. He noted that those interested should call JoAnn at 973-347-0252 ex. 106.
At noon on Netcong Day, time will be taken to remember those lost during the events of 911. Anna Citarella of Byram will sing the National Anthem and a local color guard will give a 21 gun salute. Event planners are also hoping to have a bagpiper on hand to play “Amazing Grace.”
Following a presentation by the Lenape Valley High School cheerleaders at 12:15 p.m., the musical entertainment starts in the QuickChek parking lot at 1 p.m. The first group will be Grupo Encanto, one of New York City’s best Salsa/Latin bands.

They will be followed at 3 p.m. by The Hounds of Jazz, a local band playing jazz and much more.
From about 1pm – 4pm, Santa, in the form of Santa Jersey Joe, will be on hand.
“He’ll be walking the street, sitting for photos, and taking letters [from kids] to Santa,” said Nametko.
For more information on Netcong Day, visit Netcong Day on Facebook.
To register online for the 5K run/walk, visit:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Netcong/NetcongDay5KStreetFairandMusicFest
To see a list of the race sponsors, see http://netcong.org/netcong-day/