By: Melissa A. Kay

May 11th can’t come soon enough for the Lake Hopatcong community and surrounding areas. This year’s block party, hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, is sure to be the highlight of the spring season and a kick-off to a spectacular summer. Thousands of people are expected to attend for the fifth block party to date. According to Jessica K. Murphy, President of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, this year’s planning is already in the works and is smooth sailing thanks to the “amazing” team running the show, with a special shout out to locals Lee Moreau, Beth BaRoss, and Barb Kraus.
From feast-worthy food to creative crafts to live entertainment from local groups and kids’ dance troupes, paired with family, friends, and fun, the Lake Hopatcong Block Party will bring businesses, non-profits, and visitors together to celebrate the Lake Hopatcong spirit and share the goods and services that make the close-knit community go ‘round.
Speaking of community, Murphy explained, “The Block Party started in 2014 in an effort to bring together the four towns around the lake and local businesses and organizations to kick off the summer and celebrate the lake community. With four towns and two counties, people are often pulled in different directions, and this was conceived to be a chance to pull everyone together. In the years since, it has grown and evolved. We have been unlucky with the weather, but folks still show up and have a great time, and we’re hopeful that this year will finally be a perfect weather day!”
Vendors can register and ought to asap, although Murphy noted that the slots may be all taken. Someone could drop out, so it’s worth a shot to look into it. If you are a local business, crafter, organization, non-profit, or have a food truck and wish to have a display area at this year’s Lake Hopatcong Block Party, costs run from $25 to $325. Get in early and get a discount by registering by February 28 or if you are based in Hopatcong, Jefferson, Mt. Arlington, or Roxbury.
Sponsor the Lake Hopatcong Block Party and get your name out there and associated with the event.
Sponsorships start at $500 and give visibility via the Passport Adventure program – an exploratory challenge for those who attend the block party as they get stamps on their passport at each booth visited. At the end of the day, those with a full passport have the chance to win special prizes. Fun on top of fun…what could be better?
Like any well-run community event, volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Help make the Lake Hopatcong Block Party as amazing as ever by volunteering to lend a helping hand. And you don’t have to live on the lake to offer assistance – everyone’s welcome. Various shifts are available throughout the day, starting at 6:30am and running until 6:00 for clean-up and close-up.
Rain or shine, the block party will go on. Free to attend and fun for all! The event will take place on May 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hopatcong State Park.