Union County celebrates history, environment with special events
Boy Scouts compete and learn new skills at the Klondike Derby in the Watchung Reservation on Feb. 6, 2016. iPad video by Pam MacKenzie. Pamela MacKenzie/Staff Video
Upcoming events in Union County will celebrate its history and environment.
On April 28, Watchung Reservation's Spring Celebration will include:
- Wild Earth Fest, featuring live animal demonstrations, music, live animals, face painting, food vendors, educational displays, organic food
- Touch A Truck, an interactive display of county emergency and public works vehicles
- "Guillermo Thorn and the Mills of the Watchungs: A Photographic Journey into the Past," a look at the beginnings of commercial photography in America and the 19th century mills that once powered industries along the brooks in the Watchung Mountains.
"This Sunday is going to be quite a day up in the Watchung Reservation," Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski said in a statement. "While Wild Earth Fest and Touch A Truck are returning to mark our annual spring kick off in county parks, but there will be even more to do. Wild Earth Fest raises awareness about the importance of conservation and environment stewardship here in the Union County community and globally. It is a unique event that combines fun activities with new opportunities to learn and interact with our natural surroundings.”
Wild Earth Fest will take place in Trailside Nature Center's lower field with:
- Atlantic City Aquarium touch tank exhibit featuring starfish, sea urchins, stingrays, horseshoe crabs
- Swift Farms Petting Zoo featuring a miniature pony, lambs, goats, baby chickens and rabbits
- Interactive live animal presentations "Mammal Mania," "Reptile Discovery" and "Wolf Visions"
- Outdoor skill workshops on camping, canoeing, hiking, archery, birding and nature photography
- Eco-Art project, a rock wall, face-painting, Recycling Olympics and live music by Glen “Wreckin’ Ball” Waldeck.
The $5 admission includes access to Touch a Truck in Watchung Reservation's Lower Loop Parking Lot. Meanwhile, the free "Journey into the Past" will take place in the Masker's Barn in the Deserted Village of Feltville, which will also offer free hayrides and history tours.
"The Watchung Stable will be hosting free pony rides and barn tours," Kowalski said.
Shuttle buses are available so visitors easily can take in all three events.
'History on Tap'
Union County historic fun will continue May 3 with "History on Tap" at Merchants and Drovers Tavern in Rahway.
The social gathering will include a performance and presentation of period music from the 19th century by Anne and Ridley Enslow, who will dress in historically accurate clothing and respectively play dulcimer and fiddle.
“This event will bring residents ages 21 and older together to celebrate the local history of Union County,” Kowalski said. “It promises to be an enjoyable opportunity for county residents to learn about colonial traditions while mixing with others with similar interests.”
Throughout the evening, attendees can try their hand at a percussion instrument called the limber jack, participate in sing-alongs and learn a Colonial dance.
If you go
Union County Spring Celebration
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28
Where: Trailside Nature Center and Deserted Village, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside
How much: $5 for Wild Earth Fest and Touch A Truck; free for "Guillermo Thorn and the Mills of the Watchungs: A Photographic Journey into the Past"
'History on Tap'
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 3
Where: Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, 1632 St. Georges Ave., Rahway
How much: $10, includes food and two drink vouchers for beer, wine and soft drinks
Staff Writer Bob Makin: 732-565-7319; email@example.com