Fair Skies Shine Over Knowlton’s Community Day

November 6, 2023

**Animals at the petting zoo greeted visitors to Community Day. Photo by Joe Phalon**.

There were a few clouds, but the rain stayed away for Knowlton Township Community Day. Community Day returned last year after a two-year, COVID-19-induced hiatus.

Even though the 2023 event had to be postponed a week because of rain, it was still a big success, said Deputy Mayor Debra Shipps, so much so that there was no trouble finding enthusiasm for this year’s event.

“We haven’t had many chances to get together,” said Shipps, as she scooped out fresh popcorn. “We were really pleased with the turnout.”

The turnout was so good, Shipps said, that organizers feared they might run out of food before the event finished up. But the local businesses and volunteer organizations that provided food, ice cream and snacks—all for free—came through, she said.

**Expert face painting was available. Photo by J. Phalon**

**A very shy pig made his debut at Knowlton’s Community Day. Photo by J. Phalon**

Community Day has been Shipps’ baby, so to speak, since it started in 2017. She said many businesses and individuals have stepped up to support with donations of time, funding and all things fair-related.

Many township agencies had displays, including the fire department and rescue squad. The Warren County Library was there along with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, which offered ID cards for kids. Residents were able to bring expired medicines for proper disposal. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was also represented.

There were also bounce houses, inflatable slides, a train ride and a petting zoo, along with a pony ride.

Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joe brings decades of journalism experience to the Ridge View Echo, covering everything from local school boards to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former National Law Journal editor and Columbia Law School press officer, he now enjoys telling community stories in Blairstown, where he lives with his wife, Rose, and their two dachshunds.