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.
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
Joe was lured out of retirement by the opportunity to be a part of the Ridge View Echo. During a decades-long career in publishing and journalism, he has covered government on many levels from local school boards to the United States Supreme Court.
Along the way, Joe has worked at American Lawyer Magazine, The National Law Journal and The Record among other publications, and as the Press Officer of Columbia Law School. His work has been recognized with several first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the New Jersey Press Association.
Being part of the Ridge View Echo brings Joe back to his roots and the kind of news coverage he loves: Telling the stories of people and local communities as well as keeping an eye on how their money is spent by their government officials.
Joe lives in Blairstown with his wife Rose, the founder of Quilting for a Cause, and their two wiener dogs. He is an artist in his spare time.
