DEMAREST DAY, a community event held annually since 2000 (except during the pandemic), is being hailed as a huge success: bigger and better this year, boasting more sponsors, activities, entertainment, and fun zones.
From 1 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 the grounds were packed with more than 1,000 visitors from across Bergen County.
Among the throngs: Mayor Brian Bernstein; councilembers David Jiang, Andrea Slowikowski, and Daniel Marks; Rotary District 7490 past district governors Ray Cywinski and Jim Boyer; Recreation Committee liaison Brandis Bukzin; and Demarest Day Director Dakota Griffin.
Bernstein emphasized the importance of the event: “Demarest Day is a great event for Demarest, and everyone has a great time. We have strong volunteer support, and it’s a wonderful way to give back to the community!”
Fifteen volunteers were on-site, with many more assisting with paperwork and organizing activities in advance. This year saw a record number of sponsors—more than 48.
Participants had items for sale, raffle prizes, and giveaways. Representatives from Demarest Free Publuc Library, Demarest Nature Center, Pascack Valley Medical Center, The Community Chest, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s constituent services team were on hand, chatting with visitors and distributing information.
A vendor scavenger hunt kept children entertained as they collected stamps toward prizes.
Thanks to generous sponsors, Carnival Row featured an array of games and inflatable sports booths, run by Northern Valley Demarest high schoolers, where kids of all ages won assorted prizes. Boy Scout Troop #20, based out of the Demarest Nature Center, managed the carnival tables and sports zone activities.
In the fun zone, attendees enjoyed a bungee trampoline, rock wall, inflatable slide, bounce house, and even a dunk tank.
Throughout the afternoon, children delighted in face painting, balloon art, and art and craft activities provided by The Art School at Old Church.
For the more adventurous, rock climbing and bungee jumping were big hits.
On stage, there were lively performances by Music With Marly, School of Rock, Johnny Mac Entertainment, and a concert by TreeOh! Visual excitement included demonstrations from Tiger Kim’s Taekwondo, the Balansa Center, Thomas Santhos, and the Holy Angels Dance Team.
New additions to Demarest Day included a VR gaming truck and an interactive digital photo booth, both courtesy of Happy Time Events.
The fun continued throughout the afternoon, with a watermelon-eating contest and a baking contest.
Food trucks offered a variety of options, including hot dogs, burgers, tortillas, barbecue, and ice cream, while Westwood’s Five Dimes Brewery sponsored a biergarten.
The day wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display at 7:45 p.m.
Griffin expressed gratitude to title sponsor Colliers Engineering & Design and other major sponsors, including the Steve and Diane Conte family, Demarest PBA Local #350, Angie Ziangos, Keller Williams Town Life, the Bukzin family, Spencer Savings Bank, Happy Times Events NJ, and Con Edison.
“I think Demarest Day is incredibly important for the town because it offers a chance for community connection,” Griffin said. “There is such a need for connection in society right now, and this event provides a great opportunity for people to come together.”