Hillsdale ‘Family Fun Night’ featured live music, activities for all

Families watch Lisa La La’s performance at Family Fun Night during a Hillsdale summer concert in August 2017. The series concludes Aug. 23 with Larry Stevens Band.

Hillsdale’s Summer Concert Series was extra special on Wednesday, Aug. 9. Themed “Family Fun Night,” the evening brought clowns, crafts and quite the crowd.

While the borough’s summer concerts typically start at 7:30 p.m., the evening began at 6 with Lisa La La Musical Entertainment. While Lisa La La took the stage, other activities kept Veterans Park abuzz with guests.

Colors the Clown supplied plenty of balloon flowers, swords and animals. Sand art, clay
making and cookie decorating stations put young artists to work. A face painting
station also kept youngsters busy.

But that’s not all. Family Fun Night also featured shopping opportunities at vendor tables, photo opportunities with Pikachu, and lots of pizza.

Hillsdale’s Summer Concert Series featured Family Fun Night on Wednesday, Aug. 9. Pictured at the event are Kailey (4), Freddy (7) and Nicole enjoying the live music in Veterans Park.

Despite the plethora of activities, Lisa La La was still a big hit of the night. She manned a small stage in full ‘70s gear, including guitar pick earrings with peace signs. She kept youngsters engaged, and a large crowd formed around the stage.

Family Fun Night didn’t solely cater to children, however. Around 7:30, the North Jersey Concert Band gave a performance, and a large crowd of adults set up lawn chairs to relax and watch. Their set list included an array of genres, including Big Band, patriotic and pop tunes.

There are still two more concerts scheduled for the borough’s summer series. Each begins at 7:30 in Veterans Park.

On Aug. 16, Tossed & Torn will perform rock, Americana, folk, blues and funk originals and covers.

On Aug. 23, the Larry Stevens Band is set to play vintage pop and rock, as well as originals.

Although the concert series will soon come to an end, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the borough. The Hillsdale Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, featuring a dunk tank, food vendors, a beer garden and pony rides. Running from 1-6 p.m., the festival offers plenty of time for family fun.

Photos by Danielle O’Brien

Families mingle around Veterans Park, enjoying all the vendors and activities set up for children.