OLD TAPPAN, N.J.—Hundreds of residents and former residents of all ages joined public officials and visitors to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Old Tappan Oct. 19 during an afternoon through evening celebration at Stone Point Park capped off by a fireworks display at Old Tappan Golf Course.
Highlights of the day for most included rides, games, demonstrations, performers, and food trucks featuring barbecue specialties and empanadas. The 125th anniversary event was held in place of Old Tappan’s annual Town Day.
‘Incredibly well-attended’
“It was so incredibly well-attended and I saw so many people that I hadn’t seen in years,” said Mayor John Kramer. “I was thrilled with the day and the way the event went off,” he added.
The mayor said his personal highlight “was meeting and greeting old and new friends” and getting reacquainted with residents and former residents he had not seen in years, often for many decades. He said the 5K race fundraiser was also a highlight and the fireworks.
Councilman Victor Cioce, anniversary committee liaison, said at least 500 people visited Stone Point Park on a bright and sunny day. “Actually I loved it, it was wonderful and a great family event and that’s what we strived for,” he said.
For Cioce, highlights included a corn maze for kids, and a tent where residents and seniors could view a short film providing anecdotes and memories from longtime residents of Old Tappan. Another highlight was a hay ride where a volunteer provided an entertaining historical tour of local sites.
Other pluses included a pie-baking contest and a pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, plus a tent where coffee, tea and cookies were offered to seniors, Cioce said.
The 125th anniversary committee sold merchandise recognizing the occasion, including short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, baseball caps, car magnets, and commemorative mugs.
‘A beautiful day’
“It was just a beautiful day,” said borough administrator and former councilwoman Anna Haverilla. “We had lots of people there having fun and the weather couldn’t have been more cooperative,” she added.
Haverilla said an old-time baseball game, where players wore period uniforms, and games such as a bucket brigade contest made for good times.
A time capsule from 25 years ago was opened and revealed a mug from the borough’s centennial celebration, a floppy disc, a video cassette recorder (VCR) to record and play VHS tapes, old pictures and papers, along with an autograph book listing attendees of Old Tappan’s centennial celebration.
Cioce said that residents with ideas for what should be included in a 2019 time capsule—to be opened in 2044—should submit suggestions at Borough Hall.
“It just was a wonderful, wonderful event, plus the fireworks at night,” said Cioce.
Photos courtesy Anna Haverilla