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"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." - Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) American writer, scholar and teacher

This issue is packed with fun, and plenty of Memorial Day events, a way to remember those in the armed forces, both with us today and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This issue's photo is courtesy of Charlie Henshaw, Commander of the Mecsey-Bishop American Legion Post 456 in Stewartsville, one of this weekend's parade destinations.

Additional parades will be stepping off in Blairstown, Hackettstown, Phillipsburg and Belvidere this three-day weekend. Lopatcong is featuring its annual Two Bell Ceremony, and bringing back Music in the Park every Wednesday. The Friends of Ramsaysburg invites everyone to picnic at the homestead to celebrate the weekend and commemorate America's 250th Anniversary.

Our local farms are ready to embrace another summer season, with line dancing at Donaldson Farms. Von Thun Farms continues to rock with its annual Strawberry Festival opening May 30.

Check out the 2026 schedule for the local pool and lake openings, some even happening this weekend! And the iconic American water park Land of Make Believe opens its slides and rides for the Memorial Day weekend.

In the Plan Ahead department, we're conducting another giveaway: Family Packs (free admission for five people, including parking) to the Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival coming up on June 6-7! Drop us a line at Tourism@co.warren.nj.us with Balloon Fest in the subject line, and include your name and phone number. Good luck!

With all that said, Happy Memorial Day and Happy Wanderings!

Flags and Flowers through May 31

Coming Up: 

3rd Annual Richard Schisler Celebration of Life Art Exhibit

A special celebration held on the birthday of local artist Richard Schisler (1913-2003) celebrates his life and legacy during a month-long exhibition of his work. More than 20 original paintings by Schisler are displayed, many depicting Phillipsburg area scenes, and his art tells stories, evokes emotion, and reflects a lifetime of creativity that still resonates deeply.

Memorial Day Weekend at Alba Vineyard

Memorial Day weekend opens up the traditional summer travel season, and what better way to kick it off than with a visit to Alba Vineyard! Regular menu of freshly made wood-fired pizza, salad, paninis, and other specials available for purchase.

Memorial Day Two Bell Ceremony at Lopatcong Middle School

Lopatcong MS Choir and Phillipsburg HS Band will be performing at this ceremony, which will remember and honor local veterans and first responders. Two Bell Ceremony-Laying of wreath by Lopatcong Fire Department; Public Roll Call (FRA Branch 115 members); Honoring Hometown Heroes - The 15 sons of Phillipsburg: Harry Pursel, Dominick Russo.

Land of Make Believe's Season Opening Weekend

The iconic award-winning amusement park kicks off its 70th season Memorial Day Weekend, with new rides on "land and water" added in the past several years, including thrill rides for young adults such as the Scream Machine 360, Safari Adventure, and Tumblin' Timbers roller coaster. The expansive Water Park has also expanded with numerous challenging rides, while Land of Make Believe continues to offer plenty of rides for children of all ages, and the whole family, including classics such as the Ferris wheel. Merry Go-Round, and the Thriller Roller Coaster. Earlier this year, Land of Make Believe was named one of the most iconic amusement parks in America!

Vass Farmstead Open House

Come explore the Vass Farmstead! Built in 1812, this beautiful stone farmhouse and its grounds offer a unique glimpse into rural life, agriculture, and community heritage. Bonus: visit White Lake, too, just across the road!

Double Vision - The Foreigner Experience at CSC

Boasting some of New York City’s top professional rock musicians, Double Vision delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess, resulting in a legitimate tribute and authentic performance. Performing in a Hackettstown Rotary Club Fundraiser, the band is second to none at recreating the masterful songs Foreigner fans including “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Urgent,” “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and more!

30th Annual Memorial Motor Madness Car Show presented by Mars Snacking

Don't miss the 30th annual car show featuring 500 classic cars, all day music by S.C.3. Entertainment and Doc South, multiple food trucks, crafters, vendors, raffles, the famous Noon 'Muscle Car' Rev-up and more! Made possible by the Hackettstown Rotary Club and located at Mars Snacking in Hackettstown. 

Belvidere American Legion Post #131 Memorial Day Parade

A solemn day of remembrance for those who died in military service. Parade begins at 9am at Legion Post (122 Greenwich St.) followed by ceremonies at the cemetery and War Memorial, then flowers placed in the Delaware River off the Belvidere Bridge as part of a Navy ceremony.

Phillipsburg Memorial Day Parade

A parade hosted by the Bernardine May American Legion Post #457 to honor our fallen Veterans (local and national) and local First Responders. Parade steps off from Walters Park, proceeds to Shappell Park for a formal ceremony, then to the Free Bridge, where both mayors will toss the memorial wreath into the Delaware River. Due to current infrastructure changes, participants may make their way to the Free Bridge by any preferred route. For those requiring assistance, transportation vehicles will be staged in the Transit Lot across from Joe's following the Shappell Park ceremony to shuttle attendees to the bridge.

Mecsey Bishop Legion #323 Memorial Day Parade

Stewartsville's parade lines up at 9:30am sharp, stepping off from Willever Way at 10am and heading south on N. Main Street to Greenwich Street, followed by a memorial service and award presentations at Thomas Stewart Park (Greenwich Township).

Memorial Day Community Picnic at Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead

All are welcome to attend this free rain or shine event hosted by the Friends of Ramsaysburg Memorial Day gathering. An open table potluck as well as a grills will be available to bring your own meats. Enjoy a flag raising, face painting, lawn games, informal walks, a nature scavenger hunt and more! 

Lopatcong Music in the Park

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - 6:30pm

Lopatcong's weekly summer music is back! Another great lineup kicks off with Joyous on 5/27, followed by Jesse Rivera 6/3; Big Easy Easton Brass 6/10; TimeWhys 6/17; Zaire 6/24.
 

The Big Yellow Bus Thrift Tour Fundraiser

Grab your friends or come make new ones and hop on the Big Yellow Bus for a day full of thrifting, connection, and fun! This event fundraiser supports The Outreach Connection Food Pantry, helping provide essential groceries and resources to families in the community. Every seat on the bus makes a difference!

Blairstown Farmers' Market

Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 9:30am
Saturday, June 27, 2026 - 9:30am

Opening Day May 30! This year marks the 19th annual Blairstown Farmers' Market. An official marker of summer and fresh produce, you'll find local farmers, foods, vendors and music. You're bound to find great things to partake in and take home!

Pigs in a Blanket While you Sample Wine at Villa Milagro

Come enjoy complimentary bites with your wine tasting this weekend. Bring a picnic or buy a small plate of "pigs" or a charcuterie box to enjoy on the porch, under the pergola or sitting on the lawn. Breathtaking views will help you relax and soak in nature.

Line Dancing at Donaldson Farms

Sandi of Willow Creek Events is back on the farm with more line dancing fun for the whole family! Pull on those boots and get ready for an awesome afternoon of line dancing and strawberry picking! Admission is free for line dancing, strawberry picking is priced separately. 

2026 Jazz Series at Rutherfurd Hall - Jerry Weldon Quintet

Experience the complete 2026 Jazz Series at Rutherfurd Hall featuring seven world-class jazz performances. May features Jerry Weldon Quintet, the internationally renowned tenor saxophonist and longtime featured player with Harry Connick Jr.’s band, Weldon brings decades of experience and a sound that defines classic, high-energy jazz.

Warren County Hall of Fame Golf Classic @ Architects

Monday, June 1, 2026

Enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie, and support for the Warren County Community College Foundation. All proceeds to benefit the initiatives, scholarships, and capital improvements of the WCCC Foundation. All-inclusive VIP Golf Packages available. Print advertising/sponsor artwork deadline: May 15. Registration deadline: May 25.

 
Entertainment: 

May Music at Panther Pub

Panther Pub continues with tunes Friday and Sunday live music featuring Michael Long 5/8; Karen Payne Duo 5/10; Nova Duo 5/15; John Cain 5/17; Hannah Noel 5/22; Erin McKenna 5/24; Bryan Hansen 5/29; Brian McLoughlin.

Brook Hollow Live Music - May 2026

Friday, June 5, 2026 to Saturday, June 6, 2026

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend live music with TBD 5/22; Stan and Elise/Phil Carollo (Sage) 5/23; Water Street/Double Time Paradigm 5/24; Rich Ortiz 5/29; Scott Messina/ Katy Gerhold 5/30; Michael Long 5/31; Scott Messina 6/5; Rich Ortiz/ Jake Roggenkamp 6/6.

Weekend Music Under the Arbor at Alba Vineyard

Jam to music at Alba Vineyard with Vintage Vibe Tribe 5/22; Lorenzo Branca, Dillon Taylor 5/23; Walt Bibinger 5/24; Dez Kozman Duo 5/25; Kamara Trio, Dillon Taylor 5/30; Darla Rich Trio 5/31.

Live Music at Living Spirits Distillery

Hackettstown's own distillery, Living Spirits, is open and bringing the live music featuring DJ Sean Henry 5/22; Thaddeus McBride, AKA 13 Hands 5/23; MDW Sunday Set - Selena 5/24; DJ Cadillac Kid 5/29; Maribyrd & Jim Lashway 5/30.

May Music at The Log Cabin

The Log Cabin is jammin' in May with live music from Jeff BellfyDuo 5/3; Justin Flyte 5/10; Sick Star Nation 5/17; Rob Brock 5/24; Uncle Smiley 5/31.

 
Continuing: 

Friday Night Meal Deal at Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, June 5, 2026 - 6:00pm
Friday, June 12, 2026 - 6:00pm

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Winery Train to Villa Milagro Operating for the Season

Board at the Lehigh Junction Station in old town Phillipsburg for a scenic trip along the banks of the beautiful Delaware River, then tour Villa Milagro vineyard and winery to learn how grapes are grown and wines are made, followed by a wine tasting paired with hors d'oeuvres. Train runs weekends through the end of October.

UACNJ Saturday Astronomy Talks 2026

These are free public programs at Jenny Jump State Forest, presented Saturday evenings April-October. The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the club's telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting. May 23 is Radio Astronomy with Mark Sproul; May 30 is An Unstable Fluid Universe: How Your Coffee is Like a Supernova with Chirag Skolar.

West End Farmers' Market in Hackettstown

Sunday, June 7, 2026 -
9:30am to 1:00pm
Sunday, June 14, 2026 -
9:30am to 1:00pm

Hackettstown's own West End Farmers' Market is open each Sunday from 9:30am-1pm with local farmers, artisans, bread makers, bakers, artisans and more! Behind Dollar General in Czig Meister's parking lot. 

Free Kayak Rentals at White Lake

FREE open kayaking at White Lake every Tuesday, starting May 5 from 4-7pm through September. A limited number of kayaks are available. Reservations are required.

Line Dancing at Luigi's Rancho

Friday, June 5, 2026 - 8:00pm
Friday, June 12, 2026 - 8:00pm

Every Friday with DJ Dave Rupell, late night menu and drink specials. $10 cover, ages 21+

Walk the Halls Museum Tour at Rutherfurd Hall

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 11:00am
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 11:00am

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve your spot by emailing jsalvas@aes.k12.nj.us

Warren County Wednesday Walks

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 10:00am

Join Warren County Park Naturalist Jennifer for a monthly hike at a different park. Registration is required.

Phillipsburg Summer Farmers Market at Shappell Park

Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 9:00am
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 9:00am
Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 9:00am
Saturday, June 27, 2026 - 9:00am
Saturday, July 4, 2026 - 9:00am

Get ready for summer with the return of the Phillipsburg Summer Farmers Market, moving back to Shappell Park due to the bridge closure. 

Juried Open Show presented by WC ARTS

Monday, June 1, 2026 to Monday, June 8, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 to Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026 to Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The 28th Annual Juried Open Show is available for viewing through August 1, with an artist reception June 14.

Winery Train to Villa Milagro Operating for the Season

Saturday, June 6, 2026 to Sunday, June 7, 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026 to Sunday, June 14, 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026 to Sunday, June 21, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026 to Sunday, June 28, 2026

Board at the Lehigh Junction Station in old town Phillipsburg for a scenic trip along the banks of the beautiful Delaware River, then tour Villa Milagro vineyard and winery to learn how grapes are grown and wines are made, followed by a wine tasting paired with hors d'oeuvres. Train runs weekends through the end of October.

Food Truck Thursdays (& Taco Tuesdays!) at Tranquillity Farms

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 4:00pm
Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 4:30pm
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 4:00pm
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 4:00pm
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 4:00pm
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 4:00pm

Enjoy dinner with a view! A rotating schedule of food trucks on the farm will be featured each Thursday through September, and Taco Tuesday with A Taco Affair will be on site on select Tuesdays. Don't forget to order some ice cream for dessert!

21st Season of Tuesday Cruise Night at Joe's Steak Shop

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 4:00pm
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 4:00pm

Joe's Steak Shop is celebrating their 21st season of Cruise night. Bring a friend, a chair, and enjoy the music, cars, and delicious food and drinks.

UACNJ Saturday Astronomy Talks 2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 27, 2026 - 8:00pm

These are free public programs at Jenny Jump State Forest, presented Saturday evenings April-October. The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the club's telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting. May 23 is Radio Astronomy with Mark Sproul; May 30 is An Unstable Fluid Universe: How Your Coffee is Like a Supernova with Chirag Skolar.

 
Community Corner: 

Yoga in the Park at Footbridge Park

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:30pm

Bring your mat and any extra props you'd like to Footbridge Park in the pavilion for a relaxing yoga session. Choose from classes on Wednesday @ 6:30pm and/or Saturdays @ 9am. Classes run through August 15.

Open Volunteer Day with RVC

Be an agent of change by volunteering some time at one of RVC's many trails. This month, volunteers will be planting in the pocket meadow at Dark Moon Preserve. Tools will be provided appropriate to the project.

Free Produce Pop-Up Market

Thursday, June 25, 2026 -
1:30pm to 2:30pm

LocalShare and Rutgers Cancer Institute are partnering to bring you fresh, healthy food and a vibrant and fun atmosphere. Bring your own bags and come check it out!

Free Paper Shredding Service for Warren County Residents

Warren County's semiannual Paper Shredding event is a free service to Warren County residents (not for businesses, and proof of residency required). Bring your confidential/sensitive paper materials; any document that contains personal exclusive information.  Please limit the quantity to 2 boxes weighing no more than 20 lbs. each. Staff will be available to unload documents.

Relay for Life of Warren County

Relay For Life celebrates survivors, honors caregivers, remembers loved ones lost, and raises funds to ensure that everyone has the chance to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Get involved!

 
More Things to Do: 

Warren County Grains and Grapes Trail Passport Program

There are just two weekends left to complete your Passport on the Warren County Grains & Grapes Trail! Collect at stamp from each of the 10 locations - wineries, breweries, a brewpub and a distillery - and you'll earn a custom canvas tote bag with the official Grains & Grapes logo printed on one side and the brewery, winery and distillery logos on the other! Even better, everyone who completes the passport goes into a drawing for the Grand Prize - a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, desert tan in color, provided by LOST Goods and Gear of Belvidere, NJ, with $50 gift cards each of the 10 Warren County Grains & Grapes Trail locations, plus gift cards from LOST Goods and Gear and from its companion store, FOUND The Art of Home, also located in Belvidere, stickers from all trail locations, and some merch. The grand prize is valued at $900 and the winner will be chosen at random during a public event in June. Immerse in the serene landscapes and rich history of Warren County, as you indulge in the finest local wines, distilled spirits and craft beers. Learn more at the link. Must be 21+ to participate.

 
Plan Ahead: 

Cruise Night at Zeek's Place

Friday, June 5, 2026 -
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday, July 3, 2026 -
6:00pm to 9:00pm

Bring your ride to Cruise Night at Zeek's Place. Open to all years, makes and models, from classic to modern muscle, tuners, trucks, foreign and domestic. Great food and cool rides!

Fan Film Fridays at Blairstown Diner

Friday, June 5, 2026 -
8:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday, July 10, 2026 -
8:00pm to 10:00pm

Whether you're a diehard horror fanatic, a Friday the 13th superman, or just looking for a killer night out, the Blairstown Diner is hosting two movie nights this summer! Come celebrate indie horror with a night of fan-made terror, cult vibes, and slashers on the big screen.

Hackettstown Community Day

Saturday, June 6, 2026 -
12:00pm to 8:00pm

Hackettstown Community Day (formerly Spring Festival) will be held at Hackettstown High School and the Hackettstown Recreation field, Sheldon Field, Warren St. Events include Battle of the Bands, talent show, mini rides and inflatables (wristbands), Mars Wrigley candy giveaway, food, vendors and more!

Found Fest Block Party 2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - 5:00pm
Saturday, October 3, 2026 - 5:00pm

Another season of FOUND Fest is upon us and usually happen the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy incredible food trucks, great live music, family fun, corn hole, chair massage, and its evening Farmers Market is back and growing! The FOUND family is working hard to bring the community together and invite everyone to see how Belvidere is growing.

Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival

Saturday, June 6, 2026 -
1:00pm to 8:30pm
Sunday, June 7, 2026 -
1:00pm to 8:30pm

Balloon fest season begins as the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival returns to Warren County Community College for a weekend of fun! In addition to balloon activities like the daily Mass Hot Air Balloon launches and tethered balloon rides, the festival also offers live music, a car & truck show, chalk art contest, June Jumble Combat Robot Competition with up to 75 robots, children’s entertainment with Balloons the Clown and Grins & Grins juggling, food trucks, vendors, and free activities at Fascination Place; plus drone exhibits by WarrenUAS featuring air, ground, and underwater vehicles, and meet SPOT, the robot “dog.”

Summer Planter Workshop at Flowerland Growers

Friday, June 12, 2026 -
10:00am to 2:00pm
Saturday, June 13, 2026 -
10:00am to 2:00pm

Come by yourself or with a group and pack your pot with beautiful summer plants! The workshop is à la carte, so you only pay for what you use! Registration is required!

Warren250 Lawn Concert: NJ Symphony's Patriotic Brass Quintet @ Garret D. Wall Park

Saturday, June 20, 2026 -
2:00pm to 3:00pm

Free family-friendly lawn concert in beautiful Garret D. Wall Park in the center of Belvidere! NJ Symphony's Patriotic Brass Quintet will play the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes and more! Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs, relax and enjoy a lovely afternoon celebrating our nation's semiquincentennial! The park provides plenty of natural shade. Coolers are permitted but alcohol and tobacco consumption is prohibited. Presented by Warren County Cultural & Heritage Affairs, with funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Dusk 'Til Death Market and Music Fest in Blairstown

Saturday, July 18, 2026 -
4:00pm to 10:00pm

This is shaping up to be one of the biggest horror/music events ever held at the Blairstown Diner featuring live music, over 30 vendors, celebrities, signings, food, and unforgettable memories in the birthplace of Friday the 13th! 

Please be advised that we do our best to make sure the information in this message is accurate at the time it is sent. But things happen, plans change, weather can be fickle... you get the idea. Please click on the links provided to other websites to obtain further details and updates.