Community Corner

Seeing and Being Seen at Charter Day 2012

Perfect weather draws out crowds.

the 252nd anniversary of the founding of the Township of Bernardston, was celebrated under perfect sunshine.

Music has started for The Battle of the Bands by the Henry Street stage and demonstrations by local groups and businesses are underway at the main stage by the

Here is , which continues until 10 p.m. on Saturday night. The band Hoi Polloi is scheduled to perform live from 7 to 10 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Up and down South Finley Avenue, people sampled the edible treats that were offered by local restaurants and other food vendors.

Sporting organizations such as Ridge Youth Sports, with 1,100 young players strong, set up booths and sell shirts as a fundraiser and to raise awareness of the organization's sports programs — football, basketball, lacrosse, cheerleading, and softball.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tim Brush, owner of right in the middle of the action, said that Charter Day is a "great boost" as the town heads into summer — and the end of the school year.

The heat and lots of walking drew lots of hungry and thirsty people to a booth sponsored by another local restaurant, the Olde Mill Inn, said Shelia Palka, marketing director. "It's going great," she said shortly before the restaurant began preparing to leave after 5 p.m.

Many people come to Charter Day to see and be seen.

Tom Childs, who said he grew up in town, and went through local schools, said he can look up and down the streets, and spot people he knows everywhere.

"You see all your neighbors and all the kids you ever coached," he said. The surprise is seeing how big some of those kids have grown, he agreed.

With three sons — all somewhere in the crowd — he said Charter Day is a don't miss event for local young people. "This used to be like a national holiday in my house when the kids were younger," Child said.

Some towns without a Charter Day may have residents who wish they did. Gina Longarzo and Nancy Gallagher of nearby Harding Township said they often come to the event. Longarzo, standing in the field filled with rides and games behind said her children like the rides.

Of course, the whole idea of Charter Day — and the name — is based on the founding of the Township of Bernardston in 1760, ordered by charter by British King George II.

As always on Charter Day, the Brick Academy, from the early 19th century, was open with local history exhibits, and information presented by members of

Basking Ridge Patch representatives in green t-shirts also were on hand, signing up people for Patch's newsletter and distributing t-shirts.

Please upload your own photos or videos, and let us know what's your favorite part of Charter Day.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here