Charter Day Coming up Next Saturday

Next Saturday is a day that thousands of residents in Basking Ridge, from children in strollers to those who have lived in the area for many decades, each year look forward to attending — , which this year will mark the 252nd anniversary of the founding of the township of Bernardston.

About 15,000 people attended the street fair and community event last year, said Jennifer Gander, director of the township , which oversees Charter Day. Charter Day is celebrated rain or shine.

Each year, Charter Day brings shows, rides, games, food from many area restaurants and food providers, street acts and more to downtown Basking Ridge, which is closed off to traffic for the duration of the festival. Charter Day begins with the street fair at 11 a.m., which lasts until about 5 p.m. Entertainment is presented all day through 10 p.m.

Each year, The Historical Society of The Somerset Hills, which has its headquarters at the at 15 W. Oak St., opens its doors and presents exhibits to the public. Two years ago, the township celebrated its 250th anniversary.

Throughout the day, many bands are presented, including local bands who compete in Battle of the Bands. The township's website said the group will sponsor folk singer Spook Handy as the performer on the main stage at Charter Day.

Gander said she will have a schedule for entertainment and the Battle of the Bands early this week. Patch will update this story as more information is available.

She also said that many of the vendors returning this year are regulars who have appeared in previous years.

Destination Imagination table will raise funds for ophaned babies in Africa

freshman Regan Asay said Destination Imagination will host a booth as part of a project to help orphaned babies in Africa, specifically in Swaziland, have access to clean water.

The team, four ninth graders and one sophomore, is hosting a coloring contest to raise more awareness about the issue. The contest is open to kindergarten through grade 12 in Basking Ridge. Entries are due Monday the 14.

For the application, and all further information, check the cleanwaterforkids.org website under the Get Involved page.

The group also will have a booth at Charter Day selling bottled water to raise funds for the clean water project.