May 09, 2024| Community, Events
By: Caitlin Doran
Plenty of folks come to the Lake Hopatcong Block Party just to check out the more than 200 vendors. But for those who are also looking for some free, family-friendly fun, look no further than this year’s event! Here’s a roundup of just some of the fun you can find while strolling through the Block Party.
Passport Adventure - Guests are encouraged to visit and interact with booths participating in our Passport Adventure Program. When you visit a designated passport adventure booth, the participating sponsor will stamp your passport. Guests who turn in their fully stamped passport are entered in a 3:30p.m. drawing to win some amazing prizes, like a $250 Nolan’s Point Experience Basket! Look for the Passport Adventure booth in the pavilion to pick up your passport!
Children's Scavenger Hunt - For kids 12 years and younger, the Children's Scavenger Hunt includes hands-on activities, fun giveaways, and lots of learning opportunities from the Lake Hopatcong community. Return completed scavenger hunt cards for a free kiddie cone coupon redeemable at Jefferson Dairy (while supplies last)!
Fishing Demo with the Knee Deep Club – the Knee Deep Club will present a casting demonstration of freshwater fishing rods and reels frequently used while fishing the beautiful waters of Lake Hopatcong, from 12 pm – 1:30 pm. Look for them down by the beach, or visit them in Zone A, to learn more.
Boat Rides - Lake Hopatcong's own Miss Lotta will embark on seven FREE cruises throughout the day, courtesy of Lake Hopatcong Cruises! Cruises will depart at 10:55 am, 11:25 am, 11:55 am, 12:25 pm, and 12:55 pm, 1:25 pm, and 1:55 pm. Tickets are available in Zone A, Booth 105 (look for the BOAT RIDE FLAG at the booth closest to the boat ramp). Tickets will be released 15 minutes before each cruise on a first come, first served basis with a limit of four tickets per group. All passengers must be present in the ticketing line to be issued a ticket. Beverages may be purchased at the full-service bar on board, and food from the food court is welcome.
On-Water Demonstrations – The Jefferson fire boat, Defender, returns with an on-water display, compliments of the Jefferson Fire Department Co. 2 at 1 pm. Give them a wave and let them know we appreciate all our local fire departments do for our community!
Children’s Activities- Merry Musicians will be at the Children’s Activities booth again, helping kids make musical egg shakers, bracelets, and more!
Eyes of the Wild – Our friends at Eyes of the Wild are back, and they are bringing their exotic animal ambassadors from their 21-acre rescue operation in Hunterdon County. You can meet the team and some cool critters by visiting the Eyes of the Wild Booth in Zone B, with a program from 12 pm – 3 pm.
50/50 Cash Raffle – You gotta be in it to win it, as they say! Raffle tickets will be available at the 50/50 booth in the Pavilion area and from walking ticket sellers. Tickets are 1 ticket for $5.00, 5 tickets for $10.00, or 15 tickets for $20.00. The drawing will take place at 3 pm. Winners need not be present, however, contact information must be provided. Proceeds benefit the Lake Hopatcong Foundation's efforts to foster a vibrant and healthy lake and community!
Irish Step Dancing – A fan favorite, An Clar School of Irish Dance will be performing Irish step dances at the pavilion at 12:30 pm. Don’t miss the performance and be sure to check out their booth in Zone A to learn more about the school and how to get involved.
Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum - the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum will be open to the public for the duration of the Block Party. Visit the museum, which is in the historic Morris Canal Lock Tender’s House on the left when entering the park and experience an eye-opening look at Lake Hopatcong’s history.
Meet the alpacas - Hidden Brook Ranch of Blairstown, NJ are joining us again! Visit them in Zone B and meet a fuzzy friend. They will also be selling some of their alpaca wool apparel.
Raptor Demonstration – Professional falconer PJ Simonis of Resource Raptors will be bringing two bird-of-prey ambassadors to the Block Party, where guests can watch them take flight on command!
Drone Demonstration – Roxbury High School’s Aviation Club is bringing drones to this year’s event, and those interested in learning more should head to their booth in Zone B, to learn more about the science and art of flying drones (and more)!
Games for kids - In addition to the children’s activity table and scavenger hunt, more games for kids can be found scattered throughout the Block Party. These games include the Froggy Fly Fling, Mini Train Striker, oversized Operation (don’t touch the sides!), and Tic Tac Toss. Get your game on!
Puppy-Wuppy Drill Team – You won’t meet more obedient pups than the canine ambassadors with Puppy-Wuppy Dog Training. See this group of well-behaved dogs perform tricks and commands, as they pack walk through the Block Party.
Mix and Mingle (and maybe a round of Cornhole) with the Mayors – Visit our local mayors in the town square section of the Block Party, by the pavilion. You can even challenge them to a game of cornhole!
Meet cool mascots! Meet local legends at this year’s Block Party, with appearances by Herbie the Miner of Sussex County Miners Baseball, a cast of Star Wars characters thanks to our friends at the 501st Legion, Smokey Bear of U.S. Forest Service fame, our penguin friend from the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge #782 “Leap in the Lake” event, and more! Don’t be shy – say “hi!” when you see them walking through the Block Party.
We truly can’t wait for you to join us and experience all of the above and more at this year’s event. Many thanks to those who are providing an activity, experience, game, or expertise! Please check the Block Party page for all the details as we get closer and closer to May 18. Each booth and activity has a story – go discover it!
