May 12, 2023| Community, Events
By: Rose Silletto
The Lake Hopatcong Block Party is so much more than just a vendor fair. Though we will have an exciting selection of almost 200 crafters, food vendors, businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups, there will also be games, demonstrations, entertainment, and much, much more!
This year’s Block Party promises many of the same beloved activities the community looks forward to every year, as well as some new ones! Here is just a sampling of things to do at this year’s event:
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 drawing to win some amazing prizes!
On-Water Demonstrations – The Jefferson fire boat returns with an on-water display, and new this year, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will demo their HyCat,, an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV). An ASV is a robotic vessel that can automatically navigate and acquire data without the need for continual operator oversight. The HyCat is used for monitoring HAB occurrence and extent, water quality measurements, habitat mapping, bathymetry, and source water volumetric calculations.
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. Look for them down by the beach, or visit them in Zone A, to learn more.
Merry Musicians- The Merry Musicians will be leading the children’s activities this year, and we’re excited to welcome them back! Volunteers will lead little ones in making pinwheels and planes, and for tiny tikes, there will be musical egg shakers! Look for them at the children’s activities booth in Zone B.
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)!
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 A.
Boat rides – Hop aboard the Miss Lotta for one of five FREE mini cruises throughout the day, courtesy of Lake Hopatcong Cruises! You can also purchase a $20 ticket for a longer, special Block Party Cruise, scheduled to depart at 1:30 pm. This hour-long cruise around the lake will include a full-service cash bar. Food will not be provided on this cruise; however, guests are welcome to come aboard with food purchased from vendors at the Block Party.
50/50 Raffle - 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 $15.00. 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. You can visit them at 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, will be joining us for the first time at this year’s Block Party! Come visit them in Zone B and meet a fuzzy friend. They will also be selling some of their alpaca wool apparel.
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.
We truly can’t wait for you to join us and experience all of the above and more at this year’s Block Party. Many thanks to those who are providing an activity, experience, or game. Please check the Block Party page for all the details as we get closer and closer to May 20. Each booth and activity has a story – go discover it!
