Politics & Government

Annual Berkeley Pride Day Kicks Off at 10 a.m.

Rides, food, crafters, music, fireworks and an unveiling of Twin Towers steel slated

The 21st annual Berkeley Pride Day celebration gets underway at 10 a.m. today at Veterans Park and will run into the evening, capped off with a fireworks display.

"This is our most important township event where we encourage everyone in the community to come together for a day of family fun, great entertainment and to show their pride in Berkeley Township," Mayor Jason J. Varano said.

Amusement rides will be in the "bowl" at the park, near the outdoor stage, Crafters, civic and nonprofit groups will have booths surrounding the rides, the mayor said.

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Food from local vendors will be available. The event also features a variety of music all day. The Edmund Brothers will perform at 5:30 p.m. and Jobonnano and the Godsons of Soul will take to the stage at 7:15 p.m. Radio Magic 100.1 will broadcast all day and offer prizes and giveaways.

The event will turn somber at 6:30 p.m., with a 9-11 memorial service and the dedication of a piece of Twin Towers steel. Residents Thomas and JoAnn Meehan were instrumental in bringing the steel to the township. The Holiday Heights couple lost their daughter Colleen in the North Tower.

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The township had planned to have the steel embedded in concrete  in front of the marble 9-11 memorial already in place in time for the event.

"Because of Hurricane Irene, all our employees had to be pulled," Varano said. "The ground is too soft. It will be built over the next couple of months."

Berkeley Pride Day will end with a fireworks display at dusk.

 

 


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