Byram Day celebrations include food, crafts, contests and fireworks
Byram "Byram Day" will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the C.O. Johnson field on Roseville Road in Byram. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 11. Byram Day is an opportunity to reconnect with neighbors and the community, and is one way to spread the word about all the services and businesses that Byram and the surrounding area have to offer. Event planners are looking for: businesses, vendors, crafters and local non-profit food vendors; runners, walkers and golf participants; and photo, pie and chili entrants. For flyers and forms, drop by the Byram Town Hall or call Glynis Golden, at 973-252-8699 or email 1golden1@optonline.net. A 5K Run and Walk-a-Thon will be held at 8:30 a.m., a golf tournament at 10 a.m., and an opening ceremony at noon. The day will end with fireworks at dark. There will be a whip demonstration by Wild West City's own Mike Stabile, and appearances by D.J. Steve and Amazing Juggles the Silly Magician, a "Mr. Legs" contest, a cheering demonstration by the Lenape Valley Regional High School cheerleaders, live entertainment provided by Jax7, and opportunities to meet the local "Young Guns" of racing on the Gilmore Racing Team. There will be a vendor and craft fair, games, pony rides and more for all ages. Food and beverages will be available in the food court, presented by local non-profit groups. The winner of the Mark Thelin Scout "Spirit Scholarship Award" for this year will be announced as well. New this year to the line up is a Walk-a-Thon, a nine-hole Shotgun Golf Tournament, Country and Western line dancing instruction, a photo contest (visit MotoPhoto.com for contest rules), a talent showcase, youth and teen field events sponsored by Byram Christian Fellowship, martial arts demonstration by the New Jersey Martial Art's Academy, and a children's book giveaway. Little Professor has sponsored an essay contest for local school children from grades one through eight. The subject of the essay is "Byram, My Home Town." The winning essay from each grade category will be announced and displayed. The 5K Run at 8:30 a.m., sponsored by Sparta Medical Center and Re/Max Elite Services in Byram, is for runners of all ages. On-site registration is from 7:30-8:15 a.m. at the C. O. Johnson field. Participants will run or jog through the scenic hills of Byram. For applications, drop by the Town Hall, or call Brian Beckman at 973-347-5068. The Walk-A-Thon, to benefit the Lakeland Ambulance Squad, is stepping off at 8:30 a.m. Walkers will meander around C. O. Johnson Field. On-site registration is from 7:30-8:15 a.m. For applications, drop by the Town Hall or call Glynis Golden at 973-252-8699. The golf tournament, teeing off at 10 a.m., is a 9-Hole Shotgun Blind Bogey Tournament, held at Lake Lackawanna Golf Course in Stanhope. Door and tee prizes will be awarded. For applications, drop by the Town Hall or call Glynis Golden at 973-252-8699. The "Opening Ceremony" will begin at noon at C.O. Johnson field. A "Little Prince and Princess" contest, sponsored by Frogmore, will be held for Byram Township children, ages two to five. Miss Byram 2005, Stephanie Ly, will help present the winners. Sign up will be prior to the event, at the stage. Lockwood Farms and Re/Max Elite Services Byram are sponsoring the "Tomato Contest" for children in grades K-8, with prizes for the heaviest, best tasting, best color and most peculiar. A "Pie Baking" contest will award prizes in Under 15 and Over 15 age groups. The "Chili Cook Off" contest will accept meat or veggie versions, and enthusiasts should bring no more than a quart of their favorite chili in a thermal container. Tomato, chili and pie entries must be at the Byram Day Committee table, by the stage, no later than 1:30 p.m. The culmination of the day will be a fireworks show at nightfall.