Stanhope gets ready for its annual Spring Festival

STANHOPE—The 10th Annual Stanhope Spring Festival, sponsored by the Stanhope Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Sunday, June 12, from 12 noon until 6 p.m. along Main Street. Rain date is June 26. The ever changing, ever growing event has drawn vendors from New York State to Pennsylvania in previous years, and this year is no exception. The vendors truly contribute to the eclectic nature of the festival. They offer quality handmade crafts, many of them exhibited at juried and non-juried craft shows throughout the Northeast. While patrons will still find Avon, T-shirts, floral arrangements and candles, they'll also find original artwork, walking sticks, and handcrafted leather items. All-day live music, a face-painting clown, pony rides, inflatable rides, a stilt walker, a free caricaturist, free games, a free petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, and so much more can also be found at this year's event. The Stanhope Police Department will be providing children's photo identification. Expect some great musical performances from Stanhope House regulars such as Roger "Hurricane" Wilson and Peter Karp and the Roadshow, as well as surprise appearances by other favorites. A "Ride from the Heart," motorcycle run will originate at J & M Cycles and end at The Stanhope House. Cost is $15 per rider or $20 per couple (one bike). Proceeds will benefit the Town With a Heart Fund. The Silent Auction, which also raises funds for the Town With a Heart Fund, was established by the Chamber to assist individuals or families in need of emergency financial assistance. Some of the items up for auction are a night's stay at the Whistling Swan, two months' free rental at Paramount Self-Storage, gift certificates to a local restaurant or business. The free petting zoo, for kids young and old alike, will have a llama, goats, sheep, a baby calf, a miniature donkey, rabbits, and chickens. Older kids and adults can enjoy the thrills and chills of the 30-foot-high rock-climbing wall, a first-time feature for the festival. Since parking can become difficult with the large crowds, anyone traveling to the Spring Festival is encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle bus, sponsored in part by CVS Pharmacy. The shuttle will be in operation from 12 noon until 6:15 p.m., departing approximately every 15 minutes from the CVS Pharmacy parking lot, located at the Acorn Plaza at 8 Rte. 206 North. It will drop off riders by the Stanhope Presbyterian Church, at the start of all the festivities. For those coming from Sussex County, the shuttle is in a direct line of travel to the festival. Admission to the event is free. General and/or vendor inquiries should be directed to organizers Mary Jo Bartone, 973-691-6990, or Paula, 973-691-7449. For information and/or media kits on any of the bands, call Maureen Myers, Chamber president, 973-347-0458. For information on the "Ride from the Heart" motorcycle run, call J & M Cycles, 973-448-0018.