Township Gears Up For Lacey Day

Lacey Township is gearing up for the big day.

Lacey Day is soon approaching, as it will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. at Gille Park.

“It is a day for the residents of the community to come out and enjoy themselves with no impact on them financially. It’s a day they can come out and have some food, enjoy some activities and meet the vendors without having to dip into their pockets,” Township Administrator Veronica Laureigh said.

The free annual event will feature a barbecue lunch served by the Forked River Rotary Club, family friendly games and activities, demonstrations by Kum Sung Martial Arts, mini performances by the Burning Stage Theater Company, community information booths, a DJ, door prizes and a presentation from Re/Max of New Jersey.

There will be over 45 community information booths featuring nonprofit groups, churches, the Lacey Food Bank, township departments and local businesses, Ryan Horne of the Recreation Department said.

According to Horne, one of the major highlights of the day is the free food.

“But people have a different take on it. A lot of the residents like to get out for a free day in town. They get some food, learn about local businesses, get to see their neighbors and friends, and the kids can have fun as well,” Horne said.

The volleyball courts at Gille Park will be open for use and there will be field games as well, Horne said.

New to the community event, the Lacey Township Volunteer EMS will be holding their first annual Lacey Day Poker Run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the Poker Run will go towards the squad's operating budget and a .

John Hode, a member of Lacey EMS, is anticipating approximately 50 to 100 motorcyclists. “The bigger, the better,” he said.

Registration for the Poker Run is from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the municipal building. Pre-registration is $15, $20 on the day of the event.

The 97-mile poker run will begin at the municipal building and go as far out as Ocean and Burlington Counties, ending at Gille Park, Hode said. The best poker hand will be announced at 3 p.m.

“Any participants can take part in the Lacey Day events. And I really just hope it’s a good day for everyone,” Hode said.

Re/Max of New jersey will be sending their hot air balloon and expert tem, led by Captain Bob Mueller. They will begin their presentation a 1 p.m., which may include a seven-story balloon and photo opportunities.

The celebration is free and open to Lacey residents only. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Sunday, Aug. 14, same time and location.

Lacey Day began well over 30 years ago as a family free day for all residents. Last year, the event was not held due to financial restraints, Mayor Gary Quinn previously said.

Lacey Day is organized by the township committee and the Recreation Department and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Forked River and the Lacey Moose Lodge. each to the event back in May.

For more information call the Lacey Township Recreation Department at 609-693-1100, ext. 2203.