A Day of Celebration:Upcoming Events in Harrison NJ Sat. Oct. 21, 2023

UPDATE: Due to the forecast of Rain on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Hispanic Month planned for Saturday are being moved to Sunday, October 22, 2023. The Junior Firefighter Day planned for Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is still ON AS SCHEDULED.

Harrison, New Jersey, is gearing up for a day filled with community events on Saturday, October 21, 2023. From junior firefighters to yard sales and cultural celebrations, there's something for everyone. Here's a rundown of what to expect:

Junior Firefighter Day at Library Park

Sponsored by the Harrison Fire Department, the Junior Firefighter Day promises to be a fun-filled event for kids and families. Taking place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Library Park, attendees will have the chance to meet their local firefighters. The event will feature food stalls, face painting, a bounce house, and the unique opportunity to spray a fire hose. Kids can also experience the Smokehouse Tunnel and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. It's a perfect occasion for the community to come together and appreciate the brave firefighters who keep them safe.

Holy Cross Church Yard Sale

Just a block away from Library Park, the Holy Cross Church is hosting a yard sale between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Located on Church Square Street, between Harrison Avenue and Jersey Street, the yard sale offers a chance for attendees to find hidden treasures while supporting the church's initiatives.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

In a first for Harrison, NJ, the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration will be held at Library Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event aims to honor the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Harrison Fest Inc.

While these events promise a day of fun and community bonding, it's hard not to reminisce about the grandeur of the Harrison Fest Inc. Founded by former Councilman Anselmo Millan, the Harrison Fest was a three-day extravaganza that included a Queens Gala, a Grand Parade featuring over 70 organizations marching along Harrison Avenue from Supor Blvd. to 3^rd Street, and a two-day Street Festival on Harrison Avenue (closed to vehicular traffic). With two stages hosting various performers and bands, it was a weekend of non-stop entertainment. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the local businesses extending their shops and restaurants onto Harrison Avenue with preferential treatment on their location. Food music and shopping while reconnecting with your neighbors and family was why many people from town and outside of town came to Harrison Fest.

The last Harrison Fest was held in 2017. Unfortunately, subsequent Harrison Fests were halted. The reason? Political differences. After Councilman Anselmo Millan ran for the office of Mayor in the 2018 Democratic Primary against Mayor James Fife, the latter did not permit the continuation of Harrison Fest.  Harrison Fest, a non-profit corporation, still exists and continues to do community services. 

While the grand celebrations of the Harrison Fest are missed, it is nice to see the upcoming events on October 21, 2023. These three events show that the spirit of community and celebration is still alive in Harrison, NJ. Whether it's supporting young firefighters, finding a treasure at the yard sale, or immersing oneself in Hispanic culture, there's no shortage of activities to look forward to.

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