Kiwanis Fair Restored
Memories and a BIG Photo Collection
The official end of summer was upon us. People were coming home from summer vacation. Football practice was underway at the high school, and the students were prepping for the start of a new school year. What began on Labor Day weekend in 1949 will hold a place in the hearts of many local residents as one of the biggest and best community annual events held over Labor Day weekend. We take a look back at the history of the Kiwanis Fair in Basking Ridge, and we hope it brings back some fond memories. We encourage you to share any fair memories you have at the end of the piece.
As the local historian, we receive a wide range of requests to research people, properties, and events from our local history. The Basking Ridge Kiwanis Community Fair was an event held in Bernards Township from 1949 to 1993. It was held on Saturday and Monday each Labor Day weekend. Sundays were reserved for Church service, so the fair was closed.
The Kiwanis Community Fair started on Labor Day weekend in 1949. The event was officially called the “Bernards Township Community Day” program and was to be held on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 1949, at the Oak Street School grounds in Basking Ridge. James F. Foley and E. Delbert Edgar served as co-chairs for the event. Vernon O. Craig was the chapter chairman.
We are just trying to prove that we can have fun at home and do not have to torment ourselves in those traffic jams to have a good time over the holiday.”
F. H Bockhoven, Kiwanis Club Spokesman – 1950
The list of judges included a “who’s who” of local residents. As with all community events, some memorable activities brought the area together on what was typically a quiet weekend.
What is Labor Day weekend in the Somerset Hills without the Bernards Township Kiwanis Fair – nothing. But with the Fair: Everything.
Bernardsville News – 1967
The fair had several great exhibits. Every year, a king and queen would be crowned. Exhibits from local merchants showcased their offerings, such as the Somerset Hills Bank, which featured a film demonstrating how currency is made. The Boy Scout Troop 77 gave pancakes and fritters to anyone who wanted them. The Bedminster Air Explorers put kids into their Piper Cup airplane, which was on display. Oh yes, there was always a big tent, featuring displays from the local library, the Somerset Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Soap Box Derby cars, and representatives from all the local areas of worship.
During the fair, numerous events were held. Cars and the local fire departments paraded in the annual antique auto parade. There was a maypole contest, a slow race, the 25-yard dash, an Apple on a Spoon Race, a Race while holding a piece of paper on a straw, a country auction, a firefighting demonstration, free movies, a dog and cat show with over 100 entries to name just a few. The later years included events such as parades, bike races, Ferris wheel rides, and the infamous “Arbitron” gyroscope ride.
In 1950, the second year of the Labor Day weekend fair, over 2,000 people attended the event at the Oak Street School location. Township Clerk Charles Anstedt wrote a letter of commendation to the Bernards Township Kiwanis Club for presenting such a fine event. Over 300 residents packed the Oak Street gymnasium on Saturday night for an old-fashioned square and “round” dance featuring the Pop Stout orchestra. Events included pet shows, a greased pig chase, a baseball game, a cattle show, a poultry show, and yes games. The event sold over 185 pounds of beef, making for some great hamburgers.
At the 1962 Kiwanis fair, a massive 24-foot by 6-foot mural created by Mrs. Edgar Townley of 12 Orchard Place depicted “The Helping Hands of the Community Chest,” showcasing eight volunteer organizations in the area.
Over 40 women artists joined to create an exhibit at the 1962 Kiwanis Fair. And the state of New Jersey brought the infamous “History-mobile,” a traveling mobile exhibit showcasing the tricentennial of New Jersey’s 300th anniversary. New Jersey Bell, the Ford Motor Company, and the New Jersey Manufacturers Association financed the Historymobile.
In 1963, a parade took place on Front Street (now South Finley Avenue), complete with floats. Cub Pack 202 showcased its “Statue of Liberty” float, which was delayed due to getting stuck in the overhead power lines. But it eventually crossed past the dignitary viewing stand. Miss Independence was also there. Over 14,000 attended the fair in 1963.
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