Community Corner
Annual Fishawack Festival Returns To Chatham This Summer
Fishawack was started by Chatham's Chamber of Commerce in 1971 and the festival has been running strong for 52 years.
CHATHAM, NJ — It's almost time to celebrate one of Chatham's most popular community events. This year's Fishawack Festival will take place next month.
The annual Fishawack Festival returns to downtown Chatham on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The festivities will take place all over downtown Chatham, including the following locations:
- Fairmount Avenue
- Reasoner Park
- Railroad Plaza South
- Lum Field
The Fishawack Festival is a yearly celebration of the history, culture and community of the region that takes place in Chatham. The festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities, live music performances, food and drink vendors and other events for people of all ages.
Find out what's happening in Chathamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Chatham's Chamber of Commerce established Fishawack in 1971 as an event to commemorate Chatham Borough's heritage while also supporting local businesses.
Fishawack was the Lenni Lenape word for the Passaic River, according to John T. Cunningham's 1967 book, and because Chatham's section is the narrowest, the natives would cross the river at Chatham on their seasonal migration along the Minisink Trail.
Find out what's happening in Chathamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This year, the kid zone will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and the outdoor pub will be open from 12 to 6 p.m., officials said.
"Join us for a day of fun and celebration as we come together to honor the unique spirit of Chatham and its surrounding areas. Whether you're a longtime resident or just visiting, the Fishawack Festival is a great opportunity to connect with your community and enjoy all that it has to offer," borough officials said.
The Chatham Jaycees will also hold their annual Fishawack Run. The one-mile fun run will begin at 9 a.m., and the four-mile race will begin at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged for all entrants, which can be done here.
All race proceeds will benefit nonprofit community organizations designated by the Chatham Borough Jaycees, including ECLC School, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Chatham Emergency Squad, local scholarship funds and P.T.O.'s.
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