Downtown Makes Way For Pony Rides, Rock 'n' Roll, Funnel Cakes

Vendors and local organizations lined up at 6:30 Sunday morning to set up for a hot May day at the Spring Festival in downtown Cranford.

"We had to tell them 'we're not ready yet!'" said Andis Kalnins, Chamber of Commerce member. "Last spring it rained, then we tried to have it last fall and it rained out, this is the first time its really worked."

Fairgoers packed the downtown streets, guided across open North and South avenues by Cranford police. They had at their disposal over 250 vendors, eateries, organizations and downtown retailers.

New Jersey band Kindred Souls performed original tunes and cover songs under the clock at the center of the fair. Children took over the far end by Cervantes of Spain with a petting zoo, pony ride and inflatable obstacle course.

Kalnins, Republican candidate for Township Committee, manned an informational display with running-mate and current mayor Mark Smith. Democratic candidates Ed O'Malley and Kevin Campbell passed out campaign literature at the other end of the festival.

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