Dinosaur Trail Is Coming To Farmingdale Woods This Weekend

FARMINGDALE, NJ — Dinosaurs are coming to the woods of Farmingdale on an interactive trail, hosted by the Farmingdale Recreation Commission.

The Dinosaur Trail will be this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1, also from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The trail's opening was delayed after last weekend's storm.

Realistic paintings on 8-foot-high plywood will feature a variety of dinosaur types - such as T-Rex - that will populate the woods behind the Community Center on Asbury Avenue, courtesy of artist Dave Castaldo, a borough resident.

"The goal of the trail is to bring excitement, wonder and education to the children in the area with some fun basic history," said Erika Bamonte, a member of the Recreation Commission.

She said the idea and execution of the Dinosaur Trail was designed by local photographer Kella MacPhee.

The dinosaurs were created by artist and art teacher at South Brunswick High School Castaldo, who also is Bamonte's husband.

One fun aspect of the trail is that MacPhee will set up interactive elements. She had children in town record interesting facts about each type of dinosaur, Bamonte said.

That way, when kids push the button for the explanation, they will hear kids voices do the narration - or maybe even their own.

Bamonte said the idea to bring a dinosaur trail to the borough was also inspired, in part, after large dinosaur sculptures created on a trail in Allaire State Park were destroyed in an act of vandalism last year.

"We realized that there is a dino-loving crowd who would appreciate an event like this," she said.

Last October, large dinosaur sculptures made from branches and limbs were found destroyed at the Wall park. On the Portraits of the Jersey Shore Facebook site, many mourned the loss of those fantastic - and famous - figures created by artist Robin Ruggiero.

The Farmingdale exhibit will bring some of that spirit of whimsy and creativity to the borough that has a walkable, charming downtown.

Bamonte said people can make a nice day trip, visiting shops in town and having a "bite" to eat.

And while admission is free, Bamonte said donations are greatly appreciated to help continue to fund even more free community events the Recreation Commission has planned.

She said the commission works as a team to create fun, free events that bring the whole town - and visitors - together.

There has been another Fairy Trail and Medieval festival, but coming soon will be some popular trails, such as the Halloween and the Holiday Trails.

The Recreation Commission keeps busy all year round, and different members spearhead different events, Bamonte said.

"But we all pitch in," she said. "if someone needs something, we're there!"