Downtown Buzz In Farmingdale: Howell-Area Town Plans Events

FARMINGDALE, NJ — The borough isn't letting winter put a damper on planning for the arrival of spring - and a return to the downtown buzz.

The borough, encircled by Howell Township, has a vibrant downtown with a historical museum, restaurants, businesses, churches and a late-1800s feel to many homes.

This isn't surprising since Farmingdale was once a hub for Howell's farming communities.

Howell may have outstripped Farmingdale in development, but not in its whimsical town spirit.

Here is some of the activity going on right now:

Recreation Commission Fairy Trail

Volunteers with the Farmingdale Recreation Commission are preparing for the second annual Fairy Trail, to pop up behind the community center at 11 Asbury Ave. starting April 29.

Last year, residents of Farmingdale created fairy houses that were put up on a trail with twinkling lights and various spotlights.

"It was a truly magical experience and guests came as far as New York and Maryland to see it," said Recreation Commission volunteer Erika Bamonte, chairperson of the event this year.

She said children came dressed up as fairies and families brought along glow sticks for added fun.

This year, the trail will be expanded and welcome all fairy garden artists from anywhere with the opportunity to place a fairy creation on the trail.

Donations are greatly appreciated to keep this magical tradition going yearly, Bamonte said.

On Saturday, April 29, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., the fun begins with a "Fairy Faire," featuring an array of metaphysical and fairy-themed vendors, Bamonte said in a Facebook post. There will be New Age items, tarot card readings and organic and natural products.

At 7 p.m. the Fairy Trail will be illuminated.

If making a fairy house is not an option but someone is still looking for a way to contribute their art, painted rocks that have an inspiring message or have a fairy on them are being accepted, she said.

If you are interested in contributing a fairy garden or painted rock to the trail, you can click the link to sign up and for more information.

Here are some of the things to know before you visit this year's Fairy Trail, Bamonte said:

• The Fairy Trail will be lit every night from April 29 to June 30, starting at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• The trail is located behind the Farmingdale Borough Hall and Community Center. Enter the parking lot, look to the woods and you will see the lights.
• The trail is half boardwalk and half padded mulch. It is double-stroller friendly.
• Parking is located directly in front of the trail.
• The trail is short, about a 10-minute walk.
• For the comfort and safety of all of our guests, fairies and their homes, pets will not be permitted.

Farmingdale 50th Annual Memorial Day Parade

May's activities continue with plans for a milestone Memorial Day parade in town.

The borough is looking for "volunteers and creative thinkers" for what will be the 50th annual Memorial Day Parade. View more information at the borough website.

A meeting schedule - beginning this Friday - has been set to join in the planning. All meetings take place at Colleen Sagan's house at 6 Boud Ave. The first is this Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., followed by March 16, April 19 and May 3 - also all at 7 p.m.

Borough Clerk Corinne DiCorcia Williams said the Parade Committee is a subset of the Borough Council and is seeking volunteers to help out. As planning progresses, there will be a way to sign up to be part of the parade, she said.

"Even if you aren’t available to work the parade on Memorial Day, if you have ideas on how to make this year’s parade the best one yet, please come on down," the borough encourages in a flyer.

Anyone planning to attend a meeting should email the host at csagan@farmingdaleborough.org or the borough at clerk@farmingdaleborough.org.

Basketball Nights

Finally, if you just need to get moving while waiting for spring, bring the kids - and yourself - to the Recreation Commission's Basketball Nights on Wednesdays.

It's every Wednesday night now through April 5 in the Farmingdale School gym from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Here are some things to know:

• All ages are welcome.
• A parent/guardian must be present with their child under 12.
• Bring your own basketball. A few will be available.

Learn more at the Recreation Commission Facebook page.