Mendham Fest Returns This Weekend

MENDHAM, NJ — Once again, residents can spring into the autumn season with the borough’s annual Mendham Fest, returning this weekend.

The event is slated for Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., at Borough Park. The Mendham Fest is free to attend, and residents and visitors of all ages are encouraged to join.

Guests can expect food trucks, craft beer, vendors, and more. According to organizers, there will be giant Jenga, Connect Four, axe-throwing, and other yard games for kids and families to enjoy.

“The Borough of Mendham will host its Annual Mendham Fest,” a statement read. "Enjoy the food, crafts, family fun, and music festival at Borough Park in the center of Mendham. Make it a special day for your whole family and friends as we say goodbye to the Summer of ’25 and welcome the gorgeous NJ fall foliage.”

Some of the participating food trucks are Torta Truck LLC, Stuf'd, NYC Mac Truck, Bona Bona Ice Cream, and Ambee Coffee Co.

Visitors can also expect live music, with BreakTime performing from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and the VeraMillea Trio playing from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Dozens of vendors will also be attending the festival, including:

• Scouts Troop 1

• Naked Botanicals
• Robinsons Drug Shop
• Mahara by Bushra
• Social Graces
• Mendham Rotary Club
• Hand in Hand Chiropractic
• Mendham Mud
• Schiff Nature Preserve
• Mendham Arts Council
• Ralston General Store/Mendham Seniors Crafters
• Mendham Mathnasium
• Earrings and Things
• Luminous by Lucia
• Mendham United Methodist Church
• Here and Now Yoga
• Mendham Business Association
• Hallas Face Painting

The day also marks the return of the Harvest Hustle 5K race. See details below:

Harvest Hustle 5K

For the 17th year, Mendham will be running back its annual Harvest Hustle 5K.

The 3.1-mile race will return to Mendham on Saturday, with the event kicking off at 10 a.m. The starting line will be at the corner of Park and Mountain avenues.

The race will once again benefit the Mendham Borough Home and School Association (HSA), a non-profit organization that “provides programs, events, and capital improvements that enrich the educational experience for students of Mendham Borough School District.”

Registration for the annual run can be done online here and costs $45 with a $3.70 sign-up fee. Registration is open from now until Oct. 4, 8 a.m.

Registration includes a bib and t-shirt, as well as the chance to win the race’s medals/awards. There will be awards given out based on overall performance, age, and gender. Runners can also register in teams.

See the course directions below:

• Start on Mountain Ave in front of the Gazebo, heading away from Main Street
• Turn Left onto Wilson
• Turn Right onto Gunther
• Turn Left onto Bockoven
• Turn Right onto Country
• Turn Right onto Maple and follow to Mountain Ave.
• Cross Mountain (slight Left) to Florie Farm
• Turn Right onto Florie Farm
• Turn Right onto Phoenix and follow to Mountain Ave.
• Cross Mountain (slight Left) to Garabrant
• Turn Right onto Garabrant
• Turn Left onto Gunther and follow to the end of the cul-de-sac
• Go around the cul-de-sac and back up Gunther
• Turn Right onto Wilson and follow to Mountain Ave.
• Cross Mountain (slight Right) and turn Left onto Park ave to the finish line

Last year, Mendham’s own Troy Pittenger, now 41, finished first in the Harvest Hustle. His finishing time was 18:25, and he maintained a pace of 5:55.

Kid’s Fun Run

The Harvest Hustle Kid’s Fun Run is, of course, returning as well. This will be held on the same day as the 5K, starting at 8 a.m.

Kid’s Fun Run registration costs $35 with a $3.10 sign-up fee. Registration is open from now until Oct. 4, 8:15 a.m.
See directions for the Kid's Fun Run below:

• Start at Gazebo at Borough Park
• Run on Mountain Ave away from Main Street
• Turn left onto Wilson Street
• Turn left onto Gunther until the end (cul-de-sac), run around the cul-de-sac, and head back on Gunther
• Turn right onto Wilson Street
• Follow Wilson to the end - cross Mountain (slight Right) then left onto Park Ave
• Finish line is painted across Park Ave about 50 yards from Mountain Ave

Those with questions should contact Race Director Marrie-Rose Garbacz at Harvesthustlemendham@gmail.com.