Remembering Mendham's History: Annual Labor Day Carnival

MENDHAM, NJ — When was the last time you went to a local event that had been going on since the Second World War?

The annual Labor Day carnival in Mendham Borough is one of the most fondly remembered traditions, and it has been a fixture in the community for more than 70 years.

The Pastime Club's Labor Day Carnival is a large-scale event that includes rides, games, and food. The parade will take place on Sept. 4 this year, with the carnival running in the days preceding the holiday.

But before the fun begins, some 200 members of the Pastime Club – now in its 107th year of service to the community – have had their hands in the planning of this community event since January.

The annual Labor Day celebration began in 1943 as a way to help fund community youth athletics and has continued to this day.

Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Glassner recalls the carnival fondly as a childhood tradition, emphasizing its significance to the community. "These events have taken place for decades and are really cherished by the community. I remember marching in the parade as a very young girl, and now I get to do it again as mayor."

One of the biggest draws of the four-day event is the 50/50 raffle, which culminates in a drawing on Labor Day evening. Tickets are $5, and the prize pool has grown to over $50,000 in recent years.

Last year’s winner won $35,515, making him the largest prize winner in the club's history.

The Mendham Borough parade, which travels through town on Monday morning at 10 a.m., is another significant component of the weekend's festivities. After that, at 11 a.m., the final day of the carnival begins, and it ends abruptly at 10:30 p.m., just after a nightcap of fireworks.

A number of neighborhood fire departments participate in the Mendham Labor Day parade. The Hose Competition, which follows the parade and pits each department against one another in a test of fire hose prowess.

According to officials, it's a unique competition to watch on a hot Labor Day afternoon, and it's a great way to cool off.

The Pastime Club is always looking for new residents who want to get involved in our community. If you'd like to learn more about the Club and membership, contact them at pastimeclubmembership@gmail.com.