Getting Your Fair Haven Day Tickets

Today may be a rainy day, but sunny skies have been forecast for the first Fair Haven Day on Saturday.

Officials want to remind residents that Borough Hall is open until 8 p.m., and residents should take advantage and get their tickets in advance.

The intent with the advance purchase is twofold. "We really want as close a headcount as possible so we don't run out of food," Councilwoman Susan Sorensen said at Monday's council meeting. "Purchasing them in advance will also make you eligible for raffle prizes and it's also just more convenient — no standing in line the day of the event."

So far, 663 tickets have been sold, said Mayor Ben Lucarelli from borough hall at about 6 p.m. He added that last year 3850 meals were served.

This year, Sorensen reminded, there will be some added attractions to the what was the day's seedling — the Fair Haven Centennial Celebration last year.

"We will have a bouncy house for the kids, Sangria in what was the Beer Garden last year, for adults, a seafood raw bar at $5 a serving and ... popcorn," she said. 

To further encourage the advance purchase of tickets, Sorensen said The Foundation of Fair Haven, the non-profit sponsoring the event, has posted posters, sandwich board-type signs and South-of-the-Border-inspired build-up signage along Ridge Road near the Fair Haven Day site at Fair Haven Fields.

Tickets for the Brennan's-catered American BBQ are $10 and buy guests a serving of hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, potato and green salads, dessert and soft drinks.

The new seafood raw bar serving, catered by Fair Haven's Doug Doughty of Lusty Losbster, will cost the $5 mentioned by Sorensen.

This year, Ardvark Smile, Brian Kirk and the Jirks and the River Road Band will each be taking the music stage at 3, 4 and 7 p.m., respectively. And fireworks will cap off the evening.

This is a bring-your-own blankets and chairs event.

Borough Hall is now operating under a pilot program of summer hours, which means that offices are open Monday through Wednesday during normal hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most offices are closed on Fridays, however, tickets will be available at the library until noon.