EAST ORANGE, NJ — According to East Orange’s 3rd Ward City Council representatives, Quilla Talmadge and Ted Green, Elmwood Park is the place to be on Sunday, Aug. 13, at noon, for the 12th annual Summer Jam concert that will cap off an eventful summer at the public park.
“We have been having great initiatives. We just had our first movie night under the stars. We call it Movie at the Park and we had close to 400 people come out,” said Green on Thursday, July 27. “It was an amazing night, despite the fact that we had 90-degree heat. This year, we’re doing three movies, because the people enjoyed these movies so much and they came out with their families and friends.”
But Sunday, Aug. 13, is going to be all about the 3rd Ward Summer Jam.
“We have a lot of big stars coming. We always have a dynamic program and we’re going to have an even better one this year,” said Talmadge on Thursday, July 27.
After 12 consecutive years, Green said he still gets excited about the Summer Jam concert, because it has become East Orange’s end-of-summer event, though there are plenty of other family-friendly activities scheduled in the city’s parks.
“It’s one of the biggest concerts that we’ve been having for the last 12 years,” Green said. “People are going to be in for a treat this year. We’ve got house music this year, R&B, a young man who does the Luther Vandross Revue that’s coming all the way from Maryland. We’re going to bring all the folks out, from children to teens other youths and adults. Please come out to Elmwood Park, starting at noon. This is going to be a great event.”
Green and Talmadge said the 12th annual Summer Jam will take place, despite the current renovations under way in Elmwood Park.
“Right now, we have some renovations that are being done in Elmwood Park, but it’s not going to affect the part where we’re having the concert,” Green said. “We have close to $1.3 million in Open Space money that we invested in Elmwood Park. We’re putting up new tennis courts, new racquetball walls and a fitness area that’s also handicap-accessible.”
Green said the park upgrades are designed to be as inclusive as possible.
“We’re not only thinking about the physically fit and able-bodied people; we’re thinking about our physically challenged constituents too,” Green said. “We’re being very proactive and opening up Elmwood Park for everyone to enjoy that park and get in shape. I think the best thing we can do, when we talk about open space and green space, is tell people they can come out and enjoy the park, but also stay healthy.”
For more information about the 12th annual Summer Jam concert and other activities in East Orange parks, call 973-266-5120.
About the Author
