MAPLEWOOD, NJ — MayFest, Maplewood’s largest street fair, returns Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the fair runs along Springfield Avenue from Indiana Street to Rutgers Street. This family-friendly event includes lots of activities for children — pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and crafts, just to name a few — plus retail vendors selling a wide variety of merchandise and local nonprofit organizations sharing information about their organizations. And don’t forget the food! Lots and lots of food!
MayFest will also feature four stages with live music by popular local bands, a DJ and special performances and demonstrations by Springfield Avenue dance, self-defense and exercise studios. Local bands include lots of favorites, such as Los Trafficantes del Amor, Mood Ring, Robert Mitchell Quartet, Spyce Classics, Dollar Store Riot, Dwight West and his Jazz Quartet and School of Rock.
Special performances will include LaChaney’s Dance & Music Academy, Blue Life Karate, Lifestyle Personal Fitness line dancing, Viva Z Club and Inspirational Dance — all Springfield Avenue businesses.
“MayFest is always a great start to summer,” Springfield Avenue district manager Julie Doran said in a press release. “And, this year we are excited to announce two fun additions to the fair. First, there’s the Passport to Springfield Avenue promotion. This fun program highlights the Springfield Avenue businesses participating in MayFest. Pick up your ‘passport’ at the Springfield Avenue booth and have it with you as you walk the fair. When you visit a participating merchant, which will be identified by balloons, have them initial your passport to show you’ve been to their booth. Then, before you leave, visit the Springfield Avenue booth and show your passport. You’ll receive one free raffle ticket for every ‘stamp’ on your passport. The more stamps you have, the more chances to win some of the great prizes we’ll be raffling off!”
According to Doran, they will be partnering with the Seth Boyden Demonstration School in a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will go to Springfield Avenue beautification efforts and the Seth Boyden HSA.
This event is sponsored by the Vanessa Pollock Realty Team of Keller-Williams Midtown Direct Realty and Maplecrest Ford Lincoln of Union. Supporting sponsors include Natalie Farrell of Weichert Realty, Tile Design Inspirations, Our Gang Travel, Burger King, CKO Kickboxing of Maplewood, Fringe Salon, BCB Community Bank and Woolley Fuel.
MayFest is hosted by Springfield Avenue Partnership and produced by Streetfairs.org. More information is available at www.SpringfieldAvenue.com.