It was an event to remember in South Orange on Sunday, September 21, when the downtown core was closed to traffic all afternoon for the inaugural PlayDay South Orange: Come Play in the Street.
Thousands of visitors flocked to South Orange Avenue and side streets to enjoy street games, inflatables, remote controlled cars, arts and crafts, sports, live music and local food.
Hosted by the South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) and presented by RiteAid, PlayDay was the town’s largest public event ever — and judging by the happy, lively crowd, it was a huge hit.
In addition to Rite Aid, there were numerous other people and groups who helped make the day a success, including a host of hardworking and enthusiastic volunteers and the Village of South Orange. Other sponsors: Investors Bank (Inflatable Zone), Maplecrest Ford and Lincoln of Union (Sport Court), VillageGreenNJ.com (Street Games) and Sparkhouse (Radio Controlled Car Test Track).
The Rite Aid Main Stage hosted live performances and events throughout the day, including ten-year-old DJ Kai, who got the crowd up and dancing, Maria Priadka and musicians from Mark Murphy Music.
The famous Town Hall Deli Sloppy Joe eating contest returned, with a grand prize of a $100 gift certificate to Town Hall (and a spirited smack down between South Orange and Maplewood town officials – make sure to catch the video).
Food and drink was available from Boccone South, Ashley Market, Ariyoshi, Cold Stone Creamery, Stony’s, Bunny’s, Lalibela and Inkosi Café.
Supporting Sponsors included Eventage, The Vanessa Pollock Team of Keller Williams, Farmers Insurance office of Thurman McKoy, Eye Level Learning Center, the UPS Store of South Orange, and Town Hall Deli; and Friend Sponsors: PNC Bank, Third and Valley and Dr. Petlover Mobile Veterinarian.
Enjoy our photo gallery from South Orange photographer Monta Harris; photos of the South Mountain YMCA gymnastics demo courtesy of Vicki Shuster:
