Cranbury Day 2012 Is Saturday

Residents and neighbors are invited to attend Cranbury Day 2012 this Saturday, sponsored by the Cranbury Professional and Business Association.

The event will offer a variety of activities, vendors, and performances between Scott Avenue and Westminster Place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“What began decades ago as a sidewalk sale offered by local merchants has turned into annual celebration, not to be missed,” said Cranbury Day 2012 Publicity Volunteer Susan Paterson. “It's the one time of year that residents and visitors can run for charity, meet and greet our local government, shop and eat, support volunteer organizations, listen to great music, and say goodbye to another summer.”

The town will kick off the day with a one-mile Fun Run/Walk and the Fourth Annual Helene Cody Cranbury 5K Run/Walk. The Fun Run will begin at 8:15 a.m. next to the Fire House at 2 Main Street, and the 5K Run will begin at 9 a.m. in the same location.

5K Runners will be divided into 14 age categories, and trophies will be awarded to the top three males and females in each category, the top three males and females overall, and the first place male and female Cranbury residents. Trophies for the Fun Run will be awarded to the top three males and females, and all runners and walkers will receive a medal. T-shirts will be provided to all registered runners and walkers while supplies last.

Morning events and activities following the runs include Uptown String Band marching down Main Street to School House Lane at 10 a.m., the Cranbury Museum providing tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a drum circle demonstration, also at 11 a.m.

At noon and 2 p.m. there will be jazzercise demonstrations, and the will feature excerpts from Swan Lake at their at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The First Annual Rubber Duck Race, sponsored by the Cranbury Lions Club, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Brainerd Lake.  The ducks will be deposited into the stream from the bridge, and after the current carries them, the fire department will use inflated fire hoses to capture ducks and identify the winners.

Tickets may be purchased on Cranbury Day from walking vendors or from the Library or Lions Club table. The proceeds will benefit the Cranbury Public Library Foundation. The first prize winner will receive a $350 Visa gift card, while second prize is a gift card worth $200, and first prize is a gift card worth $100.

In the school area, Cranbury Day will feature pony rides, a moonwalk, and an obstacle course. Cranbury merchants, vendors, artists and crafters, and community organizers will table along Main Street. Visitors and check out a number of antique cars, and kids of all ages can delight in face painting, clowns, and a Cranbury Rescue dunk tank.

Visitors can sample from a variety of street fair food, including pizza, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, ice cream, snow cones, and cotton candy. Dorothy Maidment Robasser will be selling summer bbq in the Cranbury United Methodist Church kitchen, including chili, barbecued beef sandwiches, tossed salad with grilled chicken, and Santa Fe style Fritos pie.

Cranbury Day Committee Chairperson Christine Thompson said Cranbury Day is a great way for the Cranbury Professional and Business Association to give back to the community, and she is thankful for the support the event receives from the township and local authorities.