Free Fun at Freehold Township Day

Patriotism will be the main attraction at the township's annual Freehold Township Day to be held Saturday, July 9 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Michael J. Tighe Park, 65 Georgia Road (rain date, Sunday, July 24). 

The free, family-themed event has come a long way since 2002 when it started with just a band, a movie screen and one ride. Now in its ninth year, the popular event draws a crowd of over 3,000 who come out to enjoy food, rides, fireworks and a concert. The pinnacle of the evening takes place when a wounded veteran is honored and presented with a check from community donations. 

Freehold Township Day is presented by the Veterans Community Alliance (VCA) with support from local businesses. But back in 2002, the VCA didn’t even exist.  According to VCA founder David Clemenko, the township’s special events coordinator, Tina Smilek, reached out to him when he was running a series of movies in the park that raised money for the Marine Corps League (MCL). One of her events, Freehold Family Fun Day, encountered a rainout, which left her with credits for fireworks and a performance by local rock band, The Nerds. She asked if Clemenko would like to have the credits to enhance his movies in the park event.  Of course, he jumped all over that offer, and the pair worked together to put on the same event the following year. 

When budget issues forced the township to drop Family Fun Day, Clemenko was in the process of breaking away from the MCL to form a nonprofit of his own. One that could help needy veterans while also raising money to keep the family-themed event afloat. Thus, in 2007, the VCA and newly named Freehold Township Day were born.

 “It's an expensive day to produce because all of the rides, games, bands and fireworks are free to the public,” said Mayor David Salkin, one of the original members of the VCA. “But with the fundraising efforts of the VCA, we’re able to raise more than $35,000 to put on the event and an additional $10,000 for our veterans.”

Much of those funds are raised thanks to local businesses like the Freehold Raceway Mall and Irwin Lincoln Mazda who donate thousands to support the VCA’s efforts in making the event a success.   

According to Township Committeeman Anthony Ammiano, who also is an original member of the VCA, the purpose of the event is twofold: to give the community a place to come and enjoy a night of camaraderie and American spirit, and to raise money for wounded veterans needing assistance transitioning back into the community. With a primary focus on helping one veteran at a time, the event culminates with a check presentation to a deserving veteran chosen by the alliance.

According to Salkin, the first veteran honored three years ago was Kamal Bowen who is wheelchair-bound and brain-injured. His home was made wheelchair-accessible through the VCA. Another soldier who lost an arm was given money to finish his series sevens through the Wall Street Warfighters Foundation. Last year, a soldier suffering from PTSD was assisted in obtaining a home through Habitat for Humanity. This year, the VCA is helping Bridget Mervin, an Army retiree suffering from lupus, to start her own business as the disease has made it difficult for her to hold a job.

This year’s festivities include food vendors, rides, laser tag, a car show, a “Salute to the Veterans” video presentation, fireworks, a volleyball tournament, band performances by The Nerds and Screaming Broccoli, and for the first time, a teen center specifically for older kids.  For more information about this free event or the Veterans Community Alliance, visit vcanj.com.