The R-FH Area Weekend: Full-On Fair Haven Day Resurrected

Fair Haven Day will be back in full force this Saturday with its original organizer at the helm again.

After pandemic time off and the non-profit that has funded and coordinated the event on hold for a while, all systems are go. There’s no downsized reincarnation or combo creation. They’re back to the Fair Haven Day that was borne out of the borough’s 2012 centennial celebration.

After a parade that year, residents gathered at Fair Haven Fields for a barbecue, fireworks and music to fete the borough’s 100 years. Residents wanted to see such a celebration turned into an annual event. So, the non-profit 501C3 Foundation of Fair Haven was created to raise funds for future Fair Haven Days and other such events catering to residents, like the former Oktoberfest. Former Fair Haven Borough Council member Susan Sorensen is the Foundation’s president. She is at the helm of organizing along with former mayor Mike Halfacre.

Contrary to what many think, the event is not run by the borough. It is run solely by Foundation of Fair Haven. Though, borough officials endorse the Foundation’s mission. Some volunteer.

Of course, Sorensen said, there is a slew of volunteers helping out. “Our volunteers are tremendous,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

And sponsors for the non-profit-run event are key, she added. There are many of those as well, but the main sponsors, she said, are Rice Wealth Management Group and Melrose Realty. There are many more as well.

Sponsors and ticket sales pay for the fireworks, activities, family games and live music.

This year, the event, held in Fair Haven Fields, will feature the usual popular local fare, like sandwiches from Brennan’s Deli in Rumson, the Italian ice from Lighthouse and special treats from Fair Haven-based Sandy Hook Fishery, Booskerdoo and Juice Haven. “We like to keep it local, with elements of Fair Haven,” Sorensen said.

With the gates, or other such barriers, opening at 4 p.m., music will be played by the bands So Watt and Moroccan Sheephearders.

At dark, the fireworks will light up the sky and signal the end of the night at 9:30 p.m..

“The Foundation of Fair Haven is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for Fair Haven residents through community involvement and support,” a released statement said. “Visit fairhavenday.com for tickets and sponsorships.” Tickets may be purchased at the gates, cash only. There will be ATM machines onsite.