Summer officially begins in this part of New Jersey with the Sports Festival. It all began 18 years ago when local legend Darren Snediker founded the festival to benefit his favorite youth sports programs. Every year, there are months of planning and preparation that go into producing the annual North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival.
There are untold hours of work from over 40 volunteers and parents that make it all come together. Different acts, stage shows, and amusement ride companies are researched and booked.
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The North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
This year the festival runs from June 11th to the 21st. Rich Fabian, a co-chairman, has been involved with the fundraiser for 12 years. In a recent interview, he noted “All of the proceeds go directly to the sports associations. They use the funds for uniforms, field equipment, registration costs; you name it. Our goal is to keep our kids playing sports.” Some of the local groups who benefit are The North Brunswick Soccer Club, The North Brunswick Baseball & Softball Association, and The North Brunswick Basketball Association. Also benefitting is the Pop Warner football and cheerleading programs as part of The North Brunswick Adams Athletic Club.
The event brings families quality fun at a low cost. Fabian says that the festival brings in 40,000 people every year. “I would say that we are the third largest in the state, up there with the Middlesex County Fair and the State Fair in the Meadowlands. This year we hope to have great weather to make the festival a tremendous success.”
This year, there will be a wide range of attractions and events. There will be live entertainment every night on the Main Stage. You can see acts like Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensation; the Eudora Farms Petting Zoo; Wambold’s Amazing Animals; Scott’s Future Magic Show; and the Maneuver Motorsports Show. Festival attendees pay separately for over 40 spectacular rides. You’ll find thrill rides, family rides, and Kiddie Land, an all-new section of the festival featuring rides for children. At the Midway, there are over 16 games of chance with some great prizes.
This year, Reithoffer Shows, Inc. manages the rides, games, and carnival food for the North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival. Since 1896, they have been known as “The Aristocrat of Show Business.” Families also can enjoy sand art, face painting, and clowns.
Fireworks, Ticket Info, and Final Details
What is a festival without fireworks? D& M Fireworks will be hosting two separate events. The Special Effects Fireworks Show will be on Saturday, June 13, at 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, June 20, also at 10:00 p.m., there will be the Spectacular Fireworks Show.
You can find discounts for the event in promotional flyers and local newspapers. You also can visit Walgreens locations within a 30-mile radius of the festival. There will be pre-sale tickets available from May 27 through June 13. In addition, special promotions will be held throughout the festival. There will be days where you can pay one price for rides. There is a $10.00 Buck Tuesday. You can even Sneak a Peek on the first night of the festival.
The festival is open weeknights from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. Friday hours are 6:00 pm until midnight. On Saturdays, hours are 3:00 pm until midnight. Sunday hours are 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Daily admission is $5.00 per person and includes the shows. The parking is free.
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival is located on Route 1 North near DeVry University. For more information, you can visit the festival website, see their Facebook page or call Rich Fabian at 732-501-9484.
