Fanwood's Party in the Park Packed in Crowds on Thursday - TAPinto

Fanwood's Party in the Park Brings Families to LaGrande for Summer

The weather held. So did the crowd.

Families filled LaGrande Park in Fanwood on Wednesday evening for the borough's annual Party in the Park, the unofficial start of summer for many residents. The event had been pushed back one day after rain threatened Tuesday's original date, but Wednesday brought clear skies and a turnout that showed the delay changed nothing.

Union County Life covers community events and neighborhood news across all 21 Union County municipalities, and Fanwood's summer kickoff is one of the borough's most well-attended annual traditions. This year's gathering at LaGrande Park drew residents of all ages, from toddlers navigating a bouncy house and slide to grandparents watching from the grass as the evening filled in around them.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA set up a challenge course and fitness fun wheel that kept younger kids occupied throughout the night. Adam Sackett of the Family Martial Arts Center in Scotch Plains returned with a karate demonstration that pulled in onlookers and drew steady applause.

DJ John DePalma of All Star Entertainment kept the music going while members of the Fanwood Recreation Commission worked the grills, serving hot dogs, pizza, and cold drinks. Bruce Zacharin served as Master of Ceremonies alongside Recreation Director Bob Budiansky. Representatives from American Water were present to take resident questions about ongoing projects in the area.

Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwomen Erin McElroy Barker and Gina Berry, and Lt. Dan Kranz of the Fanwood Police Department all attended. Members of the Fanwood Rescue Squad offered tours of their rig.

As the sun went down, the crowd settled in for a screening of The Wild Robot, the first film in Fanwood's free outdoor movie series at LaGrande Park. The series continues every Tuesday night at dusk through August 19.

Find more Fanwood events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

FAQ

What is Fanwood's Party in the Park?
Party in the Park is Fanwood's annual summer kickoff event held at LaGrande Park. It features inflatables, live music, food, community demonstrations, and a free outdoor movie to open the borough's summer film series.

When did Party in the Park take place in 2025?
The 2025 event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, but was postponed one day due to rain and held on Wednesday, July 2, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

What movie was shown at Fanwood's Party in the Park?
The Wild Robot was screened at dusk following the event, kicking off the borough's free outdoor movie series at LaGrande Park, which runs every Tuesday night through August 19, 2025.

Is Fanwood's outdoor movie series still going on?
Yes. Free movies continue every Tuesday night at dusk at LaGrande Park through August 19, 2025. No tickets are required.

Who organizes Party in the Park in Fanwood?
The event is organized by the Fanwood Recreation Commission, with Recreation Director Bob Budiansky and MC Bruce Zacharin leading the evening.