It’s the end of summer. While Labor Day Weekend marks summer’s unofficial end, we still have a lot going on in Bergen County.
We have virtual reality at the Garden State Plaza, hot rod cars, an Italian Feast, 5k run and the start of fall events at the Tenafly Nature Center.
Because they couldn’t secure enough sponsors to cover the town’s costs, Rutherford’s Labor Day Street Fair was cancelled today. I was really looking forward to this. It’s the longest running street fair in NJ and so much fun. Hopefully next year Covid will be under control so such things no longer happen.
Here’s our events for the end of Summer 2021:
5 K Run in Closter
Sunday is the 40th Annual Dom Mircovich Memorial 5 K Run/Walk & Jim O’Halloran’s Kids Fun Walk. This event is held every coLabor Day Weekend Sunday and draws a big crowd. So far a bit over 100 runners have signed up. It’s still not too late if you want to sign up as long as you do it no later than this Thursday. Just click on this link to get the sign up form.
If you do want to sign up, take the form to the Closter Borough Hall. I’d call up the Closter Borough Clerk to find out where you drop it off there.
St Joseph’s Feast of Lodi
This year marks the 106th Annual Feast of St Joseph. Since this has become so very popular, it covers the entire weekend. The feast runs from Friday through Labor Day Monday. It opens at 4 pm on Friday and 6 pm the rest of the weekend. When is closing time? Until the crowd thins out but no later than 10 pm.
You’ll find everything Italian. Food is outrageous, there’s rides, music, hourly 50/50 raffles and all sorts of vendors. Monday opens with a Mass at 4 pm followed by the Statue Procession down the street. The Church is at 40 Spring Street where the feast begins. Church Feasts huge here and this is one of Bergen County’s best.
Tenafly Nature Center 
Because there’s always a lot going on and I love this place, you’ll find the Tenafly Nature Center is often highlighted in this blog. If you haven’t been here, you really must go. Trust me on this – you’ll find it more than worthwhile. Even though it’s the end of summer, that doesn’t stop this nature center from ongoing programs you’ll love. Don’t wait to sign up. Since it’s such a popular place, events get sold out all the time.
Here are 3 options for you –
- Apple Cider Making on Sunday – This much in demand seasonal program runs through the fall. It begins at 2 pm on Sunday and should end at 3 or right after.
- Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet on Saturday – Meant for children and their families, you’l be introduced to an animal up close and learn how they came to live at the Tenafly Nature Center. This runs 2-3 pm.
- Guided Nature Walk on Friday – The Nature Center has these year round so you can enjoy the different experience each month brings. Friday runs from 1 to 2 and if weather doesn’t cooperate, it just pushes to the next month.
Army of the Dead: Viva Las Vengeance
This weekend beginning on Wednesday at the Garden State Plaza is an immersive virtual reality experience. Frankly, I have no idea what I’m talking about because I don’t play video games. However, this is supposed to be really hot.
Location is diagonally across from the AMC Theaters at the Garden State Plaza beginning at 12 noon on Wednesday. This runs through Sunday September 26th. Tickets are for half hour slots and you’ll be given VR headsets to use in this fully immersive event. It’s based on Netflix’s Army of the Dead. All the information you need is on their website.
Dead Mans Curve Hot Rod Club
Come to the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel at 1 Sheraton Drive Thursday fhrough Sunday to see an amazing display of custom hot rods. The show is open from 12 noon until 11 pm each day and there will not only be a ton of custom hot rods but also a swap meet where you can find that part you’ve been searching for.
This event is full of so many things – hayride, movie at night, beer garden, live bands, DJs, cidery an, farmer’s market, TV celebrity cars and more. The hot rods are all true works of art. You’ll get to meet the owners and talk to them about how they created their car. If you haven’t been to a hot rod club show, it’s quite an experience. Check out some of the club member cars on their website.
