UNION, NJ — Nothing beats a big neighborhood celebration. And the Union Town-Wide Block Party in Rabkin Park on Tuesday, August 13, had it all. Hosted by the Union Township Education Association, the event featured a DJ, bounce houses, games, face painting, balloon making and plenty of food from local businesses. Residents ages 5 and older received $10 food coupons. There was also a health fair that featured the Optical Academy, Zumba, kickboxing and yoga. Food from community restaurants included Café Z, Cioffi’s Restaurant–Bar–Pizzeria, Cozy Corner Deli and Caterers, Johnny Napkins, Mama’s Southern Style BBQ 2 and Qsina 8.
“I like everything!” said Muriel Demello, who was there with her five-year-old son, Logan, who had just won a wild animal race.
Olamma, 17, and Adaugo, 15, are cousins who had a lot of fun. “I like the bouncy castle. It was fun,” Olamma said.
“I came for the face painting,” said Adaugo, who liked the food at Mama’s BBQ the most.
“It’s good!” added Olamma.
Gary Verdesoto of Union was there with his daughter Kathryn, 11. “Everyone comes together,” he said. “It’s always a good time.”
Kathryn said she enjoyed the games and found them challenging.
Kim Halle of Atlantic Health System said she liked that the event was free to the public. “The organizers are wonderful people,” she said. “It’s nice to see something just for kids.”
Anamika Sandhu from Union was there with her three-year-old daughter Sasha. “This is a great thing for children,” she said. “The district does so much for children.”
Valencia Henry from Union said: “The weather is perfect.”
Christina Birstler, a school counselor and UTEA lead representative at Union High School, led a kickboxing class. She started with jumping jacks to the song “Eye of the Tiger,” which many women joined in with. “I love the sense of community and everyone coming together,” said the fitness instructor from Staten Island.
Officer Jessica Santiago of the Union Police Department said, “It’s a great event. The kids come by and see everyone before they go back to school. The weather is nice and cool.”
Joanne Carroll of Union said, “This is a great back-to-school event that brings the whole community together.” Her six-year-old daughter Aris loved the face painting and bouncy castle.
Taylor, 14, of Union, was excited about the games.
Austin, 13, of Union, was excited about the food options. “I want to try soul food,” he said.
Other community participants included the Union Fire Department, Union Public Library, Girl Scouts, SEPAC – Union, Union Recreation Department, Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Union Township County School Committee and Union Township Educational Association.
UTEA hosted the citywide street festival in partnership with the Township of Union, Union Township Transportation Association, Union Fire Department, Union Police Department, Union Recreation Department and the Optical Academy.
Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
