Page 4 • Wednesday , June 15 , 2022 • The Hammonton Gazette
Chamber ’ s Red , White & Blueberry Festival June 26
BLUEBERRY , from Page 1 for the event .
Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Runfolo has been running this event for many years . Runfolo gave some insight on what to expect at the event , as well as some of the history .
Runfolo explained that the event was created to honor America ’ s birthday on July 4 and Hammonton ’ s top crop , the blueberry , hence the Red , White and Blueberry name . Runfolo said that the fresh blueberries were the claim to fame , and the festival used to be held on Vine Street . In earlier years , the festival was held where St . Joseph Academy is now , and was a smaller event than it is now .
Runfolo explained that there was a blueberry packing contest during the festival in the earlier years as well , and it was , and remains , a celebration of the blueberry .
“ We have live music . We have a car show . Kiddie rides are back this year . We have great music and great food . Lots of civic clubs get involved , but the real star of the show is the blueberry ,” Runfolo said of the event .
The event is a family festival , with Runfolo explaining that alcohol wasn ’ t even a consideration at the event . Runfolo said that families could come to the event , sit and enjoy the festival ’ s activities and delights . The popular fest this year will be featuring food vendors such as Mannino ’ s Cannoli Express , as well as the Kiwanis Club ’ s popular blueberry pancake breakfast . The Kiwanis breakfast begins at 7:30 a . m .
The Hammonton Lions Club will be selling blueberry baked goods at the event as well , according to the club .
Of course , blueberries will be available for purchase as well at the event . A classic car show will also be featured at this year ’ s festival , as well as kiddie rides for the children .
Enjoy live music from Stealing Savanah , a South Jersey party cover band ; one of the area ’ s favorite DJ ’ s — Nicky G , plus balloon sculptures , stilt walkers and jugglers add to the festive atmosphere .
A blueberry pie eating contest will be held .
The Gazette also spoke to Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce President Ben Ott about the event , with Ott saying the festival is something he looks forward to annually . He went into detail about the vendors at the event , discussing the impact the event had on generations .
“ The vendors that have been coming , some of them have been coming for decades … the system that John has put together and run , even generationally , you see people ’ s kids getting involved ,” Ott explained .
Ott also discussed the location of the festival , Hammonton High School . The festival ’ s format may
need to be modified , Ott explained , with the solar project the school has in place . The project is taking up the space where the festival previously had people park their vehicles , but Ott assured The Gazette that they have a plan for the day . A shuttle service was a main topic of discussion , and one of the more unique aspects of the festival .
“ I think one of the nicest things we do is the shuttle service that we run from all the parking lots to the event … giving people airconditioned shuttle service to and from their parking lots gives accessibility to everybody ,” Ott said .
Parking will be available at the Hammonton Middle School and at Warren E . Sooy Jr . Elementary School .
Runfolo said that this year ’ s motto for the event is “ the more the berry-er ,” capitalizing on the many vendors and activities in place for this year ’ s event .
For more information , please visit www . hammontonNJ . us or www . facebook . com / GreaterHam montonChamberofCommerce .