PETERSBURG — Families decked out in patriotic outfits gathered June 28 at Amanda’s Field with friends to take in the food, fun and fireworks.
Upper Township held its Summer Celebration on Saturday beneath a blazing sun with temperatures in the high 80s that cooled as the evening progressed.
Committeeman Sam Palombo, who is liaison to the Department of Recreation, said the event went really well.
“I’m pleased with every aspect of the event and got nothing but positive feedback,” Palombo said. “The fireworks were amazing.”
He said organizers were trying to gauge the size of the crowd and are getting set to plan next year’s festival.
“We’re going to see what we learned from this year to apply to next year,” Palombo said.
It was the first time the township held the event not on the Fourth of July, and many were critical on social media leading up to the celebration.
However, several people at the event said they were pleased because they traditionally do things outside the township on Independence Day and this year they get to do both.
“That’s a huge added positive for us,” Palombo said, noting he had heard the same thing.
Don Titus and Nicole Tuso brought children Madison, 14, Peter, 9, and Wyatt, 5, to the event looking for a good time. They started off with snacks from Hazel Lashley of Cape May Court House, who was working at Matt’s Family Taste the Love food truck.
Lining the road, food options included pretzels from Sabrett, Rosie’s Mobile Coffee, funnels cakes, cheesesteaks, sandwiches and sodas.
East Vineland resident Debra Casazza has been working her family food truck, Favoretto Foods, for decades. She started out with her parents in 1978.
Other vendors included Jay’s Crab Shack and Kona Ice.
Mallory Stetter, owner of Mallory’s Eats, was serving baked goods and lemonade with Amanda Conti of Sea Isle City. She is in her third summer in Wildwood but hits festivals around the area, as well as custom orders.
Marmora resident Sharyn Freda and daughters Evie, 9, and Tessa, 6, stopped by for a snack. They attend the festival every year.
“I think it’s nice that it’s the week before (Independence Day) because everything is usually in one weekend and we can’t get to everything,” Freda said.
Craft vendors were lined up along the field.
Seaville resident Amy Priest and daughter Audrina, 14, a rising freshman at Ocean City High School, were at Amy’s Designz selling jewelry and gifts. It was her fourth ever craft show.
Amanda O’Such of Petersburg was buying a gift from Carla Windish of Windish Designs. She was selling her handmade jewelry and towel holders, while her husband was offering birdhouses, rings and wind chimes.
Windish said she does craft shows mostly in the spring and fall but came out looking for a big crowd in Upper Township.
Twins Jared and Jase Klebaur, 12, along with friends Cole Garreffi and Trent Ocello, both 15, were shopping at DNR Collectibles. Middle Township resident Rich Hirt was selling sports gear and memorabilia.
Nearby, Sky Notaro, owner of LWG Laser Tag, was getting ready for the crowds at the laser tag obstacle course. The Egg Harbor Township resident and her father, Tom Notaro, have been operating the business since 2012.
They rent the land at the EHT Police Athletic League, where they have a large obstacle course. They could bring only a limited number to the event, where they expected large crowds.
“We have been growing every year,” she said.
Notaro said her clientele is mostly youths but they also do adult groups such as bachelor parties or corporate team building and after-prom events.
“Our bread and butter are for sure ages 9 to 14,” she said. “Working with kids is so fulfilling.”
Notaro said they attend events at Amanda’s field multiple times each year and have generated a great following.
“We get a lot of business from coming down here. It’s really incredible,” she said.
Steve Shannon had daughters Marley, 6, and Beverleigh, 2, along with husky-shepherd mix Arlo, playing at the inflatables. He said they were visiting family from Middle Township.
Petersburg residents Josh and Jacqueline Wise had a trio of daughters — Evelyn, 8, Hannah, 6, and Zoey, 2 — decked out in matching patriotic dresses.
“It’s our tradition; we come every year,” Jacqueline said.
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
