WALDWICK — So many booths, so little time. From sump pumping to vacation cruises, the Chamber of Commerce’s Waldwick Day highlighted local services and businesses along with food, performing artists and even a dog show.
Christine Figliuolo, president of the chamber, said there were a total of 50 businesses and 12 craftspeople that participated in its eighth annual event. She said they listened to forecasts for a wet Saturday, Sept. 24, and pushed the event to Sunday, Sept. 25, which was muggy and overcast but relatively dry. It helped generate a large turnout, estimated at 2,500, between noon and 5 p.m.
Jerry Pignatelli, owner of Generation III, said he was happy about the weather but he has been "very busy" bailing basements and restoring homes in the wake of Hurricane Irene.
Savina Sullivan, a 17-year-old Waldwick High School student, was handing out brochures for her employer, In the Swing, a children's party place.
Resident Shelley Capener of Zumba NJ reminded everyone walking by that "anyone can do it" — Zumba, that is.
"It's a workout that feels like a party," she said.
Sarah Shepp, a junior at Northern Highlands High School, was promoting her efforts to raise funds for children afflicted with cleft palates.
Dr. Andrew Matassa, a local chiropractor, and his wife Amanda praised the chamber’s efforts.
"Christine Figliuolo did a fabulous job," Matassa said.
With an inflatable slide and DJ, parents had time to sit down and enjoy the Italian Riviera’s offerings, which included hot and cold sub sandwiches.
The dogs vying for awards in the "Cutest" category drew a crowd. Mary Rosen and her sons, Jack and Zachary, had entered their gray and white Old English sheep dog Farley. While he received a lot of cheers, he walked away without a prize.
The Sittigs were among those drawn to the dunk tank.
"We just moved here from Midland Park six weeks ago and the girls couldn't wait for this day to meet new people," said mom Lyn. "It's been a real nice surprise."
At the back entrance of Borough Park near the concrete path around White’s Pond, Perry Quaranta, who runs Video Duplication Plus, was showing the New York Giants game against Philly on a flat-screen TV, enabling football fans to catch up on the score and return to the festivities.
So many booths, so little time.
