Contacts:
Lee Moreau, Block Party Co-Planner, Lake Hopatcong Foundation
973-713-7007, blockparty@lakehopatcongfoundation.org
Caitlin Doran, Development Director, Lake Hopatcong Foundation 973-663-2500, caitlin@lakehopatcongfoundation.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fun for All: The Lake Hopatcong Block Party Returns!
Landing, NJ (May 13, 2024) – Get ready for the ultimate lakeside celebration as the 11th annual Lake Hopatcong Block Party returns on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hopatcong State Park in Landing. This rain-or-shine festival, presented by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, promises a Main Street-style experience with a unique lakeside twist. The event’s top sponsor is Live the Lake NJ.
“The Lake Hopatcong Block Party isn't just a festival,” said Lee Moreau, event co-planner. “It's a yearly celebration that embodies the spirit of our lake and the vibrant communities around it.”
This year’s event will feature more than 200 businesses, non-profits, community groups, crafters, and food vendors with plenty of entertainment, raffles, and giveaways.
Returning favorites include a 50/50 raffle, complimentary boat rides on Lake Hopatcong Cruises’ “Miss Lotta,” and exclusive photo opportunities with iconic characters like Chewbacca, R2D2, Storm Troopers, and more, courtesy of the 501st Legion.
Entertainment highlights feature an exotic animal show by Eyes of the Wild, the precise footwork of the An Clar School of Irish Dance, a captivating hawk and falcon demonstration, and a pet stop where owners can “ask a vet tech.”
Families with kids will find endless fun with a dedicated children’s activity area, crafts, a scavenger hunt, touch-a-truck experiences, appearances by characters like Smokey Bear and Bubbles the Elephant, and oversized games. Adults can participate in the Passport Adventure, collecting stamps at sponsor booths for a chance to win prizes ranging from local gift cards to boat racing tickets to 10 cubic yards of topsoil.
New Jersey residents can conveniently renew boat registrations or obtain a REAL ID on-site, thanks to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s “Agency-on-Wheels” (pre-registration required).
“With a diverse lineup of activities, entertainment, and vendors, the Block Party promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend,” said Beth BaRoss, event co-planner. “Whether you’re a foodie, animal lover, boater, or simply looking for a fantastic day out with family, this event has it all!”
Admission to the Block Party is free. On-site parking at Hopatcong State Park will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for a $10 cash donation. Free parking, along with shuttle service, will be provided at various locations including the Landing Park Recreation Complex, Lake Hopatcong Foundation Environmental & Cultural Center, 12 Orben Drive complex, Landing shopping center, Hopatcong Senior Center, and the Wayne L. Threlkeld Hilltop Sports Complex.
There are multiple handicap parking spaces available onsite at Hopatcong State Park. In the event that the State Park is full, or all handicap-accessible spaces are taken, there are handicap-accessible shuttles available from the free offsite lots (they will be labeled as such).
A designated “Barking Lot” will be accessible for guests bringing their dogs, located at Full Life Christian Fellowship Church within walking distance of the park. This lot will be activated if the Hopatcong State Park Lot reaches capacity.
“Join us for a unique lakeside experience filled with excitement and community spirit, said Kyle Richter, executive director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. “Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Lake Hopatcong Block Party is an event you won’t want to miss!"
For more information about the Lake Hopatcong Block Party, including a parking and shuttle map, visit the event page at lakehopatcongfoundation.org/blockparty.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting the lake environment and enhancing the lake experience by bringing together public and private resources to encourage a culture of sustainability and stewardship on and around New Jersey’s largest lake, for this and future generations. To learn more, visit lakehopatcongfoundation.org.