Despite the threat of rain that canceled many events in South Jersey on Friday evening, Sept. 27, the show went on at the Cinnaminson Music Festival.
Earlier in the day organizer Detective Sergeant Michael Czarzasty sent out a message on social media stating:
“Cinnaminson! It’s raining. We have a tent and all the bands ready to play for you. Food trucks and breweries will be there as well. Bring a raincoat, a tent or an umbrella. The show must go on. To reschedule with all the bands and food trucks would be nearly impossible. Hope to see you there!”
His pleas worked as the rain subsided by 5 p.m. and hundreds of residents showed up to hear five “ready to play” musical groups at Wood Park – the Coyote Jack Band, Sunrise Cries, Lito and the Shepherds, Whoa Phat Brass Band and Fat Mezz.
“This is the second year we are trying to bring something new to the township,” said Czarzasty, director of the Community Policing Division of the Cinnaminson Police Department, who was making sure the bands, the food trucks and the community organization booths were all set to go before the Coyote Jack Band went on stage to start the festivities.
“We used to have Cinnaminson Day in the fall, but now that is held in the spring,” Mayor Paul Conda explained. “Sgt. Czarzasty does a great job organizing the Music Festival. He enjoys doing this, and we enjoy having him do this.”
Besides the bands, there was a classic car show in the parking lot next to the food trucks. Also, there were various community booths set up, including the Cinnaminson Elementary Home and School Association where Mary Rosengarten and Rebecca Londo were selling Pirates gear, including a huge Game Day blanket.
The fire department had an information booth promoting fire prevention, and the local sports organizations had tables for Little League softball and baseball.
Especially excited at their booth were the parents and players of the Cinnaminson Cooperstown 12U baseball team that will visit the Baseball Hall of Fame and play other Little League teams on well-manicured fields along the road in the picturesque New York town for a week next summer.
“My son Ben is really excited,” said Heidi Lonardo, who was helping the team raise funds for the trip. “He’s been waiting years for this trip.”
Tina Wiseman said her son Jeffrey is also excited for the trip. She pointed out that the players will stay in barracks while the parents will find their own lodgings.
Coach Larry Thress Jr. and Assistant Coach Tom Campbell, a Cinnaminson police officer, were also there supporting the team, while players Lucas Thress, Brien Campbell and Jeffrey Wiseman were selling bracelets, candy and treats to raise money.
To make a donation to the trip, email cinnabaseball25@gmail.com or Venmo to Cinnaminson Pirates Cooperstown @cinna-pirates-cooperstown.
The festival also featured delicious food and adult beverages provided by The Madison, Dave’s Waffles, Tacocat, Olde Town Pub, Traveling Tomato, Rita’s Italian Ice and Auntie Annie’s, along with three breweries – Mechanical, Axe & Arrow and Eight & Sand.
The evening ended with a wonderful performance by Fat Mezz and a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Riggs Distler.
“The turnout was great considering the weather and we were able to have the fireworks,” said Czarzasty, who is already making plans for next year’s festival.
Raising money for next summer’s trip to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., are Brien Campbell (left to right), Assistant Coach Tom Campbell, Jeffrey Wiseman, Coach Larry Thress Jr. and Lucas Thress of the 12U Cinnaminson Pirates baseball team at their booth during the Cinnaminson Music Festival.
Mary Rosengarten (left) and Rebecca Londo display a Pirates Game Day blanket at the Cinnaminson Elementary Home and School Association booth during the Music Festival on Friday evening, Sept. 27 at Wood Park.
