Downtown Haddonfield is gearing up for a weekend of exciting events to celebrate Haddy, Haddonfield’s favorite dinosaur. The festivities will commemorate the 21st birthday of the Haddy Bronze Sculpture and the 40th anniversary of the historical marker at the Marl Pit on Maple Avenue.
On Friday, October 18, from 4:30 to 9 pm, Downtown Haddonfield will host various
activities for all ages.
The celebration starts with DJ Frank, Dance Haddonfield, and the Library Book Bike at the
Masonic Lodge on Kings Highway from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to
engage in crafts while enjoying the tunes spun by DJ Frank. The library Book Bike will also be
on-site to promote reading and hand out Dino swag (while supplies last).
Kings Court will host a Dog Parade at 5:30 p.m. Pet owners will showcase their furry friends
in prehistoric costumes. This is a must-see event, as prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed
pooches.
Music in Kings Court with Jessica & Matt starting at 6 p.m. The highlight of the evening will be the “Happy Birthday, Haddy!” ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at the Bronze Sculpture. Mayor Bianco Bezich will be the mistress of ceremonies, and esteemed guests include Dr. Lacovara from Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University, Congressman Norcross, Artist and Sculptor John Giannotti, and HATCH founder Butch Breeze.
Enjoy treats from Sweet T’s Bakery (while supplies last).
7 p.m.: Jurassic Park! In the Mechanic Street Parking Lot, hosted by the Haddonfield Police Department, bring your chairs and blankets to watch Jurassic Park! Bayada will provide free candy while supplies last.
The day after, a ceremony commemorating the Marker’s installation will be held at the Marl Pit site on Saturday, Oct. 19 at noon where the original Hadrosaurus Foulkii bones were found.
The Marl Pit is located at the end of Maple Avenue off of Grove Street. In 1984, a Boy Scout, then 13-year-old Chris Brees, found the original site and had a 700-pound marker cast as part of his Eagle Scout Project.