Wayne Day 2024
Sunday September 22nd was a sunny, fun filled for local families as the township of Wayne hosted its annual Wayne Day event. The festivities took place at Wayne Valley High School, where local businesses, charities, houses of worship, civic clubs, local restaurants, and food trucks gathered to entertain and connect with the community. The event was a wonderful scene of people coming together and taking part in fun activities. The William Paterson Brave New Radio Station booth was present through it all, playing music, answering questions from the community, and handing out free cups and pens.
At the event, there were several tables where you could interact with local businesses and learn more about the cornerstones of their community. Walking through the event you could find the Wayne Dental Arts table, where you could spin a wheel to win a prize. The Cub Scouts Troop 101 table featured a game of ax throwing to win a rubber duck. Inspiration Dance Academy welcomed residents to a game of cornhole. At the Caldwell Bank table, you could enter a free raffle to win a bike. At the Goldfish Swim School, you could win free candy. School of Rock hosted a tent with an instrument petting zoo, where prospective students could try a variety of different instruments, including guitar, drums, and bass. The Wayne Lion’s Club offered free face paintings.
There were also tables for the many organizations sponsoring the event like Atlantic Health System, Wayne Surgical Center, St. Joseph's Health, Brightview Senior Living, and Petriello Law. Wayne Day was a wonderful opportunity for residents to also learn more about the resources in their community including health centers, veterinarians, police, the library, fitness centers, and recreational clubs. Local colleges Passaic County Community College and William Paterson were present with information on their programs and how to better help the community in furthering their education.
The fun did not stop at the tables and tents, however. For the children, there was no shortage of inflatable bounce houses, slides, games, and relay races. Kids gathered shooting basketballs, bouncing on the Disney bounce house, tackling the rock climbing wall, and propelling down the giant Fun Slide. The live music stage was vibrant with two different musical acts. The band Till We Can’t played an array of classic rock tunes and The Ladies of the 80s featured two female musicians playing hits from the 1980s.
Wayne Day featured awesome culinary offerings from local favorites. Outback Steakhouse was present, serving burgers and ribs along with a delicious strawberry lemonade. Jersey Johnnies, Columbia Inn, R&H Catering, and Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks tended to lines of hungry attendees. Aside from the savory options, there were great dessert offerings from the Sweet Ice Queen truck and the Russo Brothers table serving zeppoles.
Wayne Day was certainly a day to remember! Not only was it a super fun day for residents to enjoy, but a reminder of just how strong and prospering the Wayne community is. By bringing together local talents, businesses, and entities, Wayne Day fosters connections that strengthen our bonds and enrich our collective experience. As we look forward to future celebrations, let’s continue to embrace the spirit of Wayne Day, ensuring it remains a vibrant tradition that inspires and uplifts us all.