LAFAYETTE Late summer is a great time of year, especially in New Jersey. And it's not just because of the world famous Jersey shore. There's plenty to celebrate about the Garden State, especially the fruits of the garden, namely sweet corn and Jersey tomatoes.
Lafayette Village is celebrating these annual treats at its first annual "Sweet Corn and jersey Tomato Festival" on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bring the whole family to enjoy a cornucopia of sweet corn treats including, corn chowder, corn fritters, roasted corn-on-the-cob, corn dogs, kettle corn and candy corn And there's plenty of tomato temptations to enjoy including bruschetta, fried green tomatoes, tomato bisque and tomato pie by our own Everything Homemade.
Gravy or sauce? Sauce, according to our expert Albert Manzo who created his own The Brownstone Sauce for upscale food retailers and Brownstone fans. Come sample and purchase all the different varieties including Tomato Basil, Vodka Sauce and traditional Marinara. The Brownstone Sauce will be available all year long at Fromage gourmet shop in the village.
Make no mistake about it, this is a food festival but there will be much to do for the whole family. Get your game on and compete in the corn shucking, corn eating and tomato chucking contests.
For kids 6 and under, prizes will be awarded for the best version of Jimmy Cracked Corn, and for adults, the best version of Lets Call the Whole Thing Off.
The kids can get lost in the hay maze and explore the giant corn stalk tee pee; get their faces painted and join in the sack races.
Adults can enjoy some iced cold beer while listening to the many bands scheduled for the weekend including Eddie U and the Turns and The Acoustic Wolves." Enjoy the toe tapping sounds at the fiddle-off and banjo competition and cheer on your favorite.
North Jersey Brewery will have info on their brew your own craft beer classes, Sussex County's own Cava Winery and Ventimiglia Vineyard will also be sampling and selling their latest and greatest, a good pairing with tomato sauce.
The annual farmers market will be open both days to complete this fresh Jersey foodathon, with all produce grown right here in the Garden State. Jersey FRESH. Our local tomato growers are going to sponsor the Largest Tomato and Ugliest Tomato contest. Be sure to contact the village to participate
And be sure to shop all of the quaint shops which will be offering special discounts to festival goers. In addition to the many outlets, there are boutique shops located throughout the village and around the pond. And remember, Lafayette Village is North Jerseys only dog friendly shopping center.
For more information, log on to the Web site, www.oldelafayettevillageshops.com.