West Milford The summer sessions of the Monthly Blood Drive in West Milford historically tend to be the best attended. The reason, according to Chairman Jim Gilligan, is simple: those who donate in July will receive a free pass to the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, N.Y. Every person who donates this Sunday, July 17, will indeed be rewarded with a pass to the Renaissance Faire held at Sterling Forest. Long-time donors know of the special relationship the Monthly Blood Drive has had with the Renaissance Faire and look forward to the annual gift. “One year we accepted 122 donations and hope to break 125 this year,” Gilligan said. “The exciting part is that we saw many first-time donors who participated for the Renaissance Faire pass but have become regular donors. By offering these tickets, the Renaissance Faire is not only attracting new donors who will continue to give for a long time but also rewarding our long-time donors.” “We feel this is a way for the Renaissance Fair to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years,” said Vince Carr, general manager of the Faire. “We have been associated with the Monthly Blood Drive for over nine of its 12 years and are very proud to have been involved so early. We know the blood supplies are dangerously low during the summer months and we realized we could help by providing a unique incentive to donating. With gas prices continually rising, the Renaissance Faire is a great family attraction just minutes away.” Opening day of the Renaissance Faire is Saturday, Aug. 6, and it will be open every Saturday and Sunday through September 25, plus Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. To get your free pass to the Renaissance Faire, come to the blood drive Sunday, July 17, at the First Aid Squad Building, 619 Ridge Road, West Milford, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. No appointments are required and anyone age 17 and older who is in good health can donate. Sixteen-year-olds can also donate at the Monthly Blood Drive with a parental consent form. Eat a good meal before donating and bring a signed form of identification. The New Jersey Blood Services will provide additional staff to speed the donation process. First timers are always welcome. For more information on the Monthly Blood Drive contact Jim Gilligan at 973-728-4251 or jrg2y@yahoo.com. For more information on the New York Renaissance Festival contact Wanda Carr at 845-351-5171 or wcarr@renfair.com.