Stanhope prepares for festival day on June 11

Stanhope - Organizers of the 11th annual Stanhope Spring Festival are optimistic that the day will break previous records. Already 83 vendors have signed up to take part in the June 11 event. The Stanhope Chamber of Commerce set aside 100 spaces from the Hess Station end of Main Street to its intersection with Church Street. Organizers say they expect several last-minute entries perhaps even up to the morning of the festival. Local businesses will offers sales and host special projects for visitors. In addition, local organizations such as the environmental commission, historical society, and save-the-lake committee will have tables displaying information on their projects and efforts. In addition to food vendors and stores offering sales, Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue will have a make-your-own stuffed animals booth. Children can also ride ponies and enjoy the petting zoo. For the parents, a child ID booth will be open. Also for parents and other grownups will be chair massages. The festival will also offer an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at rock wall climbing and play in the inflatable moonwalks. There is also an antique car show sponsored by Lynne’s NissanWorld. Among the businesses sponsoring the event are the Stanhope Chamber of Commerce, Shakey Jake’s Restaurant, Aquarius Florist, Bell’s Mansion, The Black Forest Inn, the Longhorn Steakhouse, Shop-Rite Ronetco, Dr. Donato Soranno, DDS., Carmine’s Pizzeria, Netcong Florist, Byram Dairy Queen, Morristown Community Theater, White Castle, JWS Financial, Stanhope Chiropracticr , the Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. A charity silent auction will start around 12:30 p.m. A shuttle bus will run to the festival from the parking lot at the former Shelby’s on Route 183. For information, call Mary Jo at 973-691-6990 or Paula at 973-691-7449 or e-mail stanhopechamber@worldnet.att.net.