On Saturday, September 11th from 11 – 7, The community will come together in Fanwood’s LaGrande Park for the first major local event since New Jersey lifted Covid restrictions. The date is also special because it marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. In addition to the signature combo of live bands, food trucks, and classic cars that bring people to the festival, this year’s Fanwood Summer Fan Jam, Presented by Dentalcare Associates in Scotch Plains, will feature tributes to First Responders, including an honor guard, to mark the somber anniversary. Because of the pandemic, the event hasn’t been held since the summer of 2019, making this the 4th Annual.
“We didn’t know if we were going to be able to bring Fan Jam back in 2021, and once we got the green light, we had to move quickly to organize everything,” said Aimee Nuzzo, event director, and Fanwood resident. “We are blown away by the positive response we’re seeing from the community and from our sponsors.”
The free festival is run by the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC), with contributions from local sponsors, including the event’s Official Sponsor Fanwood Animal Hospital, as well as Oceanfirst Bank, Northfield Bank, The Soho at Fanwood Station, Sheelen’s Crossing and the Presenting Sponsor Dentalcare Associates in Scotch Plains.
“I’m overjoyed about the return of the Fan Jam! This has always been an exciting event for our town,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr. “This year we have the added element of honoring our local first responders and commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Please bring your family to La Grand Park on September 11.”
Gene Jannotti, CEO of GWACC, stated, “The Chamber is very happy to once again be able to bring this community event to Fanwood where everyone can come together for a day of music, fun, and relaxation while at the same time not forgetting that terrible day in our nation’s history, 9-11.”
Music: This year’s music lineup will feature double headliners:
The Funktion Band mixes Funk, Soul, Pop & R&B to play favorites from Motown to today. Black Dog, the popular local Led Zeppelin Tribute band that headlined the 1st Fanwood Summer Fan Jam will return to rock the stage at LaGrande Park.
Other local acts will include Bored of Ed (hard rock), Velvet Jones (Grunge Rock / 80s & 90s) and up and coming young singer/actress Shiloh Verrico. All of the acts are New Jersey-based and most have roots in Fanwood or Scotch Plains.
For 21 & Over: Adults 21 & older with ID can enjoy a front-seat view of the show from the Sheelen’s Crossing Beer and Wine Garden.
For Kids: A centrally located Kids’ Zone will feature children’s rides and attractions within the park, with the purchase of tickets.
For Car Enthusiasts: The festival will draw more than 100 vintage and classic cars as part of a car show hosted by Hot Rod Mike. Portions of Helen Street, 2nd Street, and LaGrande Avenue will be closed to traffic for the car show, which is open to all. Cars register upon arrival on a first-come basis for a fee of $10.
Food Trucks: Fan Jam goers can sample a diverse cuisine from food trucks and local restaurants.
What to Bring: Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and the whole family. Free Parking is available at the South Side lot of the Fanwood train station.
Please note that pets, skateboarding, and rollerblading are prohibited in the festival area. For further information, please contact the GWACC, 908-233-3021, or visit the website www.gwaccnj.com and look for Street Fairs.
Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce
For over 70 years, the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC) has been connecting commerce and community. The GWACC promotes the economic prosperity of businesses primarily in Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, and Westfield. It is the largest association of businesses and nonprofits in our area. Members include business owners, professionals, managers, and operators. Membership cultivates the opportunity to build relationships, partner, make referrals, increase business, attend lunch and learns, and support the community.
The GWACC hosts street fairs each year, two in Downtown Westfield and one in the center of Garwood. The chamber also operates the Fanwood Summer FanJam and the Westfield Farmers Market. The GWACC monthly networking events — one in the early morning and one directly after work — serve as an opportunity for current members to network with each other regularly and for prospective members to come see what we’re all about. In addition, the Professional Women’s Committee organizes networking events specifically tailored to women business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
For more information about the GWACC, visit www.gwaccnj.com. You can also call the office at 908-233-3021 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Our office is located at 212 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
