They were hoping their first splash would not involve raindrops.
Despite a finicky forecast, founders of the new Morristown Cultural District still managed a mostly dry maiden voyage for their venture on Saturday.
“I’m so touched that this many people came out to help,” said the Rev. Janet Broderick, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, as Family Fun Day wound down on the Vail Mansion lawn.
St. Peter’s was joined by district fellow founders from the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, the Morristown & Township Library, the Mayo Performing Arts Center and the Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen.
These South Street neighbors set out to establish themselves as a cultural hub–while raising money to buy summer pool passes for disadvantaged children, a promotion they dubbed “Make a Splash.” (Donations still can be made here.)
Slideshow photos by Bill Lescohier, Kevin Coughlin and MPAC
Saturday’s activities included performances by youths from MPAC’s Performing Arts Company and a joint choir from the two churches, face-painting and balloons for kids, a reading of Farmer Duck by Mayor Tim Dougherty, a Jets football raffle, and a wine-tasting hosted by Jockey Hollow owner Chris Cannon.
“We’ll raise money for more charities, and hopefully get people to understand that culture is an important part of life,” Cannon said.
“There was a lot of great energy,” said the Rev. Dave Smazik, pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
He already was looking forward to a “Splash II,” and maybe more collaborations of the church choirs. “Nobody could remember the last time they sang together,” Smazik said.
The distinction of youngest festival-goer almost certainly belonged to Caleb Olefson, making one of his first public appearances at age 12. That’s 12 days. Caleb was joined by siblings Oliver, 6 1/2; Haley, 4 1/2; and Lucy, 2 1/2, and by his mom and dad, Abbey and Stephen
“This is a nexus of town. People come from all directions,” said Stephen Olefson.
Rebecca and Patrick Kahane brought their 1-year-old, Tyler, to get a balloon puppet from balloon artist Max Droge.
“We love Morristown,” Rebecca Kahane said. “Lots of young families, lots of restaurants and things going on, lots of parks and things to explore.”
Although Saturday was chilly, pool season is coming soon at Burnham Park. Broderick, the St. Peter’s rector, is hopeful the Cultural District hits its $25,000 fundraising goal by then.
“There are so many kids who won’t be able to swim if we don’t help them,” she said.
