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Park Commission Press Releases

Call for Gingerbread Wonderland Entries
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ –

Creative cooks and bakers alert!  Families, schools, Scout troops and civic groups are invited to enter the 21st Annual Gingerbread Wonderland at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.  This Morris County holiday tradition takes place from November 30 – December 9, 2012. 

Complete instructions and rules are listed at www.arboretumfriends.org, along with an easy to complete Entry Form and recipes for gingerbread and royal icing.  The public may enter in one of these categories: Adult, Family, Child, School Group, Scout Group, Special Needs. 

All entries receive a fancy show ribbon and there is a special Green Ribbon for exhibits with an environmental theme.  Entries are viewed by thousands of visitors who may also vote for their favorite entry in the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Kings Super Markets. 

Traditional gingerbread houses are always popular but entries have also included replicas of family homes, pets, favorite sports team, a local store or mall, or a favorite movie or book character.  You do not need to be a professional baker to enter.  Creativity and imagination are the most important ingredients in this holiday event.  For inspiration and ideas, please visit www.arboretumfriends.org and go to the Gallery to see previous year’s entries.

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The Morris County Park Commission, the largest park system in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.
Apples, Apples, and More Apple Fun!
MORRIS TWP., NJ – Apple cider is a treasured warming autumn treat, and the Morris County Park Commission is hosting several events to celebrate apples. Bring your children to Apple Cidering Demonstrations at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township on Saturdays: November 3, and 17; and Sundays: October 28, November 4, and 18  from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Help prepare the apples, grind them, turn the old fashioned press, then collect and taste the delicious cider for yourself! The cost of this event is $3 per person. For more information, please contact the Great Swamp at 973-635-6550.

For the youngest friends, ages 3 to 5 with an adult, come to A is for Apple at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township on Monday, November 5 at 11 a.m. We’ll be learning the color, teases, shapes, and flavors of apples. The cost of this event is $7 per person. Register early at 973-326-7603, and come ready to taste and enjoy your favorite!

For more information, please visit www.morrisparks.net.



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Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.

Friday Night Skate Halloween Bash with DJ Earl
MORRIS TWP., NJ – Join in on the excitement of Friday Night Skate’s Halloween Bash with DJ Earl, Friday, October 26, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mennen Sports Arena. Enjoy his rockin’ music, incredible lights, and games. In addition to the weekly fun of Friday Night Skate, DJ Earl will be giving out cool prizes such as lava lamps, t-shirts and more! Wearing a costume will provide you with extra chances to win a prize.

Beginning Friday, October 12, every Friday night is a great time to hang out with friends, kick off the weekend, and have a party, all at Mennen in Morris Township. Grab some munchies at the snack bar, and challenge yourself on some arcade games. The cost is $7 regular admission and $3.50 for skate rental.

According to Director of Recreation Reynold, Fauci, “This new program is being launched to give families and young teens a place to have fun, enjoy the sport of ice skating, while listening to music under special lights”. He added, “Last year we introduced the program on selected Friday nights, and families and kids wanted to see it return and on a more regular basis. We are delighted to offer this Friday Skate Night in response to popular demand!”.

Mennen Sports Arena has three ice surfaces and offers one of the largest Learn-To-Skate programs in the nation, taught by former Olympians for adults and children. Hockey and figure skating clinics as well as summer camps are offered. General sessions are open to the public throughout the year.

For more information, please call, 973-326-7651 or visit www.morrisparks.net.



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 Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.
DEATH AND MOURNING in the 19th Century
MORRIS TWP., NJ – Get ready for spooky Halloween nights with an invite to attend the 1864 wake of Stephen Vail at Historic Speedwell in Morristown, on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mourners witness how the Vail family would have prepared to host the event in their house, as well as the customs and traditions they would have participated in when someone died. Follow the horse-drawn hearse as it carries Stephen’s body to his home.

The Vail family, dressed in traditional mourning clothing from the 1860s, welcomes you to their home as they mourn the loss of the family patriarch. Journey back to this period with authentically costumed interpreters. Learn the reasons that wakes were held in the home, and what preparations were made for the event, including decorations and traditions.

The Historic Speedwell is located at 333 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown. Public parking is available on the corner or Cory Road and Speedwell Avenue. This event is FREE, however registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call: 973-285-6550.




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Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.
Halloween Happenings
As you get ready for goblins and gore, check out what we have in store! From pumpkin decorating and tales, to baking and trails – we’ve got Halloween fun for everyone. Don’t miss out! Check out all of our detailed Halloween events listed on the web at: http://morrisparks.net. Enjoy the experience!


Halloween Treat for Teens
Taught by a professional baker, teens in grades seven and up enjoy baking Halloween treats that may look gross, but are awfully delicious! Come by The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township on Sunday, October 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register early, space is limited: 973-326-7603.

Halloween’s Twice-As-Nice
Come to Pumpkin Decorating on Sunday, October 21 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, and use natural plant materials to create one-of-a-kind jack o’ lanterns! Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call 973-326-7645.

DEATH AND MOURNING In the 19th Century
You are cordially invited to attend the 1864 wake of Stephen Vail at Historic Speedwell in Morristown on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Witness how the Vail family prepared to host the event in their home, as well as the customs and traditions when someone died. For more information and registration, please call 973-285-6538.

A Miller’s Halloween
Join the fun coloring pumpkins, creating corn husk dolls and playing old-time games at Cooper Gritsmill in Chester Township. This FREE event takes place on Saturday. October 27,from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Don’t forget to wear your costume! For more information, please call 908-879-5463.

Trail Tails at the Great Swamp
Enjoy a memorable night of silly, slightly spooky, nature-themed and Native American storytelling, designed to by enjoyed by everyone! Walking along the dark, wooded trails, you never know who may be lurking around the next bend in the path waiting to tell their story- it could be an eagle, a pirate, or giant Luna Moth! Come out for the annual one-hour trail tails event to celebrate Halloween in a unique way at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township. The event takes place on Saturday, October 27 at 5:30 p.m. Walk is recommended for ages 4 and up, and costs $5 per person. Call soon, space is limited! 973-635-6629.

Historic Haunting
Listen to terrifying ghost stories and enjoy a variety of Halloween fun and games at the Historic Speedwell in Morristown. Activities are from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 28. Don’t forget to wear your costume! For more information, please call 973-285-6550.

Historic Halloween Fun
On Sunday, October 28 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township brings you back in time to revisit how Halloween was once celebrated in the 20th century. Decorate Halloween cookies, play games, and enjoy a scavenger hunt around the farm! For more information, please call 973-326-7645.

A is for Apple
Calling to all our youngest friends, ages three to five years, with an adult, come to The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township on Monday, November 5 at 11 a.m. to learn the color, tastes, shapes, and flavor of apples. Register early! Space is limited. For more information and to register, please call 973-326-7603.
October 5 is National Visit A Park Day
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Celebrate National Visit Park Day in your own special way at one of your favorite parks. There is so much to explore, experience, and enjoy in the Morris County Park System, the region’s best park system in the state of New Jersey. Comprised of 18,600 acres and 38 facilities, you can stroll through exquisite gardens; play a challenging round of golf; visit an historic site, or simply enjoy the outdoors.

What a better way is there for friends and family to make the most of their time together than in the park system’s multipurpose parks. Take the kids to the playground, or your favorite canine companion to an off-leash area. For hiking, biking, or jogging, use any of the over 150 miles of multi-use trials. Enjoy the fall beauty at jewels of Morris County’s gardens at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center, or the Willowwood Arboretum. Experience the wonder of the ever-changing nature at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center or Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. Plan a family picnic using the many picnic areas and shelters, take memorable family photos, and reserve one of the athletic fields.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, and developing a renewed sense of appreciation for nature, spending time outdoors in the parks is simply healthy. Whether it brings you a sense of calm from a hectic lifestyle, or active recreation for those who seek enjoyable activity, getting to know your parks is part of leading a healthier lifestyle. For more information on park locations and the activities they offer, as well as an array of on-going programs, please visit www.morrisparks.net. Enjoy the experience.

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Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.