Borough to Serve Up Classic Kinnelon Cookout

The Borough of Kinnelon is planning a family-friendly townwide event where councilmen will cook hotdogs and kids will be able to play games during Kinnelon's first-ever "Kinnelon Day."

Kinnelon Council President Jim Freda, who serves as the chairman of the borough's recreation and ordinance committees, announced at Thursday's borough council meeting that the process of planning the celebration is underway.

Freda, working in conjunction with KAMELOT, the borough's municipal drug alliance, has set the date for October 2 at Lake Rickabear. Freda described his vision for the event as an old-time, traditional cookout that will promote drug- and alcohol-free activities.

During his explanation of the event, Freda emphasized the fact that the event is "something I spoke to the mayor about, and he was very excited about it. It's got full council backing-we just need to get it done."

To illustrate the borough council's involvement in the townwide event, he added that the entire council, including the mayor, would be there "cooking hotdogs, grilling, and making it a special day." For his contribution, councilman Andrew San Filippo offered to sit in the dunk tank.

At last week's council workshop, Councilman Ron Mondello suggested the borough consider handing out tickets to families who live in the borough that will allow them to get a free popcorn or food item at the event. Mondello said he had seen this done in other towns where similar events were sucessful.

Though the event is still in the early stages of planning, Freda made a point to address the Kinnelon community, asking for donations and assistance in making this event a success. The donations that the planning committee are looking for include monetary contributions and refreshments from local vendors and residents.

If you would like to help out, contact Jim Freda via email at jfreda@kinnelonboro.org