On the Ave: Summer Fun

By: Russell Swanson, Exec. Dir., VDID, Main Street Vineland

There’s no need to leave town this summer, with this rich helping of summer events right here.

VINELAND, N.J. – Now that last week’s flurry of events is behind us—the broker tour, meet-and-greet, and video shoot, among them—it’s time to set our sights on events that will make up the heart of our summer fun. So, let’s take a preliminary look. You’ll read and hear about these in more detail later.

Cruise Down Memory Lane— Millions of dollars’ worth of vintage and exotic cars will again line Landis Avenue as Cruise Down Memory Lane returns to The Ave for its 28th year on Saturday, June 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. The rain date will be Sunday, June 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. Main Street Vineland will be organizing this annual Vineland tradition, now in its 28th year, in cooperation with the Cruise Down Memory Lane Committee. The major sponsor for the event is Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union. 

You’ll be reading more about this soon. For more information on the event, call the Main Street Vineland office. You can also contact Marv, of the Cruise Down Memory Lane Committee, at 856-697-6306 or, the day at the show at 856-200-1450, by e-mail, at marvin350@hotmail.com. 

Run the Ave 5K—This event, making its debut this year, will take place, rain or shine, on Sunday, June 23, starting at 9 a.m. We’re partnering with Second Capital Running for this event, with Premier Orthopaedic Associates as the major sponsor, and we’re looking for a good turnout of runners. If you’re a beginner, let this be your first 5K. If you’re an experienced runner, come out and add this to your schedule of runs.

Our downtown business district will be transformed that day into a magnificent 5K course, including a run through beautiful Landis Park. This is a sanctioned race and we’ll have professional timers, with medals awarded in a variety of categories—including the “True Grit” award for our last-place finisher “bringing up the rear.” Register by going to TheAve.biz, then the event link. It’s is $20 per runner and remember that the event is not open to walkers. Proceeds from the run will benefit Main Street Vineland’s efforts to help the continued revitalization of Vineland’s historic downtown. 

Play Streets—This initiative, returning for its second year, is a collaboration with the Vineland Community Policing, as well as many other civic and non-profit organizations, along with Main Street Vineland, will take place over five Fridays—June 28, and July 5, 12, 19, and 26. For the last four weeks, one block of Sixth Street—from Landis Avenue to Elmer Street—will be closed off to traffic and will provide a place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for youngsters to engage in games, projects, health-related activities, and other ways to get them outside and engaged in constructive activities. The first week will be a “pop-up” Play Streets at Roberto Clemente Park, Seventh and Humbert streets. Among the participating organizations are the Vineland Health Department, Vineland Municipal/City of Vineland, Calvary Chapel, Daniel’s Den, Vineland Public Library, and the Vineland Police Department. Sponsorship opportunities are available. 

Food Truck Festival on The Ave—Come hungry for this mega-event, returning for a third consecutive year on Sunday, August 26. It’ll take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine, at Landis Avenue and the Boulevard and will feature approximately 20 food trucks, a beer tent, and continuous entertainment and activities for all ages. Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union will, again, be the major sponsor. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available for all these events. Contact the Main Street Vineland office for more information.

Watch for even more exciting news in future columns. 

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