STAFFORD – On most days, the screech of sirens and the sight of flashing lights might spark alarm. But locals know there’s no need for concern if it’s the second Saturday in June. It’s the start of the annual Founders Day celebration, ushered in by a hometown parade that has become a beloved tradition.
“This is the 60th anniversary of the Founders Day celebration as we know it,” said Stafford Recreation Director Jason Hazelton. “The Founders Day celebration was born out of the Stafford Historical Society in 1964 when they celebrated the tercentenary year, the 300th year of New Jersey.”
Over the years, Founders Day has evolved with various iterations and parade routes. Initially, the festivities were centered around Oxycocus Elementary School, which now marks the end of the parade route. In different years, the post-parade celebrations moved from Manahawkin Lake to Southern Regional High School and back to the lake.
This year, to accommodate the thousands who flock to the event, the grand party began at 4 p.m. at the Doc Cramer Sports Complex, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
Leading the 2024 Founders Day parade was Stafford’s former mayor Carl Block as the Grand Marshal. He has also served as Ocean County Clerk, Ocean County Administrator, and now Manchester Township Administrator.
“Carl has been a mentor to so many of us with a career in public service,” said Hazelton. “We were excited to honor him for his decades of giving back to Stafford.”
The parade dazzled with a long line of meticulously polished emergency vehicles, some tossing candy to the hundreds of onlookers lining the streets. The air was filled with the lively sounds of drums and horns as bands added to the atmosphere. The parade featured an array of outstanding bands, including the Southern Regional High School Golden Rams, the Ocean County Emerald Society, Brooklyn United, the Jersey String Band, the Original Hobo Band, and the Demolition Brass Band. Their performances had people literally dancing in the streets.
Various community groups, local government authorities, and elected officials also took part.
Classic car enthusiasts were treated to a lineup of gem hotrods, showcasing the evolution of these iconic vehicles and sparking nostalgic guesses about the different models.
At the Sports Complex, the celebration continued with entertainment from Asbury Fever and the distribution of parade awards. The winners included Overall Best in Parade – Southern Regional Transportation; Best Visiting Fire Company – Surf City Volunteer Fire Co; Best Visiting EMS – Barnegat First Aid; and Best Classic Car – Stafford Historical Society.
Contestants from the local pageant had their moment in the spotlight, marching in the parade and later receiving their crowns at Doc Cramer. The newly crowned included Miss Stafford – Giada Mangino, Junior Miss Stafford – Emily Krill, Little Miss Stafford – Novella Roddy, and Little Town Crier – Noah Yazal.
The festivities were complemented by a variety of vendors and food trucks, offering a feast of options for all to enjoy. The Sports Complex added to the fun with inflatables and rides, providing thrills for attendees of all ages.
As the day turned to dusk, the sky above Stafford lit up with a vibrant fireworks display, bringing the 60th Founders Day celebration to a magical close.
