Manasquan Savings Bank sure knows how to throw a great birthday party! On Saturday, October 25, more than 1,000 area residents joined the bank for a Community Day celebration at the newly renovated Squan Plaza in downtown Manasquan. The crowds were treated to perfect fall weather and a completely free event!
There was something for everyone to enjoy. The youngsters really had it made with pony rides, face painting, balloon animals and carnival games. All of the games were a big hit with people of all ages and really gave the party big festival type atmosphere. Skee-Ball, Shooting Stars, Hoop Shots and Water Race delivered countless prizes to excited players. The carnival food offered sweet treats like cotton candy and funnel cake. Many people were trying fried Oreos for the first time!
Perhaps the most popular station at the party, were the grills and food table! Members of the management team at Manasquan Savings Bank grilled and served food all day long. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, sausage, and several cold salads. The food was delicious and everyone was thankful for a meal on-the-house!
While the event was entirely free, the bank encouraged attendees to contribute to a 140-pound food drive to benefit The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The day’s goal was readily met and the Bank will continue to collect non-perishable food donations in the branches through the end of this year.
Thunder 106 came by in the morning and 94.3 The Point took the afternoon shift. Both stations gave away prizes and broadcasted live from the event. People won scratch off lottery tickets, Broadway tickets and Great Adventure tickets.
Creativity was on display at the pumpkin patch, where more than 250 pumpkins were decorated throughout the day. It got a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!
During the entire day, people entered to win a hand crafted surfboard made by local surf shop, Rozbern. The lucky winner was Jason Bryant and his nine-year-old daughter Lillian, who began surf lessons just this summer in Belmar with Summertime Surf. A Manasquan Elementary School student, she is an avid water-lover, from surfing to sailing.
“The board will be the perfect size for Lillian to use this coming summer,” said Nick Kiefer, photographer and local surfer.
Beyond their lucky win, Jason and Lillian tested their luck at the carnival games and enjoyed lunch from the grill. Lillian, along with other young festival-goers, also took advantage of free pony rides. When asked about her win, Lillian – a Manasquan Savings Bank Young Saver – said that she looks forward to surfing with friends next summer and having a blast. Her father added that the family thoroughly enjoyed the day’s events, and thanked the bank for hosting it.
“We want to thank all who turned out for our Community Day Celebration,” stated James S. Vaccaro, President and CEO of Manasquan Savings Bank said. “We were truly touched by all the families who helped us celebrate our 140th birthday!”
