Lake Hopatcong Foundation's Annual Block Party Will Celebrate NJ's Largest Lake on May 7, 2016

LAKE HOPATCONG, N.J. - April 12, 2016 - PRLog -- The Lake Hopatcong Block Party, hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is poised to be a day that celebrates New Jersey's largest lake: from recreation and leisure to business and everyday living. The third-annual event, to be held from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, May 7, 2016 (rain or shine), at Hopatcong State Park, will bring together local organizations and businesses, bands, demonstrations, craft vendors, food trucks, restaurants, a children's area, and a opportunities to have a short boat ride provided by Bridge Marina and Lake Hopatcong Cruises. Limited parking is available at the Hopatcong State Park with a suggested donation of $6. Free, offsite parking is located in nearby lots with free shuttle services to and from the park.

"For the third year, we are thrilled to be bringing together all four towns around Lake Hopatcong to celebrate not just this amazing natural and recreational resource, but also the people, businesses, and organizations that surround it," said Jessica K. Murphy, president of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. "There will be an abundance of activities for visitors of all ages, and an opportunity for everyone to see all that the Lake Hopatcong community has to offer, all while enjoying a lovely view of New Jersey's largest lake."

Each zone of the Block Party will host a plethora of vendors where attendees can browse unique gift items (just in time for Mother's Day) as well as food, services, products and learn about the missions of non-profit organizations. The train ride is returning providing adults and children a unique view of the park. The LHF will be running a 50/50 raffle and a series of demonstrations will take place including a trophy fish presentation by the Knee Deep Club and a remote control airplane demo from the Roxbury Area Mode Airplane Club. Guests will be able to enjoy live music ranging from soul to jazz to country rock with these bands: Soul Groove, Uncle Brothers, Mickey Freeman and Glenn Roberts Band on a unique patio boat stage. Kids ages 12 and under can participate in a park wide scavenger hunt and receive an ice cream coupon from Jefferson Dairy upon completion.

"We are looking forward to a fun-filled day at this year's event," said Jennifer DeWitt, Assistant Development Director. "New this year is a LHF Twitter Trivia contest and a FitBit Challenge. Visit www.lakehopatcongfoundation.org to learn about our initiatives. The more you know about all we do to improve our lake, the better your chances of winning. For those that are counting their steps with activity trackers, there is a challenge to get in at least 10,000 steps by walking the entire Block party. Check in at the information booth at the start of your Block Party day and at the end, and be eligible to win a new FitBit Alta for you or a loved one. We'll have funny props for folks to take selfies with in specially designed social media frames. All the details can be found at the Information Booth at the entrance to the Block Party. To keep track of the fun and participate, be sure to follow our official hashtag for the event #LHFBP2016."

Those 15 years of age and older will have a unique opportunity to interview the day of the Block Party for seasonal, part-time Lake Steward positions. Lake Stewards are hired by the foundation and stationed at Lee's County Park & Marina and Hopatcong State Park, educating boaters about invasive species and how to prevent their spread. Foundation staff will have job applications available and conduct interviews for the positions between 11am-1pm at the LHF booth.

Also at the LHF booth, visitors can learn more about the foundation and our initiatives including a new dock numbering safety program, sign-up for volunteer opportunities, purchase 50/50 raffles tickets and LHF merchandise, renew your LHF membership or become a new member.  And be sure to stop by to learn what's going on with the Lake Hopatcong Train Station restoration.

This year's Block Party Sponsors include: Lake Hopatcong Golf Club, Bridge Marina, DeFeo's Marina, Marine Max, Berkley College, Lake Hopatcong Racing Association, Lake Hopatcong Marine/San Bar Marina, Culligan, Power Home Remodeling, Crawford Home Selling Team Keller Williams Realty, Dunkin' Donuts, FirstEnergy Foundation, Fulton Bank of New Jersey, QuickChek, Starfish Aquatic Club, Inc.

The Lake Hopatcong Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of "improving Lake Hopatcong for all, now and in the years to come." The Lake Hopatcong Block Party is part of the group's effort to bring together the four towns and two counties that surround Lake Hopatcong and celebrate as a united community.