Holmdel Residents Come Out For An Action-Packed Community Day

Even before it was over, Holmdel Recreation's Deborah Dow could happily declare the Holmdel Baseball Bonanza and Community Day "a huge success," with an estimated 1,000 participants and 92 booths staffed by community groups, crafters and local businesses at the center of the township's vast Cross Farm Park. 

"We had a huge turnout," said Dow,  standing on a paved path, as people passing by checked out a jewelry display, a realtor's table, and a children's gardening activity sponsored by Dearborn Market. "The combination of the baseball parade with Community Day, in April, was a plus."

"And,"  she added, gesturing to the sunny, blue sky, "God love the weather!"

Holmdel Community Day, traditionally held in the fall, was moved to the spring this year. It was partnered with the baseball parade at the suggestion of the Township Committee in an effort to improve participation, said Dow. 

Preparing for the parade

The day began early Saturday for boys and girls in Holmdel who play baseball. Dressed in baseball and softball jerseys, they gathered at Village School parking lot to line up for the annual HYAA Baseball and Softball Parade.  This year there are 44 teams in the baseball and softball programs, with a total of 514 children registered, according to the group. 

Once the Shore Brass Band struck up the marching music. Mayor Patrick Impreveduto and Township Committee Member, Rocco Pascucci, began to lead the parade towards the park, along with with HYAA President Gerry DiMaso and Softball Commissioner, Joe Ponisi. 

Ball players, coaches and family members followed in step. Some teams walked behind homemade banners with names like the Bulls, the Blue Claws, and Thunder. Neighbors came out to watch as the marchers weaved their way through the Holmdel streets to end at Cross Farm Park for all the activities of Holmdel Community Day. 

Once the teams arrived at the park,the mayor and HYAA president gave a brief welcome. Joe Ponisi was presented the HYAA 2011 President’s Award for his service to the organization. A dedication was also made in honor of Michael Germinario, a member of HYAA who passed away this past year. In recognition of all his coaching and other contributions to the HYAA, it was announced that the lower Satz Field will be dedicated to his memory. His wife, Louise, was present to receive the honor from Mark Viani, Head Softball/Baseball Commissioner.

Community Day

After the ceremonies, the children and their families were free to explore all that Community Day held for them. Many headed directly to the amusements. Colorful inflatable slides and obstacle courses amused some, while others bravely tried the rock climbing wall. 

As the families walked around they had a chance to stop at the numerous vendor tables set up. There were 39 community organizations present, such as as the Holmdel Police Dept., the PTSO, and the Holmdel Historical Society. Churches and charities were present, along with 44 local businesses.  People could have a massage or kids could get their face painted.  They could purchase toys, books and clothing or speak with one of the many local realtors or travel agency. 

On the central grounds, there was a demonstration in the martial arts by Master Coyne Kum Sung Karate of Middletown and U.S. Black Belt Martial Arts of Lincroft, a Pinocchio puppet display, and dance performances by the Holmdel-based Jersey Shore Chinese School, as well as music by Celadon Youth. 

One particular Holmdel fifth grader had her own table. Natasha Pavlinetz was hoping to draw attention to her efforts to raise money for life saving research to conquer childhood cancer. She will do this by shaving her head on June 4.

If the kids were hungry after all the activity they could munch on traditional fair food. Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, cotton candy and plates of funnel cake were being enjoyed. 

 The energy was high. People were happy to be outside in the sunshine. By the end, some had the season's first sunburn. Leslie Costantino, parent and baseball team mom, said “It’s a great day for the kids. It’s a great family day.”

Mayor Impreveduto echoed the feeling. “It is a wonderful day. It is a great turnout -- and the weather is glorious.  It is the first time we combined the two events and it has been a rousing success.”

Holmdel Patch Editor Christina Johnson contributed reporting for this article. 

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For more coverage, click to see
 Sights and Sounds of Holmdel Community Day, 2011

Videographer David Scherzer captures the variety and enthusiasm at the event on April 30, at Cross Farm Park.