Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Copy Link
Cranford Spring Hop 2024
Believe it or not, Spring has officially sprung. It quietly started on Tuesday. Easter Sunday is just over a week away. But you can celebrate it this weekend at the Cranford Spring Hop 2024.
What: Cranford Spring Hop 2024
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza Park
When: Saturday, March 23rd, 12 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $12 per person
Cranford Spring Hop 2024
Organizers broke up this year’s hop into two separate time slots: 12 pm to 2 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. This helps accommodate more children. Obtain entry by purchasing a $12 tote bag. Each bag includes all the supplies you need to participate.
This “hop” is a little different than other Easter Egg Hunts in the area. For one thing, you pick up your tote at the Eastman Clock Plaza Park. But instead of searching for eggs in the park, your child visits more than 20 different Downtown Cranford businesses to find the hidden eggs. Additionally, kids receive a special Golden egg with a fun prize inside. Make sure you snap a photo with the Easter Bunny sometime during your hop as well.
Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2024
Cranford offers their hop. Westfield organized their hunt on the same day as well. But not to be outdone, Scotch Plains also put together an Easter Egg Hunt of their own this Saturday. Starting at 10:15 am, kids ages 8 and under are invited to join the Easter Bunny at the Shady Rest Country Club. The Easter Bunny hid hundreds of eggs all over the country club’s golf course. This is a free BYOB event (aka “bring your own basket”). After the hunt ends, a balloon artist keeps kids and adults entertained. Several family-friendly Easter-themed activities are also planned for the day. Currently, the weatherman predicts a possibility of rain. In case that happens, organizers scheduled a rain date of March 24th.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2024
This year, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31st. While many people think about jelly beans, milk chocolate bunnies, and Reese’s peanut butter eggs, a survey by Instacart found that the second most popular non-chocolate treat ordered at Eastertime was the marshmallow Peep. So, when I say “peep”, you know I need to talk about Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2024, right?
- What: Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2024
- Where: Downtown Cranford
- When: March 23rd to March 31st
- Contact: Cranford Township at (908) 709-7208 or via email
Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2024
This annual competition has gained popularity over the years. We look forward to seeing how creative folks get. All you need to do to participate is create an art piece incorporating Peeps into them. The only limit is your imagination. However, since this is a family-friendly competition, organizers reserve the right to not display anything they deem offensive.
Organizers open this up to all ages. The rules stipulate one entry per person. Entries cannot be larger than 18″ in size (that includes height, length, or width). Make sure your entry is sturdy enough to withstand being moved from place to place. No on-site set-up allowed. Completed entries must be dropped off at their assigned location no later than March 22nd. Entries will be displayed at various businesses around the Downtown Cranford area. After March 31st, each business housing an entry disposes of it themselves.
The public may view each entry between March 23rd and March 31st. Then, they can vote for their favorites. The top three entries receiving the most votes win between $50 and $100 in gift cards.
Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024
Westfield itself will not be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year. However, the official Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place tomorrow, March 9th, in Union starting at noon. It starts at Morris Ave and Commerce Ave. The parade travels along Morris to Stuyvesant Ave, where it turns right. It ends at the Pearl Harbor Memorial located at Stuyvesant and Elmwood.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Fire and Ice 2024
Last Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs battled it out with the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. (Congratulations to the Chiefs, by the way, for a well-fought win.) What did you snack on while watching the big game? Nachos? Pizza? Sliders? Did you know that, according to the National Chicken Council, chicken wings are the most popular food eaten at Super Bowl parties? How does that tie into our little town? Well, at this year’s Cranford Fire and Ice event, you get the chance to vote for the “King of the Wing” in town.
- What: Cranford Fire and Ice 2024
- Where: Downtown Cranford
- When: Friday, March 2nd, 2024 1 pm to 4 pm
- Admission: FREE
Cranford Fire and Ice 2024
Popular with the locals, organizers of this event show that “fire” and “ice” go together like peanut butter and jelly. How? Where else will you see artists creating masterpieces in ice while fire-breathers perform nearby? Enjoy warm cocoa and s’mores while you watch a balloon artist create cute animals and other objects to delight the crowd. There will also be face painters available to help get you in the festive mood.
As I said, the pièce de résistance of the entire day’s event comes when the winner of the “King of the Wing” is announced. Will Venue 104 claim the title for a third year in a row or will someone else snatch the title from them? You can help determine the winner by visiting all participating Cranford restaurants. Sample their wings and vote for your favorites before the end of February.
If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, organizers plan a rain date of March 3rd. Keep an eye on the weather. Get out there and vote.
I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2024
Cranford believes in giving back to the community and promoting local businesses. Earlier this month, Cranford hosted the Souperhero Stroll. Each year, this event raises money for our local high school kids as well as promoting the talents of our local chefs and helping individuals who experience food insecurity in our community. Another fun event coming to town next month is the Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2024.
- What: Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2024
- Where: Downtown Cranford
- When: Thursday, February 8th, from 3 pm to 7 pm
- Admission: $20 per person
- Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via email
Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2024
Don’t have a special sometime for Valentine’s Day this year? Even if you do, this event may be for you too. For just $20 per person, you and your favorite guy or gal-pals can take a stroll around the Downtown Cranford area, shopping and noshing on fabulous chocolates.
Your $20 admission nabs you a special Galentine’s Day tote bag with a special candy box and a passport. Why do you need a passport? This very special piece of paper takes you on a decadent journey from shop to shop where you will be picking up a different cocoa treat to place inside that box. Of course, while you visit those shops, you might want to check to peruse the various odds and ends each business offers. Many of them plan on presenting their wares at a great discount as well.
Ticket Info
To purchase your tickets, simply visit the Galentine’s Chocolate Walk event website here. Once you receive confirmation of your ticket purchase, all you need to do is go to Anthem Style (100 N Union Ave) anytime between 10 am and 7 pm on the day of the event to pick up your tote and passport. Then, start walking.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Halloween Events 2023
The Scarecrow Stroll is just one of the crazy fun Cranford Halloween events taking place this month. Other events include movies, haunted tours, storytime, and even something your furry friends can join in on. Learn more below.
Cranford Halloween Events 2023
Movies
The Cranford Theater set up a pretty sweet schedule of movies for all to see just in time for Halloween. Come see “Back to the Future” on Saturday, October 21st. This includes an opportunity to glance at the DeLorean time machine in person. After you take the kids home and leave them with a babysitter, come back to the theater for a 10 pm screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. (Costumes optional.) The Garlic Bistro provides brunch and a movie with their own showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” on Sunday, October 22nd.
The weekend before Halloween brings out the scarier fare. On Saturday, October 28th, the Cranford Theater shows the Freddy Krueger classic “Nightmare on Elm Street”. Then, on Halloween night, stop by the theater for a screening of what else? John Carpenter’s classic “Halloween”.
Haunted Cranford Tours
Take a haunted tour of Cranford. For one night only (October 21st), Haunted History Productions offers a very special tour of some of Cranford’s oldest residents and tells their tales. The tour starts at the Cranford Municipal Building’s front lawn. Get your tickets now by visiting the Haunted Cranford Tours website here.
Ghostbusters Day
Yes. Cranford celebrates spooky-ooky season with their very own “Ghostbusters Day” on October 28th sponsored by Martin Jewelers. But you might want to prepare for the day with a Ghostbusters manicure at Sister’s Nails on October 24th. Reservations are highly recommended though. And Max & Luna offer a special storytime with Stay Puft on Monday, October 23rd at noon. Sweet ‘n Fancy offers a Ghostbusters Treat Class on October 28th. But you must reserve your spot ahead of time.
Various Other Halloween Fun
Head out to Hanson Park on October 21st for the pumpkin carve-out and parade at 6 p.m. Join the apple pie-eating contest at Eastman Clock Plaza on October 22nd at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a treat at the candy apple station (while supplies last) set up at Venue 104 from 3 pm to 5 pm on October 26th. Dress up your pooch and enter them into the Howl-O-Ween Parade at Eastman Clock Plaza at 11 a.m. on October 28th. Yvette’s Dance Studio hosts a Thrills and Chills Dance Fest at their location at noon on October 29th. And the Jaycees put on their own Halloween parade and a bit of punkin-chunkin from 2 pm to 3 pm at the Cranford Community Center.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
Fall is definitely in the air. Even Mother Nature couldn’t stop the very first Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour from taking place last weekend. While nearby Westfield offers a month-long celebration of native son Charles Addams during AddamsFest next month, our fair city also provides a tradition of its own: the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll.
- What: Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
- Where: Downtown Cranford
- When: October 13th to 31st
Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2023
Each year, this beloved event showcases scarecrows created by local businesses, organizations, families, and kids for a bit of friendly fun and healthy competition. Everyone comes out a winner because we all get to enjoy the sights of these silly, scary, and downright creative scarecrows for two and a half weeks leading up to Halloween. But this year’s stroll features so much more. In fact, organizers scheduled a different event almost every one of the 19 days the stroll takes place.
This year’s stroll kicks off with a candy stroll at Eastman Clock Plaza Park on Friday, October 13th. Yes. That’s Friday the 13th. Rather appropriate, no? Registration is required and tickets are limited. The stroll ends with a special Halloween night treat at the Cranford Theater. In between, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in spooky paint and sips, trivia, beer-tasting, an apple pie contest, Halloween yoga, movies, and more. For more information on what happens and when visit the City of Cranford’s website here. Most of the events require you to purchase tickets. Please make note of this when perusing the website.
Registration Information
If you want to participate in this year’s scarecrow competition, it costs nothing to register. However, you do need to register by the end of the day on October 2nd. Register for one of these categories: youth (12 and under), teen/adult (13 and above), families, schools/organizations, or businesses. The winner of each category goes on to compete for Best Overall. For more information and to register, please visit the Downtown Scarecrow Stroll registration page. Good luck!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Lattes. Candles. Donuts. Bread. Cheesecake. Oatmeal. ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin spice. Customers go crazy for this seasonal spice every fall. And companies want to keep up. Can you believe Hefty even offers pumpkin spice trash bags? To celebrate this autumnal seasoning, downtown Cranford hosts the Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour.
What: Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (North Union Ave)
When: Saturday, September 23rd, Noon to 4 pm
Admission: $5/person
Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208
Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour 2023
Looking for something fun to do with the family? Celebrate the final day of summer and welcome in the Fall at the Pumpkin Spice Tour in Downtown Cranford. Enjoy a live pumpkin carving. Visit various stores around the downtown area for a special tasting tour. Listen to live music. Get your face painted. It’s fun for everyone.
You must purchase a bracelet to participate in the Pumpkin Spice Tour. They only cost $5 each. Simply visit the Downtown Cranford Eventbrite website here to purchase your bracelet today. Then, on the day of the event, go to the Eastman Clock Plaza to pick up your bracelet and your map of businesses participating in the tour. It’s that simple.
AddamsFest 2023
Just a reminder (as if you needed one). Next month is AddamsFest 2023. Registration for the Haunt My House ends on October 1st or when all 50 positions are filled up. They fill up quickly, so you need to act quickly if you plan on participating. Tickets for the Morticia and Gomez Masquerade Ball are already sold out. The first round of ticket sales for Charlie’s Ale Garden happened on Wednesday, September 20th. If you missed out, you get another chance to try next Wednesday, September 27th. Log on right at 7 p.m. to buy yours. Otherwise, you must wait until next year. Good luck!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023
Easter falls on Sunday, April 9th, this year. What is your favorite Easter candy? Jelly beans? Cadbury cream eggs? Reeses peanut butter eggs? (The Reeses peanut butter egg came in as America’s favorite Easter candy, by the way.) How about marshmallow Peeps? Well, Peeps seem to polarize the Easter candy people. Some love them. Others hate them with a passion. But at the Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023, it doesn’t matter because whether you like them or not. Why? Because you don’t actually have to eat them. Instead, they get turned into fun works of art in the celebration of the Easter holiday.
What: Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: April 1st to April 9th
Contact: DMC via email or phone at (908) 709-7208
Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023
If you are interested in creating a Peeps masterpiece, you need to register by March 24th, 2023. Only one entry is allowed per person. But this is definitely something you can get the whole family involved in. Each entry gets displayed downtown for the general public to see. They also act as your judges. Entries with the most votes win a nice cash prize. Third place receives $50. Second place receives $75. And the first-place winner receives $100. Not bad for gluing a bunch of marshmallow Peeps together, right?
Rules and Registration Information
To enter, the Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular, send an email to the DMC by end of business on March 24th. Each participant will be given a specific location where their entry will be displayed. All registered entries must be dropped off at that specific location no later than March 31st. No on-site assembly allowed. Whatever it looks like when you drop it off is how it will be displayed.
Entries cannot be larger than 18″ in height, width, or depth. Keep in mind that your entry may get moved around a bit in the setup. So make sure that you fortify it well enough so it doesn’t break down. (Quick tip: glue, toothpicks, and little wooden dowels offer great support for your sculpture.) At the end of the judgment period, each display location disposes of the entries themselves. If you wish to keep your Peep, let the event organizers know when you register for the contest. Good luck!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023
We are very proud of our lovely downtown area here in Cranford. To encourage citizens and visitors to support our local businesses, officials enjoy putting on fun events. In October, there was the Scarecrow Stroll. Next week, they host a Galentine’s Chocolate Walk. As Valentine’s nod to the cute woodland creatures, they are currently hosting their Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023.
What: Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023
Where: Throughout Downtown Cranford
When: Now through February 14th
Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via email
Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023
Downtown Cranford partnered up with the Green Thumb Garden Club to create this fun Valentine’s Day event. But you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to participate. This gnome-hunt can happen any time you visit the downtown area between now and the 14th.
First, download and print out an official Gnome-Hunt entry form here. Then, take it with you when you go downtown. When you spot one of the five official gnome displays, write its location next to the appropriate gnome “gname”. Once you locate all five gnomes, email your completed form to the Downtown Cranford office. A winner will be picked at random from all entries received by the end of the day on February 14th, 2023.
Upcoming Property Tax Appeal Seminar
Have you signed up yet for my free Property Tax Appeal Seminar? If not, you need to do so right away. It takes place at 7:30 pm next Thursday, February 9th at the Coldwell Banker Realty offices on Central Ave. Learn how to appeal your high property taxes from an expert in the field, Jennifer Jacobus, Esq. with Jacobus & Associates LLC. She has helped hundreds of homeowners (including myself and several of my clients) save thousands of dollars on their property taxes. Space is limited. In order to make sure we accommodate as many people as possible, we need to get a head count ahead of time. So, if you are interested, please sign up today.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
