Cranford Events Archives - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

Cranford Thanksgiving Food Drive 2021

November 12, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Last month was all about scarecrows and the Addams Family. This month, we give thanks for the many blessings we received over the last year. Unfortunately, some people may not have been as blessed as you. To help them through this holiday season, please add a few items to your grocery shopping list and bring them to the Cranford Thanksgiving Food Drive 2021.

What: Cranford Thanksgiving Food Drive 2021
Where: Cranford United Methodist Church (201 Lincoln Ave E)
When: Saturday, November 13th, 10 am to 1 pm

Cranford Thanksgiving Food Drive 2021

Giving to others not only helps them but it makes you feel good, too. Consider donating food to Cranford UMC’s food drive this Saturday, November 13th. Just bag up the items you want to donate. Then, place them in the trunk of your car or bed of your truck. After that, drive to the church parking between 10 am and 1 pm. Volunteers will then take the items out of your vehicle without you ever having to physically interact with them. All donations received go directly to local organizations like St. Joseph’s Social Services and Cranford Family Care.

Can’t make it to the donation site on Saturday? Drop them off in the bins located just outside the church near the Little Free Pantry. The Little Free Pantry located in the church’s parking lot accepts donations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. People experience food insecurity year-round, not just during the holidays. So, if you can give a little something every so often, it helps.

Items Requested

Shelf-stable non-perishable food items requested for donation include:

Apples
Applesauce
Broth
Cookies
Cranberry sauce
Fried onion packets
Garclic
Gravy
Green beans
Mashed potatoes
Onions
Pie filling
Potatoes (bagged)
Pudding
Salad dressing
Seasonings (salt, pepper, spices)
Stuffing
Sweet potatoes (bagged)
Yams

After you drop off your food for the food drive, head over to First Presbyterian on Springfield. Get started on your Christmas shopping or find interesting decor for your Thanksgiving table this year at their craft Fair from 9 am to 4 pm. Thanksgiving arrives in less than two weeks. Then, just 29 days of shopping left until Christmas after that. You don’t want to dally or you may miss out on great gifts to give.

FEATURED WESTFIELD AREA LISTING

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Cranford Craft Fair: Start Christmas Shopping Early

November 4, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Did you take advantage of the wonderful fall scenery of downtown brought to you by the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll? If not, you now have to wait 11 more months to see it again. I highly suggest that you add it to your calendar so as not to forget. Now that Halloween is over, it is time to look forward to the next big end-of-year holidays. In three weeks, we celebrate Thanksgiving. But you might want to focus on Christmas. Even with 49 shopping days to go, kinks in the supply chain mean that you might run into availability issues for gifts on your Christmas list. Fortunately, the Cranford Craft Fair promises plenty of gift ideas so you can begin to start checking off names on your list.

What: Cranford Craft Fair
Where: First Presbyterian Church (11 Springfield Ave)
When: Saturday, November 13th, 9 am to 4 pm
Contact: First Presbyterian (908) 276-8440

Cranford Craft Fair

Do you have hard-to-shop-for people on your Christmas list? Looking for something unique to give as hostess gifts this year? Or do you just want to make your home cozy and beautiful for the holidays? Dozens of local artists and artisans set up shop at First Presbyterian Church to sell their wares. You will find everything from handmade jewelry, blankets, and clothing to artwork, kitchenware, and decor.

In addition to arts and crafts, First Presbyterian Church hosts a bake sale. So, pick up some delicious bread, pies, cakes, or other goodies for your friends or guests. And make sure that you keep some to enjoy for yourself.

Organizers request that all guests wear masks while walking around the fair. Social distancing will also be enforced while on the grounds. Please keep your health in mind as well as others around you while visiting. If you feel ill, please stay at home.

End of Daylight Savings Time

Just a reminder. This Sunday, November 7th, Daylight Savings Time ends. That means that we turn our clocks back one hour on Sunday. Get ready for that early evening sunset. Happy holidays!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2021

October 22, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Westfield gets their Addams Family Fun throughout October. But they are not the only ones enjoying the season. The Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2021 takes place from now through Halloween. And organizers need your help to decide on who wins prizes.

The annual Halloween favorite Cranford Scarecrow Stroll is going on right now. Take a walk and take a vote for your favorites.

What: Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2021
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: Now through October 31st
Contact: Downtown Business & Economic Development Office (908) 709-7208

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2021

The Scarecrow Stroll originated in 2008. At that time, 111 scarecrows lined the streets of Downtown Cranford. Last year, more than 100 unique scarecrow creations showed passersby a spooky/silly time. And that took place during the heart of the pandemic. This year, the township hopes that we see the biggest turnout than ever before from our local business owners and families.

Registration for creating these scarecrow scenes already closed earlier this month. But you still play a crucial part in this beloved event. Anytime between now and the end of the month, visit any of our downtown boutiques and restaurants. When you happen upon a scarecrow on the street, make note of its location. If you like it, write it down on the ballot you received in the mail and deposit it in the Eastman Plaza mailbox. If you need a ballot, pick one up at the Cranford Library, the local community center, or any of the businesses located in Downtown Cranford. Winners in each category receive $100.

We see so much creativity in these scarecrows. Past strolls included Lego scarecrows, Harry Potter scarecrows, the Stay-Puft marshmallow man scarecrow, a Sharknado-themed entry, and a Back to the Future scarecrow scene. The imagination and effort put forth from participants in the Scarecrow Stroll truly amazes us all each and every year. Take a walk, shop a little, eat a little, and make sure to vote for your favorite entries in the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll. Winners will be announced after October 31st.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Cranford Street Fair 2021

October 4, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Fall is definitely in the air here in the Northeast. The leaves began to change color already here in New Jersey. Scotch Plains recently celebrated the Fall season with their Scotch Plains Days. Traditionally, Westfield’s Girls Night Out takes place at the beginning of Fall. Not to be left out, Cranford ushers in the season with their Cranford Street Fair this weekend.

What: Cranford Street Fair 2021
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: Sunday, October 10th, 11 am to 5 pm
Cost: Free admission & free parking
Contact: Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce (908) 272-6114 or via email

Cranford Street Fair 2021

October kicks off the end-of-year holidays with gusto. That means hayrides, pumpkin patches, and decorating your home for Halloween, right? Well, you can find some unique decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas at the street fair put on by the township. Guests enjoy live performances from local musicians. In between live performances, a DJ keeps the joint jumping. Of course, they encourage everyone to dance when the inspiration hits.

Dozens of local vendors and artisans set up booths around the Downtown Cranford area specifically for the Cranford Street Fair. They sell everything from home decor to jewelry to furniture and more. Start your Christmas shopping now. Pick up a little something for yourself. Or do both. And to keep the kids entertained, organizers set up special games, rides, and activities for them. To keep your strength up for dancing and shopping, visit one of the local food vendors on-site. This event promises to be fun for the entire family.

Vendors Welcome

Events like the street fair draw in thousands of people at a time. That means great exposure for your business or organization. If you want to set a booth of your own at the fair, contact StreetFairs.org for more information.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes

Cranford Community Paint Out 2021

August 27, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Our Westfield neighbors claim Charles Addams (from “The Addams Family” fame) as its native son. But Cranford houses its own set of very talented artists albeit maybe not as famous as Mr. Addams. The City invites artists of all ages to participate in the Cranford Community Paint Out 2021. All you need is a bit of imagination and a willingness to showcase your work.

What: Cranford Community Paint Out 2021
Where: Fire Me Up Studio (117 N Union Ave) and Various Locations Around Cranford
When: September 18th (rain date of the 19th)

Cranford Community Paint Out 2021

Artistry knows no age limit. For the Paint Out, though, children will be split up into two age groups (ages six to 11 and ages 12 to 17). The younger kids receive guidance from the staff at Fire Me Up Studios in painting a Cranford landmark of the child’s choosing. The older kids, on the other hand, get to choose whatever inspires them most around the Cranford community as their focus. They have between 1 pm and 3 pm to create their individual masterpieces.

Adults paint plein air (outdoors). Organizers chose seven different locations they felt picturesque enough for our artists to capture. These locations include:

Crane-Phillips House
Droescher Mill
Dryer Farms
Eastman Clock
The gazebo at Union and Phillips
Hansen Park
Nomahegan Park

If none of these particular locations inspire you, consider using the “artist’s choice” option. You choose a location where you want to paint. Just let the organizers know where that will be on the day of the event. Painting takes place between 10 am and 4 pm.

How to Register

To register your child into the Cranford Community Paint Out, visit Fire Me Up Studio’s online calendar here. Go to September 18th and pick the link for your child’s age group. It costs $16 per child to participate. The registration fee includes artist supplies as well as a cute little apron to protect their clothes. Adults may register online here for just $15 per person. Each adult registration includes an artist’s tote while supplies last.

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty, Luxury Homes