Locals set for Sparta day

SPARTA - If it's possible to be bigger and better, and still feel like a small-town fair, Sparta Day will do it. This year's Sparta Day, the 29th annual event, will have more crafters, better rides and a new raffle. "It's a nice community event," said Julie Schuldner, this year's Sparta Day chairperson. "It really kicks off the summer." Sparta Day will be June 12 at the Mohawk Avenue School and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day's events begin with the Sparta Day Run, an eight-mile race around Lake Mohawk, sponsored by the Sparta Recreation Department. The race begins at 8 a.m. and costs $8 with a pre-registration through the Recreation Department and $10 with a registration the day of the race. Awards are given for all age categories. Booths, tables, games and rides at the fair will open at 10 a.m. This year the Junior Woman's Club of Sparta, which sponsors the fair, expects almost 140 vendors. Schuldner said there will be more crafters than in years past and fewer informational booths by businesses, which was a goal of the organizers. At the Junior Woman's Club's booth, the Cat in the Hat will make an appearance. The club will also raffle off items donated by the vendors participating in the fair, as well as host a tricky tray raffle. Rides will include Swings, the Whirlwind, a trackless train, electronic basketball, a moon bounce and an inflatable slide. As in years past, all food at Sparta Day will be sold by clubs and non-profit groups. Entertainment on the stage will be provided throughout the day by Sparta Middle School and Sparta High School bands, as well as other entertainers. All profits made by the woman's club are disbursed to local charities, Schuldner said. In the past, the club has turned over between $5,000 and $6,000 to charities. This year, the club would like to raise more money - between $8,000 and $10,000 - with the addition of the raffles and more vendors. The rain-or-shine event is expected to draw several thousand people this year. "It's at a nice time of year, because the schools are still open and people aren't on vacations yet," Schuldner said. "It's affordable because it doesn't really break the bank like some of the other festivals do. It's nice to be able to run over for an hour or so." Spots are still available for new vendors. Anyone interested may call the Junior Woman's Club of Sparta at 973-300-7309.