From live music and food trucks to a dog show, quilt display, art show and kids activities, Pennington Day returns Saturday, May 16, bringing thousands of people into downtown Pennington for one of Hopewell Valley’s signature community events.
The annual celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, transforming Main Street and surrounding neighborhoods into a full-day festival featuring vendors, performances, community groups and local organizations.
Pennington Day’s roots stretch back more than four decades. The event began in 1980 after a devastating fire destroyed the Pennington School’s four-story O’Hanlon Hall. In response, the community came together to support the school, organizing the first Pennington Day later that year as a fundraiser to help recovery efforts.
Since then, the event has evolved into an annual tradition focused on celebrating community while raising funds for grants supporting nonprofits, civic groups, schools and municipalities throughout Pennington Borough and Hopewell Valley.
What to know before you go
Organizers are encouraging visitors to use the free shuttle system and park at the Pennington Quality Market lot for the easiest access to the event.
Limited street parking will also be available throughout the borough, though attendees are asked to obey posted signs and avoid blocking driveways.
Free shuttle service, provided by Stout’s Transportation, will run throughout the day with two separate loops.
The express shuttle will operate from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 3 to 4 p.m., stopping at:
- PQM parking lot
- Howe Commons
- Crossroads Main Stage
A second “shop local” shuttle loop will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with stops including:
- PQM parking lot
- Pennington Shopping Center
- Downtown Pennington
- Howe Commons
- Crossroads Stage
Music throughout downtown
Two performance stages will keep music going throughout the day.
The North Stage at Howe Commons will feature performances from Gavin Skinner, Shelby McHugh, The Henry Brothers, Martin Goldberg, Mike & Laura and Just the Two of Us, along with an AmeriKick demonstration.
Meanwhile, the Crossroads Stage at Main and Curlis streets will include performances by:
- Timberlane Jazz Band
- Hopewell Valley Central High School Jazz Band
- Knecht Dance
- The Caged Tigers
- Pennington Studio for Dance
- Box O Rox
- The Banditos
- Gabe Parsons
- Rockcital
The Pennington Day Grants Ceremony is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the Crossroads Stage.
Food, beer garden and local favorites
Food will be spread across several locations downtown, with Howe Commons serving as one of the main gathering spaces.
Featured vendors there include:
- Cousin’s Maine Lobster
- Nomad Pizza
- Cassidy’s Kitchen
- Rita’s Italian Ice
- Sweet Concessions
Needle Creek Brewery will once again host the Pennington Day Beer Garden at Howe Commons from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for attendees 21 and older.
Additional food vendors will be stationed near Toll Gate Grammar School and along Main Street, including:
- Aunt Martha’s Funnel Cakes
- Antimo’s Italian Kitchen
- Buzzetta’s Festival Foods
- Davey B’s Shaved Ice & Ice Cream
- Northeast Kettle Korn
- Pennington Fire Department Sausage & Peppers
- Wild Bill’s Soda
- Beverly Mills Strawberry Shortcake
- Hoffman Bread
- Pennington Quality Market
- Tiger Treats
Family activities and kids zone
The Kids Zone, located behind Toll Gate Grammar School, will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include inflatables, crafts and free activities throughout the day.
Special attractions include:
- A petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Gaga ball hosted by Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Martial arts mini-classes from AmeriKick
- Slime making with The Canvas Moon
- Face painting
- Soccer demonstrations and scrimmages with Soccer Shots
The Hopewell Township Police Department’s new mobile gaming trailer is also expected to make an appearance, giving kids a chance to play both classic and modern video games while interacting with officers in a relaxed community setting.
Community traditions continue
Several longtime Pennington Day traditions also return this year, including:
- The YMCA 5K and one-mile fun run
- The popular dog show at South Main and Lanning
- The Pennington Day Art Show at Pennington Presbyterian Church
- The Hopewell Valley Quilters quilt show at St. Matthew’s Church
Throughout the day, visitors will also find vendor booths, nonprofit organizations, local businesses and community groups lining downtown streets.
