A Weekend Packed with Rutherford Events

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Rutherford is kicking off the summer months with several community events the weekend of June 13th and 14th. Events of all varieties will be taking place throughout the Borough, and there is something for everyone. Read more below to learn more about all of these fun opportunities.

Summer Mixology at the 55 Kip Center will be held at the 55 Kip Center on Friday, June 13th. This event is for adults only. This is Rutherford spoke to Kip Center Board Member, Sue McClean to learn more about Summer Mixology.

TIR: What can people expect at Summer Mixology?

Sue McClean: People can expect a fun, social summer vibe —with breezy summer tunes spun by Eddie Narucki of Social Club Records. There will be decorated banquet tables set up throughout our large event room, each one highlighting a unique summer cocktail or mocktail sponsored by one of our local businesses! There will also be a giant Jenga set and putting green.

Our guests can walk around and catch up with friends from the community, take a chance on our lucky wheel, play a round of corn hole, grab a hot dog from our hot dog cart, and enjoy other lite fare. There could be a few contests as well!

TIR: Tell us more about the Summertime theme.

SM: Our summertime theme will be evident in the beach-themed decor, outdoor string lights, fun summer tunes, and beachy table decorations. All our guests will receive a colorful flower lei as they enter. Guests are welcome to wear whatever makes them feel “summer-y” - shorts, flip flops, tropical shirts, hats, etc.  The vibe is like a backyard barbeque where you catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while! Friends getting together to “Sip for Kip”!

TIR: What do the proceeds from the event support at the Kip Center?

SM: As a certified 501c3 non-profit, the proceeds from Summer Mixology support the vibrant programs and instructors at 55 Kip Center. These include a variety of exercise and movement classes, workshops, nutritional programs, crafts, dance, a choir, and many different trips throughout the year. Perhaps most importantly, the Center offers resources and socialization for active seniors. This warm and welcoming environment truly cares for the members and is there to help them “age wisely.”

You can learn more on our website: 55kipcenter.org

Rutherford Townwide Cleanup will take place Saturday, June 14th, from 9 am until 11 am. This is a rewarding way to give back to the community. This is Rutherford spoke with Green Team member Wendy Armacost to find out more about this annual event.

TIR: Who is invited to participate in the Townwide clean-up?

Wendy Armacost: All residents are invited to participate.  It's also a great opportunity for organizations (Scouts, local clubs, churches, etc.). 

TIR: Where will everyone meet, and which areas of the Borough will be cleaned?

WA:  Participants meet at Borough Hall, where they'll get a brief orientation and will be given supplies.   Clean-up locations are to be finalized, but generally include the parks, the train station, and schools.   The more people we get, the more areas we can clean!

TIR: What makes this such an important event in Rutherford?

WA: Clean-ups not only help to create a healthier and more attractive environment, they also foster a sense of community pride and civic responsibility, and encourage residents to take an active role in maintaining their neighborhoods.    Rutherford is a beautiful town and we can all keep it that way by remembering not to litter and to pick up litter when we see it!  

Porchfest 2025 will take place on Saturday, June 14th, throughout the Borough. The day will be filled with music as residents host musical bands on their porches. This has become a much-anticipated event in Rutherford, and all are invited to attend.

TIR: This is the 3rd Annual Porchfest.  It has become a beloved tradition in Rutherford.  Why did you want to bring Porchfest to our Borough?

Matt Ackermann: Rutherford has so many incredible musicians, and all of us on the Arts Committee just wanted to find a way to showcase them! Eddie Narucki is such a great chair, and he always talks about celebrating all the teams in towns that don’t have numbers on their back. I think from the beginning Alex Britez and I just wanted to build an event that showcased music and community. Helping to lead the charge has been so incredible. 

TIR: What can people expect at this year’s Porchfest?  Anything new and different?

MA: This year, we are calling it “Welcome to the Neighborhood” because each of the 7 different neighborhoods will be showcased with two bands playing at the same time nearby, so people can pick and choose different acts in the same proximity playing simultaneously. I think it will create even more excitement! This year we head to the West End for the first time, with two porches on Springfield and lunchtime will feature bands on the porch of the Elks Lodge and the Castle at Felician - and we are hoping for some food trucks too!

TIR: What types of music will Porchfest attendees hear this year?

MA: Every year features such an eclectic mix thanks to the amazing work Alex does finding and selecting bands! We will hear rock, alternative, Latin, and more! I love the acoustic sets that kick off the day right on the street I grew up on.  

Porchfest always feels like the perfect Rutherford day as the community roams through town together, enjoying time together and the music. When everything culminates at the Cates’ house, I love seeing everyone together in one giant block party! It’s my favorite day of the year - hands down!