Event Recap: Rutherford's Dining Out

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Dan Meredith

On Wednesday, June 17th, Rutherford brought the community together for an extremely successful Dining Out event on Park Avenue. Restaurant tables along Park Avenue remained full throughout the evening as musicians performed from various locations along the avenue. Musicians included The Baddies and Fretless, Hunter and Jack Bandola, School of Rock, Joe Murphy, and Vinny Valentino Jazz Trio. Organizations and businesses, such as Go Help Confidently, Rutherford Pride Alliance, Columbia Bank, Web Samurai for Hire, Rutherford Elks Lodge 547, RHS Sports Boosters, the Rutherford Scouts, Speak & Lead Toastmasters Club, Surge Lab, All Health Medical Group, Anavir Jewelry, Rooted In Joy, Ice Cream Creations, RCDN, and Connect Counseling & Wellness set up tables along the street.

There were activities for children such as face painting with Lulu and Miss Kally and her bubble show. Black Belt America and the DOJO held demonstrations and interactive opportunities for all family members. Rutherford FC also held the Rutherford Street Cup '26, a fast paced, club-wide 3v3 tournament on Ames Ave during which soccer players of all ages participated and their family and friends cheered.

The Rutherford Arts Council helped various artists from the community set up tables where they were able to showcase and sell their art. Progstock and Say Watt Sound set up tables where people could learn more about Progstock, a music event that will take place in October at the Williams Center, and Say Watt recording studios.

It took great planning and teamwork to make the evening a success. The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, the Borough's Communications Director, Kim Bogosian, Felician University, Rutherford Green Team, and Rutherford FC worked together to make Dining Out a memorable event. Columbia Bank, Delta Interior Construction, Cates Electric Corporation, Smile Today Dentistry, BCB Bank and the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce were the supporting sponsors. The entire evening would not have been possible without the Rutherford Police Department, Rutherford DPW, and the Rutherford Fire Department.

Watch this video of Dining Out compiled by Kim Bogosian here.

Dining Out will return with a kickoff event on Wednesday, September 9th and will continue on September 16th, 23rd, and 26th with a grand finale after Rutherford Day.