TreeFest 2024: A Celebration of Nature and Community

By Mia Vaccarella, Contributing Writer

As Earth Day approached, Rutherford residents came together to celebrate the spirit of conservation and community at TreeFest, an annual event organized by the Rutherford Shade Tree Commission and sponsored by BCB Bank. Held this past Saturday, April 20, the town celebrated its title of “The Borough of Trees.”

Photo credit: Mia Vaccarella

The Rutherford Shade Tree Commission is dedicated to preserving and caring for the borough's trees. There were various family-friendly activities at the event. Children were offered creative projects such as sand art, coloring stations, a magician, and balloons. Others could explore the booths hosted by local organizations such as the Meadowlands Museum, Rutherford Congregational Church, and of course, the Rutherford Shade Tree Commission.

Photo credit: Dan Meredith

Photo credit: Dan Meredith

There were many different food options–a food truck parked on Lincoln Ave selling hotdogs, an ice cream truck, and pastries to name a few. Throughout the day, there was live music played in the bandshell by local bands. They played radio classics like Cherry Bomb by The Runaways and Any Way You Want It by Journey.

For adults, the Rutherford PBA hosted a beer garden. This was a designated area with tables where beer, wine, and seltzers could be purchased. Additionally, there were booths with a selection of handcrafted soaps, candles, plants, and music (from Social Club Records).

In anticipation of the Great Duck Derby in two weeks on Saturday, May 4, the Lions Club of Rutherford hosted a booth encouraging individuals to adopt ducks for the race!

In the lead-up to Earth Day, TreeFest serves as an encouraging reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment in our Borough of Trees.