Upcoming TreeFest 2024

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credit: Dan Meredith

Once again, it is time to celebrate one of the most beloved features of our Borough, our trees, at the Annual TreeFest at Lincoln Park (located across the street from Borough Hall) on Saturday, April 20th from 12 until 5 pm. This community festival has become a favorite tradition where families can spend the day having fun and learning more about the community in a beautiful park. This is Rutherford spoke with Steve Addeo to find out more about this year's TreeFest.

TIR: How long has the Rutherford Shade Tree Commission presented the Rutherford TreeFest?  Why was it started?

Steve Addeo: This will be our 7th year presenting the Treefest. It was started with the idea of promoting the Borough's nickname "The Borough of Trees" and to celebrate as a community, bringing people together for an afternoon of fun for the whole family while remembering how important the beauty and vitality of our Tree canopy is to our town.

TIR: What can people expect when they visit TreeFest?

SA: There is always something for everyone at this event, whether it be browsing and shopping from one of our many craft and gift vendors, picking up some valuable information from one of the educational speakers, grabbing a bite to eat and a drink, listening to a live band performing in the Bandshell or just taking a stroll through one of Rutherford's most beautiful, manicured parks with the family and enjoying the day with good friends and community spirit. Also this year we have a special treat for the kids, a magic show followed by balloons at 2 p.m. in front of the Bandshell lawn. It's going to be a special day for all!

TIR: TreeFest is a festival that people look forward to each year.  Why is TreeFest important to you?

SA: It was my first year on the Shade Tree Commission and I wanted to do something unique, memorable, and fun with a tree theme being the main focus.  I presented the idea to the commission and from there we all took on this venture and fortunately it has evolved into one of Rutherford's most anticipated events. To see it flourish and grow every year just makes us feel like we have done something positive and given something special back to the community.

TIR: Who helps run and coordinate this event?

SA: Many people are involved in coordinating and running this event.  The Shade Tree Commission's planning of the TreeFest starts the first meeting after the festival in May to discuss what we can do to improve the event next year.  We always try to keep the focus on trees and nature while making it a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family to enjoy. A special thank you always goes out to our DPW, Police, Fire Dept, Health Dept., Ambulance Corp, Cliffhanger Productions, the Mayor and Council, BCB Bank for their continuous support of our event, and of course, a big thank you to the members of the Rutherford Shade Tree Commission for all their hard work they do all year to keep the Borough of Trees alive and well!

TIR: Is there anything else you would like to share about this upcoming event?

SA: We would also like to say thank you to all the craft and food vendors, the musicians and bands who keep the party rockin', and a special thank you to Mother Nature for giving us sunshine and great weather the past 6 years. Let's hope for another day of beautiful weather so we can all have a great time and celebrate as a community!  See you all there!