Somerset County Programs Win State Awards for Holiday Event and History Festival

Somerset County Park Commission snagged two Excellence in Programming awards from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association at its yearly awards dinner in Atlantic City. The prizes honored "Thankful Lights" at Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills and the 1770s Festival at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge.

"These awards recognize what we do throughout the year," Park Commission Director Dan Hayes said in a news release, per My Central Jersey. "There's something for everyone. We offer concerts, festivals, lessons about plants and animals, sports, or just time to enjoy being outside."

The New Jersey Recreation and Park Association Awards Program honors agencies statewide. They give recognition for top-notch programming, publicity, and facility design. The ceremony took place on March 17.

Thankful Lights happens each year during November's first week to kick off the holiday season. People make floating luminaries. They write messages about what they're thankful for, memories they cherish, and hopes for what's ahead.

The luminaries get released onto a pond during a brief ceremony. Afterward, guests gather in the garden courtyard with cider and cookies.

"This program creates a rare and memorable experience for participants," Bruce Kaufmann said at the ceremony, according to the release. Kaufmann sits on the NJRPA Awards Committee. The commission's plant experts organized the event.

The 1770s Festival at Lord Stirling Park brings back life during the American Revolution at the old home of Maj. Gen. William Alexander, who went by Lord Stirling. Visitors watch archaeological demonstrations. They try hands-on crafts. They see how colonists made apple cider. Musicians perform songs from that era, and re-enactors dress up as tradespeople and militia members.

"The goal of the festival is to bring history to life through immersive, hands-on experiences," Kaufmann said in the release.

Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Paul M. Drake said the awards show the county's commitment to quality public programs. "These awards recognize the work of the Park Commission staff and volunteers and the range of programs offered to residents throughout the year," Drake said.