Aberdeen turns 150 Yearlong celebration being planned for the twp.'s sesquicentennial BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer ABERDEEN - This year is Aberdeen's 150th birthday and the township plans on celebrating all year long. This month, children are invited to participate in an essay contest, the details of which will be announced on Feb. 20. On Sunday, April 29, the real partying begins with a birthday bash at town hall. With cake, prizes and a scavenger hunt, the party is also aimed at children. According to Recreation Director Jim Colabelli, the kickoff will also include an open house, announcement of the essay contest winners and an evening of song called Choir Fest. "There's a whole list of events that we're going to have going on for the whole year," Colabelli said. "Probably every month, something's going on." The first event is the birthday bash "We invited all the houses of worship in Aberdeen and their choirs if they would each sing a few songs" Colabelli said. "We're not sure where that is going to be. If we get a large turnout, maybe one of the houses of worship will invite us, but if not, it will be in the courtroom." The free event will also include a look back at Aberdeen's past, courtesy of the Historical Commission. Kids will be allowed to get up close with the town's fire apparatus in an activity called "touch-a-truck." "We're doing touch-a-truck in conjunction with the library," Colabelli said. "What we're going to do is have ambulances, fire trucks, front-end loaders, any kind of heavy equipment. The library will come in and have a story about trucks and anything to do with trucks." On May 12, the town will host Beach Fest at Cliffwood Beach. Activities include the annual fishing contest, volleyball games and clam bake. At night, an outdoor movie will be shown. This year's selection is the animated feature "Shark Tales." On June 28, a second movie will be shown. This film has yet to be selected, but will be aimed at 12- to 16-year-olds, according to the recreation department. On July 19, there will be free doo-wop concert, car show and costumed dance instructors. A second concert will also take place Aug. 9, details of which are still being planned. Saturday, Sept. 15 marks the township's annual Aberdeen Day. "The big Aberdeen Day is in September. That's when we'll celebrate in a bigger way with a car show, entertainment and a laser show at night. That's going to be the big Aberdeen type of anniversary thing." The celebration continues into the fall with an Aberdeen sesquicentennial 5K run/walk on Oct. 28. The last event of the year is Holiday Fest, scheduled for Nov. 29. On that date, school choruses will perform and Aberdeen sesquicentennial medallions will be awarded. For more information on the children's essay contest, call town hall at (732) 583-4200. To learn more about other upcoming events, visit the township Web site at www.aberdeennj.org.