Blowing past the expectations of the organizers, our annual Fall Festival held this past Sunday, November 3rd, attracted a remarkable crowd of nearly 800 attendees, showcasing the growing community interest and engagement.

This event was hosted in One Ocean County’s popular Common Grounds Community Garden in the John Patrick Sports Complex, a Lakewood Municipal Park. 

This year, the third annual festival, offered a vibrant day under a clear sunny fall sky filled with activities for all ages, emphasizing fun, education, and community spirit. The free event featured self-guided tours of the community garden, a petting zoo, live music, pony rides, fall-themed crafts, gardening activities, a fall-themed photo booth, and vendor booths, all designed to celebrate the end of their successful season at the community garden.

A key highlight was the Revolutionary War Trailer, provided by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, featuring interactive exhibits including a replica of the Liberty Bell and historical actives and educational games that captivated attendees of all ages.

The festival was supported by sponsors including the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, SR Play, Lishmor, and the Ocean County Soil Conservation District. Their contributions allowed this event to remain free and helped create an inclusive celebration that welcomed families from all backgrounds. Funding for this event was made possible by the New Jersey Council of The Arts and Discover Jersey Arts.

Vendors showcased some of the wonderful resources available to local residns including  the Ocean County Public Library, Donna Bee Honey (a local small-scale honey producer), the NJ Forestry Service, Jersey Friendly Yards, Lakewood Police Department, Lakewood Fire Department, Fulfill (food pantry), Rutgers Master Gardener Cooperative Extension and the Rays of Sunshine bus.

The response to the event from the vendors was enthusiastic and they were grateful to be a part of this event that highlighted outreach and education.

Here’s what some folks had to say:

“It was a great event, with a huge impact on bringing our community closer together. The library is grateful to be a part of it.”

  • Lexi Majeski, Outreach Services Coordinator of the Ocean County Library System: 

“The attendees were amazing and impressive in their interest and our shared discussions.”

-Kenny Lee Taylor, Forestry Assistant, Forest Resource Education Center and NJ State Forest Nursery.

“During the Fall Festival at the Garden, Nicklas’s bench and tree served as a cherished spot, embraced by the beauty of the season. Dedicated in his memory, the bench and tree were placed so he could enjoy the garden’s changing seasons. The festival added a special sense of growth and community, bringing even more meaning to this heartfelt space.”

–Lakewood Police Detective Sergeant Jeannette Shimonovich, mother of fallen Lakewood Police Officer Nicklas

“Participating in One Ocean County’s Fall Festival was an incredible opportunity to connect with the community and share the Georgian Court experience with them. We were delighted to hear so many alumni express how their GCU education has shaped their lives!”

  • Priscilla Alicea, Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admission at Georgian Court University

Though the growing season is over for Common Grounds, Ayala Schlossberg, certified Rutgers Master Gardener and head gardener for Common Grounds, is available to present workshops on a variety of topics throughout the winter season. Reach out via email garden@oneoceancounty.com or text (917-528-1259) to discuss a workshop for your school or group.