Neighbors gather for Second Annual Newtown Borough Fall Festival

The sounds of music, laughter, and friendly conversation filled Linton Memorial Park on Saturday, September 13, as families, friends, and neighbors gathered for the Newtown Borough Fall Festival. From 4 to 8 pm, the park came alive with activity as a DJ kept the energy high, food and beverage trucks served local favorites, and children enjoyed games and activities.

Organized by the Newtown Borough Recreation Board, the event drew several hundred people for its second year. Despite its recent debut, the event has quickly become a highlight on the borough’s calendar.

“This is just old-fashioned family fun,” said Recreation Board member Tracey Osecki, smiling as children lined up for one of the most anticipated activities of the evening, the apple cider donut-eating contest. “We hang donuts from strings, and the kids have to eat them with their hands behind their backs. It was so much fun last year that we knew we had to bring it back.”

Families spread out across the park, where children darted between yard games like gaga ball, cornhole, and Jenga. Younger kids tested their balance and determination at the donut contest, while others played on the swings, tossed a football to friends, or ran across the open lawn. Parents and grandparents took advantage of the seating areas to relax, enjoy a meal, and catch up with friends.

Local vendors gave the evening a distinctly Newtown flavor. Food trucks offered a variety of dinner and dessert options, while Second Sin Brewing provided beverages for the adults. Picnic tables quickly filled with families sharing meals and swapping stories.

“This event is about bringing the community together and kicking off the fall season,” said Colleen Curtin, vice chair of the Recreation Board. “It’s truly for all ages. Adults love the chance to sit down and enjoy talking to others while their kids are safely playing. I hope people leave this event having made a new friend or at least reconnecting with a neighbor.”

Although this Fall Festival is only in its second year, the idea of using the park as a gathering place has a much longer history. For years, the Recreation Board hosted “Music in the Park” concerts. However, attendance declined, and by 2020 the board decided it was time for a fresh approach.

“We wanted something that felt new, something that people of all ages could really enjoy,” Osecki explained. “Last year’s festival was a huge success, and ten minutes into this year’s event we already had a great turnout. We anticipate this will continue as an annual event.”

Board member Aileen Kelly, who moved to Newtown from North Carolina three years ago, said the festival has personal significance. She attended last year’s event as a new resident and left inspired to join the Recreation Board.

“I came to the festival to meet people, and it turned out to be one of the first organizations I got involved with,” Kelly said. “I saw young families, retired couples, and people of all ages enjoying themselves. It really reflects what makes this borough special. Being part of the planning this year was exciting; it feels like giving back to the community that welcomed me.”

For those attending, the festival was both an enjoyable evening and a reminder of Newtown’s strong sense of community. Genavieve Jaffe, who brought her son Parker, said, “I love an opportunity to get my kids outside on a beautiful day, and I love a good food truck.”

Katie Marshall, who works in the borough and lives nearby, said she came after spotting the event sign. “I thought I’d check it out with my daughter, Mila,” she said. “I like to be part of this community and thought we might see some friends here.”

Others appreciated the atmosphere. Kathleen Layton, a Newtown real estate agent, called it “a great family event,” while Kathy Fern, from Newtown Township, added, “It’s nice to come out to support this town. And I love seeing all the kids in this park.”

For the Recreation Board, the Fall Festival is just one piece of a broader effort to make their two local pocket parks central to community life. Linton Memorial Park also hosts summer movie nights, which have become a popular draw, and the board has more seasonal events planned.

On October 17, the park will host a special Halloween movie night featuring “Ghostbusters”, followed by the annual Newtown Borough Halloween Parade on October 25. The parade will step off from Stocking Works, travel down State Street, and conclude at Brian Gregg Park, the borough’s second pocket park.

“These events are about creating opportunities for people to enjoy our parks and meet their neighbors,” Osecki said. “We also hope they raise awareness of what the Recreation Board does. And if anyone in the borough is looking for a way to make friends and get involved, we’re always looking for new members.”

As twilight settled over Linton Memorial Park and families began packing up their belongings, the sense of community lingered. Organizers and attendees alike agreed that the festival succeeded in its goal of providing a welcoming space where neighbors could come together.

“It’s a fun way to spend a fall evening with your children or grandchildren with music, food, and fellowship in a park that belongs to all of us,” Kelly said.

For Osecki, the sight of hundreds of people filling the park underscored what makes Newtown unique. “We are so blessed to live in this little borough where neighbors care about each other and enjoy being together,” she said. “This festival is about more than celebrating fall; it’s about celebrating those relationships.”

For more information about the Newtown Borough Recreation Board, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newtownboroughrecboard and on Instagram @newtownboroughrecboard.