Peter Noone to headline June 9 Manalapan Day
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - An icon from the British Invasion of the 1960s will again hold court here in the colonies when Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone takes the stage at the annual Manalapan Day celebration.

Herman's Hermits was among the British musical acts that crossed the Atlantic Ocean 40-plus years ago and left their mark on America.

The band, fronted by Noone, had a string of hits that included "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter," "I'm Henry the VII I Am" and "I'm Into Something Good."

"Manalapan Under the Stars" will feature something for everyone, said Marty Gelfond, co-chair of the Manalapan Heritage Committee.

The event will take place from 4-10 p.m. June 9 at the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522 at Taylors Mills Road.

Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone will perform at 8 p.m.

Gelfond's excitement is contagious as he describes an event in which "Manalapan comes together for a great family fun day. Everyone is invited!"

He said the outdoor party has something for everyone and brings neighbors and friends together for a community evening that offers entertainment, exhibits, children's amusement rides, pony rides, games, displays, a shopping village and a food court.

The appearance of Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone is a coup Gelfond still can't believe the event organizers managed. He said the band's management told him Manalapan had booked Noone at just the right time, just before the singer's recent performance on "American Idol."

"We were really lucky. We booked him before his recent 'American Idol' appearance. We were told the price was quite a bit higher after that to book them so we got them at just the right time," he said.

Other main stage entertainment includes Basket Case, a band that plays pop music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Also appearing will be the Strictly '60s Band.

Opera singer Eduardo Villa, who is a township resident, will perform to set the mood for the fireworks show.

Additional entertainment will be provided by local talent.

Other scheduled performers include the ICON Dance Complex, Rising Stars dance studio, Jazzercise, Happy Feet dance studio and the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School Jazz band.

Characters SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Uncle Sam will be making their way through the crowd. The Manalapan Police Department's K-9 Unit will give demonstrations and radio station 107.1 FM, The Breeze, will broadcast from the event.

Representatives of the Samaritan Center will be present to accept donations of nonperishable food and supplies. Guests are encouraged to bring an item that will help keep the Samaritan Center's shelves stocked.

A fireworks show will conclude the evening.

The rain date for "Manalapan Under the Stars" will be June 16, although Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone will perform rain or shine on June 9 with Manalapan High School serving as an alternate location. Admittance to the concert at the high school will be limited to the capacity of the auditorium and cut off when that capacity is met.

Gelfond suggested residents check the municipal Web site or TV 77 in case of rain for more information.

Parking will be available at the Manalapan Municipal Complex, Route 522; Manalapan High School, Church Lane; the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522; and Temple Beth Shalom, Route 522.

Parking will be available at and shuttle buses will run from the Symmes Drive commuter parking lot and from the Wemrock Brook School, Millhurst Road, starting at 4 p.m. The shuttle buses will run all evening, with the last bus departing from the recreation center 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks.

Guests may bring chairs and blankets to the recreation center. The township's Internet Web site (www.twp.manalapan.nj.us) will feature the scheduled program of events and a list of requested items for the Samaritan Center.