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Celebrities, Hippies and Flappers Bring the Past Century to Life in Fair Haven

Costume party fundraiser for Fair Haven Centennial Celebration draws 75 to Knights of Columbus Hall.

There were flashbacks to the 70s – not of the acid nature, but of the attire nature – Saturday evening during the fundraiser masquerade party thrown by the at the at 200 Fair Haven Road.

Although not technically a “costume party,” there was enough tie dye attire in the hall to make heads spin, and other costumed attendees included both Johnny Carson and Johnny Cash. The party – attended by close to 75 – was one of several monthly events sponsored by the committee to raise funds for Fair Haven’s “Centennial Celebration” in 2012. Tickets were $45, and included a buffet, dessert and two drinks.

“It’s a centennial party – we wanted people to come as part of their favorite era. It’s not really a ‘costume party.’ It’s a memory of the last 100 years, any era from that time,” said Susan Sorenson, Fair Haven Centennial Committee member and event co-chair.

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The eras most evident were 20s and the late 60s and 70s. Many flappers were in attendance in gorgeous sequined dresses and boas, and Bonnie and Clyde were on hand – minus their weapons. Hippies swarmed over the hall, complete with tie-dyed T-shirts, Lennon glasses, hippie beads and ‘fros. This observation wasn’t lost on Fair Haven Mayor Michael Halfacre, elegantly attired in a unique plaid suit – from his own closet.

“I’m the 70s establishment, all those other people in their tie-dye are the 70s radicals. I’m Wall Street, they’re Zuccotti Park,” said Halfacre.

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Although the 50s weren’t represented by a lot at the party, two Pink Ladies from “Grease” were there, as was Marilyn Monroe in an elegant, sexy white dress worn by party co-chair, Marie Noglows of Fair Haven.

“The Centennial Committee has had fundraisers all through the year because in March, Fair Haven will be 100 years old. In June, we’ll have a parade with floats and marchers,” said Noglows. “The turnout for this party is great.”

Party revelers noshed on refreshments hot and cold, such as mini club sandwiches, filet mignon slices on garlic toast, chicken satay, sushi, pizza, shrimp cocktail, coconut chicken and nachos. Provisions were graciously donated by local establishments such as and in Rumson; Daisy Chocolates in Monmouth Beach; Lusty Lobster in the Highlands; and , , , and , all in Fair Haven.

In between tastings, the revelers cut the carpet to classics from the 60s to the present performed by Late for Lunch. The band donated its rockin’ set free-of-charge for the party. It is comprised of Kathleen Connelly-Agnostak, Scott Finchler, Tom Goeddel, Maria Maita, Thomas Mueller, Ted Myslinski, Mike Rauchwerk and Sandeep, with most Fair Haven residents.

While not dancing, eating or drinking, party-goers admired large, colorful murals that graced the walls of the hall, created by students from Knollwood School and Sickles School. The artwork will “follow” the Centennial Celebration fundraisers throughout the year, next displayed at the Fair Haven Reorganization Meeting in January at the re-opening of Bicentennial Hall.

“We’d like to give special thanks to the art teachers and principals of both schools for embracing and getting children engaged and excited about depicting and painting historical landmarks within Fair Haven,” said Sorenson.

The murals will also be auctioned at a later date with proceeds donated to the Fair Haven Centennial Celebration. Fair Haven officially turns 100 on March 12, and the Centennial Celebration featuring bands, a catered barbecue and fireworks – all held at Fair Haven Fields on Ridge Road – will take place June 16.

The Centennial Committee’s next event will be at the tree-lighting in Fair Haven in December. To make a donation to the centennial celebration, or for more information, visit www.fairhaven.com.

Check out the photo album to the right of this article to see some of the costumes, or upload photos of your own by clicking "Add Photos or Videos" below the photo box.

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