Get Your First Fair Haven Day Tickets!

Fair Haven residents asked for it and they got it — an annual Fair Haven Day.

Inspired by the "do it again" feedback from last year's Fair Haven Centennial Celebration, officials figured out a way to, well, "do it again" — every year.

This year, they're bringing the day back to Fair Haven Fields on June 15 with a start time of 3 p.m.

The fare will be the same, with an added twist. As with last year, Brennan's will fire up its signature American BBQ, replete with hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta and black bean and corn salads, soft drinks and dessert.

But, to cover the food costs and generate more revenue for next year's event, officials have said, there will be a $10 charge per serving.

The added food twist this year will be a seafood raw bar, catered by Lusty Lobster, at a cost of $5 per serving.

Cost was initially a concern, but the non-profit Foundation of Fair Haven, created to raise funds for the centennial, continued fundraise through events held throughout the year, such as the new Oktoberfest, a gala at Raven and the Peach and more.

With more than $75,000 banked from the fundraisers, the idea, Mayor Ben Lucarelli had said, is to keep the fundraising cycle going to perpetuate the running of special events running and money banked to cover costs.

Last year, "it cost us about $22,000," the mayor said. So, while the bands and fireworks costs are covered and free, the food charge keeps Fair Haven Day affordable.

This year, Ardvark Smile, Brian Kirk and the Jirks and the River Road Band will each be taking the music stage at 3, 4 and 7 p.m., respectively. The fireworks will come at the close of the evening.

The Fair Haven Day Committee is encouraging people to get over to Borough Hall and buy tickets in advance, not only to avoid standing in long lines, but to be included in a raffle for four prizes by submitting each purchased food ticket stub.

Also, so that the committee prefers the advance sales so they can better gauge how much food will be needed so there's no running out.