2017/2018 Camden County Year in Review

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Tourism & Events

2017 18 review

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Tourism & Events

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welcome

Socially Speaking Throughout this book are some social stats from our Facebook efforts in spreading the word!

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welcome

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emories are made from our experiences. From the exciting moments and special people who make a lasting impression on us. The Department of Events and Community Outreach is charged by the Camden County Board of Freeholders with creating those moments. We make arts and culture come alive in the neighborhoods our residents call home. We make sure seniors are enriched in their later years, and offer programs and activities to our unique populations that enhance the quality of life in so many ways. Today, tomorrow and in the future, we will be here creating the next big ideas for Camden County, and we hope the next big idea, is perfect for you.

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concerts regattas winterfest camden county boathouse lascala birra on the cooper county fair cross county trail discover camden county bike tour cooper river beer festival ike’s pro am bass tournament national fire apparatus convention shop camden county women’s health conference camden county 175th anniversary build-in your brand department of events and community outreach

Tourism & Events

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concerts

very summer, Camden County parks come alive with music and events such as the 4th of July Freedom Festival and the Sunset Jazz Series both at Wiggins Waterfront Park. With our jam-packed calendar full of family activities, there is truly something for everyone. In 2017, the Camden County Board of Freeholders presented concerts like el Gran Combo de Puerto Rico at the BB&T Pavilion, Audra McLaughlin from “The Voice” at the Twilight Music Series at Cooper River Park, and Chuck Prophet at the Sundown Music Series at Haddon Lake Park. In all, more than 200,000 people attended summer concerts in Camden County. And while the 2018 Summer Concert Series is coming together, you can catch some of your favorite musical artists during the Fall-Winter Concert Series at the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, NJ, now through April 6, 2018.

Winter Concert Series The 2017-2018 Winter Concert Series features more than 12 shows including ABBA Mania, Steve Hackett, The Beach Boys and the Blind Boys of Alabama. To date, the series has sold more than 10,741 tickets.

David Crosby said that the Scottish Rite Auditorium is “the coolest place I ever played!”

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regattas

Regattas at the Cooper River bring more than 75,000 visitors to Camden County.

In 2018 Cooper River plans to host 20 regattas.

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regattas

he Cooper River is one of the county’s largest economic engines hosting a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Its Olympic-distance, a 2,000-meter straightaway, is widely known as one of the best rowing venues in the nation, as well as being home to numerous world-class regattas and the Cooper River Boathouse. Following a massive underwater improvement project, which removed more than 115,000 cubic yards of sediment from the river bed, the Cooper River saw the return of 12 regattas for the 2017 spring season including the Scholastic Rowing Association of America Regatta, the Cooper Cup, the Atlantic 10 Championships, the Ivy League Championships, and the Masters Race.

Rowing Record The Cooper River also holds the record for the largest U.S. Rowing event in history that was held in the summer of 2014.

Tourism & Events

Tourism & Events

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winterfest

winterfest A tradition of “winter on the water� continues with WinterFest Ice Skating–back again for its 4th season! This themed winter park is perfect for the whole gang and includes open skating and lessons, in addition to group and private party packages. The landscaped grounds feature The Lodge - a big top tent all decked out for the holidays with cozy fireplaces, food and drink, cafe seating and skate rentals. Take a stroll through the Winterforest to see the grand tree and snap that perfect holiday photo.

Visitors can also hangout in the rustic seating areas around a crackling chiminea or in the family picnic area.

The Ribbon Rink Since the seasons opening Dec. 1, 2017 WinterFest has drawn more than 10,000 visitors.

Camden County is in the planning stages of expanding WinterFest in the future with The Ribbon Rink, which will wind along the Cooper River. The skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, creating a multi-sensory activity that is integrated into the landscape.

Skaters can lace up their ice skates and follow a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.

Socially Speaking 11,431 people reached 365 reactions 89 shares from a single post

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camden county boathouse

18,002 people reached 427 reactions 83 shares from a single post

Improving The Views The Camden County Boathouse is undergoing some remodeling in spring 2018 that includes both structural, design, and décor updates to improve the flexibility of the venue and its outdoor spaces.

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camden county boathouse

Socially Speaking

he Camden County Boathouse is truly a one-of-a-kind venue. Nestled in the 346-acre Cooper River Park that spans Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Haddon Township, the 23,000 square foot, 4-story Boathouse opened its doors in July 2006 on the banks of the majestic Cooper River. It features complete facilities for receptions and celebrations, as well as corporate meetings and functions with details and amenities that go above and beyond.

The spacious boathouse Banquet Room seats up to 200 guests and is surrounded by beautifully detailed architecture and skyline views. The Masters Room and Board Room accommodate 24 and 26 people respectively and offer with smart room technology and connectivity. Outside you’ll find a wrap-around deck with dramatic south and west views of the river, in addition to the Boathouse Observation Tower which offers breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline and the spectacular sunsets over the Cooper River.

TLC Network’s hit reality show ‘Four Weddings’ featured a beautiful wedding at Camden County Boathouse.

Tourism & Events

Tourism & Events lascala birra on the cooper

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aScala Restaurant Group is opening in the space formerly operated by Cooper House, bringing creative pizza, artisan Italian food and world beers with Birra. “This is a great opportunity for us to offer some amazing food in a truly one-of-a-kind setting,” said Rob LaScala.

“We are enthusiastic to be a part of the excitement taking place in Cooper River Park and being able to provide top-flight service to the thousands of visitors.” The award-winning LaScala Restaurant Group has operated eateries in Philadelphia and South Jersey since 1991. This newest addition, will be located at 5300 North Park Drive in Pennsauken Township on the banks of the river and adjacent to Veterans Island and will open in January 2018.

lascala birra on the cooper

Historic Origins The property was originally built as a tennis clubhouse in 1937 through President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) and was known to previous generations of Camden County residents as the Lobster Trap.

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county fair

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n 2017, the County Fair returned to the County Fairgrounds in Gloucester Township with more space for games, entertainment, and live music. The fair experienced major grass-roots growth with the addition of exclusively local talent and entertainment from Camden County schools, dance studios and clubs. More than 100 exhibitors and vendors were on hand providing diverse experiences for the whole family including a petting zoo, rides, food vendors and a beer and wine tent. We look forward to offering even more to see and do at the 2018 County Fair scheduled for September 22-23.

county fair

Over the 2-day event, the Camden County Fair brings more than 12,000 visitors to the fairgrounds.

Tourism & Events

Socially Speaking

Adulting at The Fair Each year, Visit South Jersey hosts the South Jersey Wine and Beer tent featuring selections from some of South Jersey’s finest wineries and breweries.

21,932 people reached 550 reactions 157 shares from a single post

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cross county trail

he Atlantic Avenue Rail-with-Trail project envisions a 10-mile biking and walking trail that will run between East and West Atlantic Avenue in the City of Camden. This will connect 12 communities where there are few designated places to walk or bike safely to important destinations throughout Camden—schools, universities, hospitals, museums, parks, waterfronts and jobs. In time, the project will connect to the Circuit Trails, a 750-mile trail network that spans nine counties between greater Philadelphia and New Jersey. The Atlantic Avenue Railwith-Trail unveiling is scheduled for 2018.

The Cross County Trail will: Inject over $19.5 million per year into Camden County’s local economy.

Support a total of $9.8 million in economic output.

Result in $4.2 million in labor income.

Connecting Communities Long term, the Cross Camden County Trail will provide a continuous route for pedestrians and bicyclists from the Camden Waterfront all the way to the county line in Winslow Township. It will be an accessible, safe and valuable resource for both recreation and commuting, helping to connect people and communities throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. An event is planned for April 7th to share the renderings and trail plans to garner community involvement and excitement for the upcoming trail project.

cross county trail

Tourism & Events

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et ready to explore history in a whole new way. Plans are underway for the first annual Discover Camden County Bike Tour that will take place over Columbus Day weekend in October 2018. This biking “back-to-the future� tour will take riders back in time as they cycle to our many historic spots in Camden County including locations like the Battleship NJ, Harleigh Cemetery, Indian King Tavern, Peter Mott House, the Whitman Stafford House and many more possible locations. Details, times and dates will be published soon.

discover camden county bike tour

Tourism & Events

discover camden county bike tour The first settlement in Camden County was in West Collingswood

Tourism & Events

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cooper river beer festival

cooper river C

amden County is teaming-up with Entercom Radio and Visit South Jersey to present a first annual spring beer festival in celebration of all things Camden County–from local attractions and restaurants, to unique retailers and, of course, breweries! The festival will be in Cooper River Park in April 2018.

Partnership Many events like these are possible through Camden County’s partnership with Visit South Jersey, the Destination Marketing Organization for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties promoting tourism activities and attractions in the region, including independent wineries, breweries and distilleries.

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ike’s pro am bass tournament

ike’s pro am bass tournament Catching Their Interest

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he annual Ike Foundation Celebrity Pro/Am bass fishing tournament began in 2016 with bass anglers competing for a BassCat Margay top prize. In 2017, a Hobie kayak division was added on the Cooper River and Newton Creek, with a trip to Hobie Worlds as a top prize. The bass boat division offers anglers the opportunity to join up with some friends and fish against the pros, or they can choose to be paired with random pros. In the past, our bass boat division has featured pros such as Kevin VanDam, John Crews, Ish Monroe, Chris & Trait Zaldain, Jordan Lee, Cliff Crochet and more!

Each year the tournament is held on the Delaware River (or selected portions, in the case of the Kayak division). This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 and as always, will be filled with live music and other great activities for the family.

The Ike Foundation was established in July 2014 with the main goal of getting more kids involved with the sport of fishing. In 2017, they launched the Ike’s Hook ‘Em Early Kids Fishing Event which gives many young people, a chance to experience the outdoors, receive free gifts from partners, and win great prizes in the fishing tournament. It returns again on May 12, 2018 so get ready kids!

Event brings 1000’s to the waterfront.

Tourism & Events

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national fire apparatus convention

he Camden County Board of Freeholders and The Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association are proud to host the 2018 Summer National Convention from August 1-4, in Cherry Hill, bringing 1000’s of people to the area from all over the United States. On Saturday, August 4, the Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America will host a their annual Antique Fire Apparatus Muster at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken featuring old and modern fire apparatus, antique ambulances, police vehicles and tow trucks.

Get Fired-Up The Antique Fire Apparatus Muster is not to be missed! Visitors will find fire apparatus from the 1700’s through present day along with a fire service related flea market, fire safety displays, activities for children as well as food and refreshments.

national fire apparatus convention

shop camden county

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Soup’s On– the Air! A number of chefs were featured on BEN FM during the week long event including Indie Blue (Collingswood), Anthony’s Creative Italian Cuisine (Haddon Heights), and Norma’s Restaurant (Cherry Hill).

shop camden county

uilding on the success of previous shop local activities, the Camden County Board of Freeholders is looking forward to exciting Shop Camden County initiatives in 2018 designed to promote local retailers, restaurants, beverage-makers, and farmers markets. We will see the return of Camden County Eats–a week of special offers and pre-fixe menus that is free to all restaurants and eateries to participate. Bob and Betty, our shop local mascots will be out at special events, grand openings, and downtown Cash Mob events. Group advertising opportunities will be available to lower the costs for small businesses and a new Facebook group will open its “doors” and provide opportunities for local businesses to share special offers with the public.

Tourism & Events

More than 30 restaurants and eateries participated in the first year of Camden County Eats.

Socially Speaking

117,821 people reached from a single post

Tourism & Events

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womans health conference

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he Camden County Board of Freeholders is excited to announce the 2018 Women’s Health Conference that will take place in its new location at the Blackwood Campus of Camden County College on May 12, 2018. This year the event will be bigger and better than ever before with world class speakers, interactive exhibits and a focus on mothers and daughters in celebration of Mother’s Day. The conference will be free to attend and will offer free on-site, licensed childcare to all attendees. The day’s activities will include a health and wellness exhibitor fair with more than 110 exhibitors, box lunch, tote bag, giveaways, door prizes and so much more!

Right On Topic Don’t miss experts leading 50 interactive workshops on topics like health, nutrition and exercise, family, mind, body and spirit, in addition to professional and financial wellness advice.

Socially Speaking

Socially Speaking 10,941 people reached 244 reactions 82 shares from a single post

women’s health

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camden county 175th anniversary

camden T county 175th anniversary

Tourism & Events

he Camden County Board of Freeholders has started planning for the 175th Anniversary of the County with special events planned throughout 2019. Though we can’t tell you what they’re planning secretly behind the scenes, we know you will want to come celebrate with us in 2019!

To celebrate 175 years we will be hosting 175 major events throughout the county.

Tourism & Events

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build-in your brand

build-in your Brought to you by the Camden County Board of Freeholders

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ut your product, service or organization front and center through a variety of visibility sponsorship opportunities crafted for maximum impact and targeted by interest. Secure your place in a stream of year-round exposure today!

Contact Joyce Gabriel Director, Sponsorships Phone: 856.225.5433

2017 Sponsorship Opportunities

Email: Joyce.Gabriel@camdencounty.com

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department of events and community outreach 18

department of events and community outreach

Tourism & Events

Frank Filipek, Jr. Director, Department of Events and Community Outreach Phone: 856.216.2122 Email: ffj@camdencounty.com Joyce Gabriel Director, Sponsorships Phone: 856.225.5433 Email: Joyce.Gabriel@camdencounty.com Kara Maxwell Social Media and Community Outreach Coordinator Phone: 856.216.2110 Email: kara.maxwell@camdencounty.com Tom Castellano Senior Events and Outreach Coordinator Phone: 856.858.2986 Email: Tom.Castellano@camdencounty.com Wendy Gall Director of Operations, Summer Concert Series Wiggins Park Mariana Liaison Phone: 856.216.2151 Email: Wendy.Gall@camdencounty.com Scott Petrozza Events Coordinator Phone: 856.216.8217 Email: Scott.Petrozza@camdencounty.com Karen Weidner Director, disABILITIES Programming Phone: 856.216.2127 Email: Karen.Weidner@camdencounty.com

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Camden County Board of Freeholders Louis Cappelli, Jr., Freeholder Director Edward T. McDonnell, Deputy Freeholder Director Jeffrey L. Nash Carmen G. Rodriguez Jonathan L. Young, Sr. Susan Shin Angulo William F. Moen, Jr.

Constitutional Row Officers Joseph Ripa, Clerk Gilbert “Whip” Wilson, Sheriff Michelle Gentek-Mayer, Surrogate Mary Eva Colalillo, Prosecutor

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