70th Anniversary of Newark Days Festival Lights Up the City

By Staff Writers Veer Mahajan & Kanupriya Goyal

From September 18 through 21, Newark came alive as more than 100,000 people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the Newark Days festival, an annual ceremony honoring the local history and culture of Newark. This year’s theme was Celebrating the 70s, marking the 70th anniversary of the city’s founding. The large celebration brought together locals and nonlocals alike in a series of community events.

The occasion brought a nostalgic spark to the MacGregor Playfields and Newark Community Center. The large space was home to game stalls, carnival lights, and classic rides such as the Ferris Wheel and merry-go-round, and was protected by police officers throughout. The fairgrounds also boasted a variety of food stands, with vendors offering authentic cuisines from around the world to fair attendees. The laughter of children and families filled the air, creating an atmosphere of community and enjoyment for fairgoers.

The festival kicked off at 5 p.m. on Thursday evening with amusement park rides priced at just $2 each, a dance recital presented by Alta Performing Arts, and Eternity Band’s stage show. Families with children showed up to the fair early in the evening and lined up behind popular activities such as basketball shooting challenges for toys and prizes, while teenagers crowded in later. By sunset, the carnival was in full swing, with thousands of people exploring the fairgrounds.

Friday continued the energy with many of the same activities as were offered on Thursday. Vendors ranged from major restaurant chains serving popular dishes and treats to small, local businesses selling locally-produced honey. Several vendors had traveled across the state and even the country over the weekend to set up booths for the Newark Days festival. Some of these workers were new to the festival scene, while many were seasoned veterans of the business who knew the area and event well. 

Saturday, the busiest day of the weekend, kicked off with the Newark Mile 4Kids race and a 4K run in the morning. Later, the Car Show and grand Hometown Parade poured onto the streets, drawing participants, residents, and newcomers alike. By this time, the arts and crafts trade fair had spread out across the fields, and the festival had become a majestic swirl of pony rides, petting zoos, and handcrafted jewelry. Also featured were live stage performances from trampoline gymnasts and many local bands, including The Sacred Fire Band, providing a mix of Latin soul and funk music, and The Fargo Brothers. The final day, Sunday, brought the celebrations to a gentle close with the final stage shows, leaving audiences applauding the fantastic performances put up by the musicians, aerialists, and gymnasts.

A small security area was set up near the front of the fair to provide assurance and allow the crowd’s energy to remain joyful and ensure overall safety. “We’re here every year … I’ll come with my kids when I’m not working too,” Police Officer Thomas Dale said. 

All in all, the fair reflected the diverse Newark community and pride in their traditions. Newark Days is more than a parade or carnival — this year’s festival proves that Newark’s story is not just about history, but about the spirit of community that continues to carry it forward.