Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Tuesday, June 30

Wednesday, July 1

Thursday, July 2

Saturday, July 4

“We invite you to join us for an exciting night at the movies on our 
Kip’s Castle Park lawn," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said. 
"Families can enjoy the outdoor movie presentation and 
experience this magnificent location in a new way. 
We look forward to seeing you at what will be an entertaining evening 
for children, families and individuals of all ages.” 

Kip's Castle was built in 1902 by Frederic E. Kip, a wealthy textile manufacturer and investor. The 9,000-square-foot mansion is a replica of a medieval Norman castle and is constructed of local trap rock trimmed with sandstone. Many of the rooms are uniquely designed with round or octagonal shapes and vaulted ceilings. There are six ornately designed fireplaces throughout the structure. There also is a 6,000-square-foot, two-story carriage house that was renovated in 1984 to accommodate offices. The property is located on 11 acres on the ridge of First Mountain, and provides spectacular views.

The castle was used as a private residence for many years after Kip sold the estate in 1926. In the 1980s, the castle was the United States headquarters of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, an Indian guru. He sold the property in 1984 to the law firm of Schwartz Tobia Stanziale, which used the buildings as their law offices.

Essex County purchased the castle property in 2007 for $5.6 million, through a $2.8 million grant from the NJ Green Acres program and a $2.8 million grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund for the acquisition.

Credit: Janet O'Keeffe Burke

Founded in 1967, the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh is known as one of the premier Irish-American organizations in the state. The social and charitable organization has a large clubhouse in West Orange with a bar open to the public which is known for its hospitality, welcoming atmosphere and its diversity of entertainment offerings. The Shillelagh Club is host to many Irish groups in the area including the Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Women of Irish Heritage and The Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society.    Additionally, the Friendly Sons support various charitable organizations including the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Avon Walk for Life, and Wounded Warriors. 

"When you drive down Westville Avenue on Saturday,
you'll see us all out there," Stickels commented.
"Feel free to stop over and check it out;
you are NOT in any way obligated to participate, we are just really hoping to get the community interested in supporting the teams that are walking."

"Please come by to cheer on friends, family, groups or all of us. 
During the whole event, we'll have DJ 'd music by Rich and Tom. 
We'll also have fun events including local merchant demos," said Stickels,
"in Karate, Zumba and Yoga and
live entertainment by the Dapper Dans of Harmony. 
This year is a whole new year.
It's time for our community to pull together
and kick cancer to the curb once and for all."

"A must see is our Luminary Ceremony which will happen once it gets dark; 
this is a very moving time during our twelve-hour walk. 
If you've been touched in any way by cancer this is something to participate in. 
It's dark, its silent, and one by one,
glow sticks are activated by request
and memories and life event reflections happen," Stickels expressed.