(PHILLIPSBURG, NJ) -- One of the area's most anticipated – and fun – fall events is just around the corner. The family-friendly fest called Pork Roll Palooza is braced to take over Shappell Park and surrounding streets. Norwescap is proud to host the 6th Annual Pork Roll Palooza, in partnership with the Phillipsburg Downtown Association, on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 11:00am to 5:00pm at Shappell Park, 353 South Main Street. Admission is FREE. Pork Roll Palooza is rain or shine.
Not to be missed, this enjoyable community day boasts pork roll (in several iterations) and other dining options, live music, games, prizes, and a host of local crafters, vendors, small businesses, and community organizations.
For your dancing and listening pleasure, stop by the Gazebo in Shappell Park and thrill to the bands performing throughout the day.
Smooth Retsina Glow | Formed in 2019, Smooth Retsina Glow is one of the  most dynamic, creative, and musically invigorating bands to emerge from the Lehigh Valley in recent years. Currently consisting of Colin Wolf, Sarah Stoll, Jacob Wolfe, and Brian Dercas, the group has already achieved a significant level of critical and commercial acclaim.
James Supra/Sarah Ayers Band | Bringing together James Supra's legendary blues harmonica and vocal prowess with Sarah Ayers' extraordinary vocal stylings, this electric blues band plays original blues and blues-influenced rock that will get you up and out of your seat.
The Janet Van Kline Ensemble | Janet Van Kline is a world class jazz chanteuse who also knows how to belt out the R&B classics. Backed by a who’s-who cast of touring NYC based musicians with some familiar faces from Lehigh Valley regional acts, this popular, highly-requested ensemble is known for its Jazz zest with a blend of R&B and Soul essence. Listen to Janet on SoundCloud or Apple Music.
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McWane Ductile is the Premiere Palooza Sponsor. Other sponsors include ShopRite, Bourbon Street Wine & Spirits, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Xfinity, Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli & Tipton LLC, and Budd Agency. Warren County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs has provided a grant to support the live band performances.
Over a dozen food vendors are prepared to cook and offer treats all day – We Squeeze to Please (Pork roll sandwiches); Endless Empanadas (Pork roll empanadas, soup, and nachos); Steele Hill (Pork roll sandwiches); Willets Own, LLC (Pork loin/pork roll/kielbasa/rib-eye on stick, creamy garlic corn, southern cabbage); Elaine Thomian (Jerk chicken and pork roll sandwiches, Pork roll fried rice); Quickies Egg Rolls (Pork roll egg rolls); Kosher Pig, USA (Bacon on a stick); The Marie Daily, LLC (Funnel fries, garlic ranch fries, sweet potato fries all topped with pork roll); Jerzey Girl Pickles (Pickles, olives, salsa); Uncle Bucks Ice Cream Truck (Ice cream); Desserts by Robin (Cupcakes); Mona’s Bakery (Cookies and cakes); Kim’s Cotton Candy and Sno Cones, LLC, and Invertase Brewery – the official beer of Pork Roll Palooza.
New Pork Roll Palooza contests and activities for 2023 include Best Pooch Pork Roll Palooza Costume Contest • Best Pork Roll Dish – sweet and savory • Pork Roll Palooza Pig Races (sponsored by Bourbon Street Wine & Spirits) • Quoit Tournament • Family Pig Pen (sponsored by McWane Ductile).
Several thousand guests are expected to gather over the course of the day to relish all things Pork Roll…and then some. Come join in the festivities!
Originally established in 1965, Norwescap has evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 individuals in New Jersey annually. The organization offers a broad array of services that support and empower people with low to moderate income, helping them move away from the crisis of poverty and towards a future where they can thrive. Norwescap programs address immediate needs and build strategies for long term success, focusing on education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism and civic engagement.Â
