New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Land of Make Believe Brings Worldwide Attention to Hope Township

originally published: 08/25/2024


(HOPE TWP, NJ) -- Seventy years ago Land of Make Believe opened its gates as a family amusement park in tiny Hope Township, New Jersey. In fact, when Land of Make Believe opened up in 1954 Route 80 was still nothing more than a dream for northwestern New Jersey.

Seven decades later, Land of Make is still thriving, expanding its park over time to include thrill rides, attractions and a water park.

Within the past year, you could say that Land of Make Believe has hit the trifecta. The park, which has been honored by federal and state legislators, county and local officials, and industry organizations, has now been recognized with three huge designations that have given Land of Make Believe attention across the United States - and the world.

Quite amazing when you consider that Hope had a mere 500 residents back in 1954 when the Land of Make Believe opened and Warren County had more cows than people. Pretty amazing, indeed when you consider that Hope today has only 1957 residents and is within the County of Warren and its 100,000 population.

The trifecta started with Land of Make Believe being named the Most Iconic Amusement Park in the New Jersey, then was declared the No. 1 Amusement Park in New Jersey, and most recently was declared the World's Greatest.




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



"Who would have thought that over 70 years there would have been this kind of transformation," said Christopher Maier, whose family has owned the park since its inception. "But my mother and father had a vision of providing fun for the entire family that has stood the test of time. It's always been the intention to offer a safe and affordable experience for those who come here."

What's the secret to how a small amusement park in Northwest New Jersey has gotten such recognition? It has kept loyal to the principles that were the foundation that created the American amusement park in the first place.

The Maier family found a home - and a business - in rural Hope Township and it continues to be a source of proud generations later.

"There is no other place like Hope, N.J.," said Maier. "We are so proud to be part of this community. Hope has the freshest air in New Jersey."

For more about Land of Make Believe visit www.lomb.com




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Six

Six Flags Great Adventure presents Star-Spangled Nights July 4-5

(JACKSON, NJ) -- Celebrate America's birthday in spectacular style at Six Flags Great Adventure during Star-Spangled Nights presented by M&M'S®, a two-night Independence Day celebration filled with fireworks, live music, festive characters, and all-American fun.



Newark

Newark to Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Week July 7-13

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, the City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Advisory and Concerns Commission, Newark Pride, Inc, and other organizations and partners will hold Newark Pride Week from Monday, July 7, to Sunday, July 13, 2025.



Discover

Discover Seeing Eye(R) Services at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch

(PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- A letter written in 1927 by a young sightless American to a woman in Switzerland training dogs for police and military work led to the creation of The Seeing Eye®. Learn about this pioneering New Jersey philanthropic enterprise and meet trainers and dogs at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch on Monday, July 14, 2025. The event begins at 6:30pm.



Andrew’s Big Show

'Andrew’s Big Show' Brings the Circus to the Ocean County Library

(OCEAN COUNTY, NJ) -- Round up the kids for laughs and hijinks galore! The Ocean County Library is pleased to present "Andrew's Big Show" at three branches (Plumsted, Lakewood, and Point Pleasant Borough) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.



Dining

Dining Out Jersey's 5th Annual Foodie Expo features Special Guests David Burke and Produce Pete

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Dining Out Jersey presents the 5th Annual Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus. This year's event will feature special guests David Burke and NBC's Produce Pete.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Tuesday

Tuesday Night Book Club - Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:30pm
VIRTUAL
category: community


 

MMA

MMA Pro League Fight Night

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: community


 

MMA

MMA Pro League Fight Night

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: community


 

Summer

Summer Brew Fest 2025

Friday, July 25, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: community


 

Miss

Miss Republica Dominicana of NJ US - Gala Final

Saturday, July 26, 2025 @ 6:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: community