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JAMBOREE CELEBRATES PINE BARRENS CULTURE AND HISTORY
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | Eight-year-old triplets, Brittani, Kyle and Cassandra McDonnell of Manahawkin, happily posed for a picture with Smokey the Bear at last week's Pine Barrens Jamboree. |
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WARETOWN - The 100th Anniversary of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was celebrated last week at the12th annual Pine Barrens Jamboree, held at Wells Mill Park, Waretown.
The clear, sunny weather helped children and adults all find something to do at the jamboree, which featured bluegrass bands under the big tent.
Cookie Canino, of Vineland, sporting a cowgirl hat, said it was her first jamboree, and she was having "a good old time."
"The park is so nice and big and the Rustic Rhythms band is just the greatest," she said.
Amanda Truham, recreation leader with the Ocean County Parks Department, said that the beautiful weather helped make the festival a success.
"This is a wonderful day. Over 2,000 people have come out to enjoy the park and the jamboree," said Truham.
Cliff Oakley, Wells Mills resident for 70 years and an
Ocean County Parks Department
recreation aid, agreed. "The weather is 100 percent for us," he said. ""We have a good crowd."
Oakley's family owned the 900-acre site dating back to 1937. As a young boy, he fished and hunted on the grounds, absorbing much of the history of the land, he said.
Historic exhibit were set up by local civic organizations under the vendors tent. Original glass canning jars from early South Jersey glassware houses, circa 1739-1894, were on display by George and Dot Oglesby of Lakehurst. Information showed that the first glasshouse in the Pinelands was established in 1799.
"The abundance of sand in the area made New Jersey an important place for glassware," said Dot Oglesby.
Wells Mills Park was the scene of a variety of antique fire fighting equipment and vehicles. Programs were conducted on primitive fire starting methods, wild edible drinks, and crafts, with examples of clay pottery, basket weaving and bone and stone tools.
Seven-year-old Nicholas Pereira, of Waretown, with sister, Elizabeth, 12, were fascinated by the working saw mill demonstration.
"I like the gun shots, too," said Nicholas, who marveled at the living history Civil War camp set up on the grounds and the antique gun display by Tony Sattilarro of South Amboy.
Archery demonstrations, pumpkin and face painting, and wood carving crafts were displayed, along with historical artifacts at the festival.
In addition to a look into the past, fire safety was the focus of the day. Dave Konczal of Bamber Lake, from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Parks and Forestry, explained how prescribed burning in New Jersey Forests is needed to reduce wildfire hazards.
The Forest Fire Service was the featured organization at the rustic festival. Lakeside fire safety demonstrations thrilled spectators, with a Forest Fire Service helicopter water drop was a featured presentation.
Inside the park's Nature Center, displays of stuffed wild animals, wildlife and reptiles of the Pines delighted youngsters.
Two-year-old, Brady Smith of Pine Beach giggled at the fish tank and the turtle shells, while mom, Kelly, and Aunt Dawn, tried to get him to hold still for a picture.
"He's so excited," said his mother.
Appearances by the New Jersey Devil and Smokey Bear also helped carry the day.
Local vendors at the Jamboree included J.S. Headley, who offered just picked New Jersey cranberries.
Bill Kinley of Tuckerton, with grandson, Elias, a 6th grade student at Little Egg Harbor Intermediate, and his mom, Stephanie, offered fresh Jersey produce at a stand. "This is a perfect day," said Stephanie.
Hand made crystal and beaded bracelets and trinkets were crafted by 15-year-old Bethany, a student at Barnegat High School.
"She's trying to make enough money to go to Paris, France, with her class this Spring," said her mom.
"So far, we're doing pretty well," said the young entrepreneur.
Homemade Gram's Jam and Jellies offered flavors like raspberry and blueberry peach, and the Herbertsville Honey Company offered sweet treats. Lucille's County Cooking stand dished out hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and their traditional, 'pulled pork'. Carol Taylor, of Jamestown, said the pulled pork sandwich from Lucille's was delicious.
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