Rockin’ For Autism To Bring Music, Fun, Food To Fanwood

FANWOOD, NJ — Rockin’ For Autism will bring a line-up of musical acts, fun and food to its fifth-annual music festival on Saturday, April 18 at La Grande Park in Fanwood.

Since the festival began, more than $72,000 has been raised for autism research. This year, the goal is to raise $100,000.

This year’s festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at La Grande Park, 200 La Grande Ave., in Fanwood. It will offer a variety of food trucks and local eateries, a beer garden, the annual Rockin’ For Autism bake sale, as well as popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade vendors.

The music lineup, so far, includes Kings of Pain as the headliner, and features Velvet Jones, Three Piece Nugget, Bryan Hansen Band, Valencia School, Patrick Bamburak, Sami Gootman and
Matt Lavine.

Food trucks include: The Empanada Guy, Amanda's Bananas, The Thai Elephant, The Tasty Trolley, Candy Clouded, Summer Daze Catering and Jersey Johnny's.

Activities include child’s play challenge courses, a soccer clinic with the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School soccer team, a basketball clinic with Wolves Basketball Academy, and a skateboard experience with A-Skates – all of which are suited for children on the autism spectrum.

The Caped Crusader and other ‘Super Friends’, and therapy dogs from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy sponsored by Temple Sholom will make an appearance. The 'Chill Zone' quiet room will provide respite for those in need of a low-stimulation environment.

The event will also feature dozens of great prizes in its massive merchant tricky tray raffle and silent auction, plus a boulevard of local merchants and vendors.

"We’re incredibly excited for the fifth-annual Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival, as we work to reach our $100,000 fundraising goal," said Jeff Banks, co-chairman of the event. "This is the ideal event to support. As the festival keeps growing, we continue to add more music, food, activities and attractions so that there’s plenty to do, see and hear all day long. Support us, as we raise awareness and funds for a great cause."

Rockin’ For Autism is the brainchild of 18-year-old Fanwood resident Mallory Banks, an Autism
Awareness Junior Ambassador for the past nine years. In 2018 and 2019, Rockin’ For Autism was
named the top autism awareness fundraiser for Autism New Jersey.

Rockin’ For Autism is actively seeking volunteers, vendors, merchant donations and corporate sponsors.

The key sponsor for the festival is Scotch Plains Fanwood Dental Care. Other committee sponsors, to date, include Fabio's Bistro, K9 Resorts, Jaffe Communications, Sheelen's Crossing, Family Investors Company and Watchung Pediatrics.

For more information, or to donate, volunteer, sponsor or exhibit at the event, contact
info@rockin4autism.org or www.rockin4autism.org.

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