Where to Shop, What to Eat at Fishawack

As Fishawack nears, you may find yourself wondering: What vendors will be at the festival this year?

Well, we have your answer.

If shopping is your game, the downtown area of Chatham Borough will have plenty to offer. Handmade silver jewelry, sunglasses, Tupperware, skirts, homemade soaps, birdhouses, novelty gifts, handbags and other accessories will all be featured at this year's festival.

For families with young children, Fishawack is a great opportunity to pick up gifts that are difficult to find anywhere else. Vendors will offer marionettes, hats, children's toys, American Girl Doll clothes and children's dinnerware.

Chatham Borough stores will also be open during the festival, in case you should need a break from the crowds. Some local businesses will also have booths at Fishawack, including Suburban Chiropractic Center,

Look for both old favorites and newcomers to this year's festival. One newcomer to this year's festival is Idyllic Clothing, a new clothing company run by several Chatham High School students. The students design all the hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts they sell, all of which is made and printed in New Jersey.

Should you wish to give back a little, the Chatham Emergency Squad will hold a blood bank at this year's Fishawack Festival. A mobile van will be parked on Fairmount Avenue near the railroad overpass from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 to p.m. Anyone over 16 can donate blood, though people younger than 18 will need parental permission.

After you give blood, the best thing to do is eat! Food vendors will be located along Firehouse Plaza and will include fish and chips, fried shrimp, Philly cheesesteaks, fried ravioli, London broil sandwiches, barbeque, pulled pork, funnel cakes, smoothies and filled crepes.