Staff With a colorful parade that marched straight through possible rain, the 2025 Founders Day celebration got off to a spectacular start, embodying the essence of its theme: Flower Power: Peace, Love, and Community.
Jason E. Hazelton, director of recreation for Stafford, confirmed that the celebrations would still take place the previous evening. He undoubtedly heard echoes of the timeless song “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Barbara Streisand, which appeared to play all day.
A police motorcycle escort cleared the way for Stafford and nearby towns’ emergency responders, students, scouts, and civic organizations before the march started. Vintage cars and elaborately adorned floats provided plenty of visual interest, and marching bands gave the route vitality and rhythm.
Peg and Mark Reynolds, this year’s Grand Marshals, took the lead in recognition of their contributions to Stafford’s cultural and civic life. As he has done for so many years, Bob Wick of WYRS made sure the march was televised.
Hazelton ensured that another significant voice had an opportunity to impart his characteristic insight. Tim Hart, the Division Director of Cultural & Heritage for Ocean County and ever the local historian, pointed out to the crowd that Stafford’s name had its origins in Staffordshire, England, which was a fitting reference to the parade’s antique vehicle winner. With their gorgeous 1972 MG Roadster, which was imported from the county that Stafford was named for, Greg Young and his grandson Elliott won first place.
Wearing traditional Scottish kilts, the Ocean County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums marched with pride. An explosion of color and energy that encapsulated the day’s throwback vibe was brought about by bagpipes that screamed in time with the drums’ relentless pound.
The parade path was lined with tie-dye shirts, flower crowns, vintage signs, and lots of groovy feelings. Wearing the day’s distinctive yellow tie-dye shirts, Township Council members and Mayor Bob Henken waved to onlookers as they passed on a float decorated with red, white, and blue bunting.
Henken even joined in on the fun, dancing with the Jersey String Band during one of the day’s happiest moments. The mayor was persuaded to perform briefly by the band leader, who was dressed in a shimmering silver outfit. As brass horns blared and banjos twanged, more council members soon joined the celebration. It was definitely one for the record books.
The ever-popular Stafford Animal Control/Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, who paraded on a mission to protect local pets, and Mad Beatz Philly, a high-energy drumline that rocked the pavement with every beat, tied for Best Overall.
Other notable accolades were:
- Best Fire Company: Eagleswood Fire Department
- Best EMS Unit: Barnegat EMS
- Best Police Department: Barnegat PD
At the Doc Cramer Sports Complex, paradegoers rested for a while before the celebrations resumed. There were mechanical and inflatable rides, as well as food trucks offering popular dishes. After then, a new court of local rulers was crowned: Brooke Borusovic as Miss Stafford, Capri Butler as Junior Miss Stafford, Olivia Schilling as Little Miss Stafford, and Memphis Rank as Little Town Crier.
A little army of volunteers and employees worked behind the scenes to make the event run so smoothly. Without the committed team of volunteers that give the day and everything in between its unique touches, Founders Day would not be possible, according to Hazelton.
Hazelton expressed his gratitude to Stephanie Krill and Town Crier Larry Bragg for organizing the pageants. He also acknowledged Jeff Sprague and his team, who continued to serve ice-cold beer to support Stafford’s yearly holiday toy drive.
In addition to the Volunteer Fire Company, Ladies Auxiliary, and Stafford EMS Squad, special thanks were given to the Stafford Township Departments of Public Works, Buildings and Grounds, Police, and the Bureau of Fire Prevention for their hard work in making the day both safe and spectacular.
“We also want to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors,” Hazelton continued. They provide the rides, entertainment, and other elements that contribute to Founders Day’s exceptional quality!
Founders Day is already set for June 13, 2026, the following year.
