Burlington County residents will be able to get down in the Upside Down during this weekend’s Stranger Things Dance Party at Historic Smithville Park.
All ages are welcome to the free event this Saturday, Sept. 30, from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Historic Smithville Park will take the place of the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, and the ruins of the former Smithville factory should provide the perfect backdrop for this new Burlington County Parks System event, which will feature Riot Nerd playing your favorite 1980s hits plus some other creepy surprises.
Attendees are also encouraged to dress in their favorite 1980s attire or come as their favorite Stranger Things character or monster.
“Whether you’re a fan of Stranger Things or a newcomer to its mix of supernatural, science fiction and mystery, this event will provide plenty of 80s nostalgia and spooky fun for everyone,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “It’s another example of the dedication and creativity of our Burlington County Parks staff that helps make our parks, museums and galleries such wonderful places to visit.”
Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton and is home to Smithville Mansion and the village of Smithville. The village was originally known as Shreveville before it was acquired by industrialist Hezekiah Bradley Smith in 1865. Smith transformed the small village into a thriving industrial town where cutting-edge woodworking machines and the famed American Star Bicycle were manufactured.
Burlington County bought Smith’s mansion, the village and what remained of the H.B. Smith Machine Company factory in 1975 and developed it into Burlington County’s first County park.
The dance party is the second hosted by Burlington County Parks this year. The first was a Taylor Swift-themed dance night at Smithville featuring many of the star’s most popular hits.
“The first themed dance night at Smithville was a huge success and we’re expecting more of the same at this weekend’s Stranger Things Dance Party,” said Eckel. “It’s an exciting way for residents to discover Smithville and all the great exhibits, programs and classes our County has to offer.”
More great Burlington County Parks programs and events
In addition to the Stranger Things Dance Party, Smithville will host its annual Autumn Lands festival on Oct. 21 from 1 PM to 7 PM. The event is the ultimate fall festival and will feature a variety of entertainment, food and activities. Mark your calendars now!
The nonprofit Friends of Smithville Mansion will also host two Smithville Mansion Ghost Tours at noon on Oct. 13 and Oct. 27. During the one-hour tours, visitors will learn some ghostly tales about Hezekiah Smith and the spooky happenings reported at the mansion since the industrialist’s death. Light refreshments will be served after the tours. A $20 fee supports the Friends of Smithville Mansion. Reservations are required and can be made online at https://www.smithvillemansion.org/ .
Friends of Smithville Mansion will also host two Halloween Witches Tea and Tours at noon on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. Enjoy a tour of the mansion followed by a selection of teas, sandwiches and desserts with a spooky flair. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite witches hat or costume. Tickets are $30 per person. Reserve your spot at https://www.smithvillemansion.org/ .
For more information about these and other events, check out the Burlington County Parks Fall Program Guide at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks or download the Burlington County Parks free smartphone app for updates, alerts and more.
The Parks App is free to download from the Apple and Google Play app stores or by visiting Burlington County Division of Parks and Recreation (NJ) App Store Links (myocv.com).