Saturday, May 4th, 10am to 3pm
34th ANNIVERSARY!!!, Murphy’s Market and the Medford Lakes Lions Club partner to bring you the World Famous Annual Family Food Festive otherwise known as MURPHY’S DAY! Come join us at Murphy’s at the Lakes for a day full of fun…great food, great prizes, great games. As always, there will be a monstrous array of great prizes for our fundraising raffles.
A Little History…
Murphy’s Markets Family Food Festival was created in 1990 through the vision of Mr. Ron Murphy, Sr., proprietor of Murphy’s Markets, Mr. Jack Foty, a Medford Township Lion and Mr. Walter Cavanaugh, a Medford Lakes Lion. The idea was to create a fun, festive atmosphere where families could come together enjoy some good food and fun events while helping to raise money for both Lions clubs to help their communities. The first festival was held on Saturday, May 4th, 1991.
In the beginning, Murphy’s Markets was just one store on Stokes Road in Medford. Since then, Murphy’s Fresh Markets now has 3 locations in the townships of Medford, Tabernacle and Long Beach Island. Throughout all the growth Mr. Ron Murphy, Sr. has remained dedicated to helping the surrounding communities in need with this great event that takes place on the First Saturday in May each year at the original Murphy’s at the Lakes location on Stokes Road in Medford.
In 2007, after the Medford Township Lions ceased to exist, the Medford Lakes Lions took over the full responsibility of the charity side of the event. The substantial amount of money raised each year helps to fund those in need as well as programs that help the surrounding communities of Medford, Medford Lakes, Tabernacle and Shamong. Our Food bank, Cabulance Service, Scholarships, Eyeglass recycling program, Christmas Charities and other Aid to Needy Families are just a few of the ways this great event helps to help us Serve the Community.
Food!
The event is a food show with entertainment for children of all ages. Murphy’s Markets Vendors and local businesses as well as Murphy’s Fresh Markets themselves sponsor tables at the event to showcase their products as well as promote new items they may be launching.
This year, the Lions will sell wrist bands that will allow unlimited access to all the food and activities. You’ll be able to feast and play between 10AM – 3PM for just $15 per person.
Some great food items are Dietz and Watson Hot dogs, Boar’s Head Ham sandwiches, The Murphy’s BBQ area will have with chicken, burgers, pulled pork, Murphy’s own specialty salads and bakery items, funnel cakes and Stewarts root beer floats. Pepsi and Coke products will be available. As well, 4 Seasons produce and UNFI specialty foods will have an array of the items they sell for your sampling.
Please note that some vendors may leave early if they run out of product, so be sure to come early! Also, due to the wristband policy, you will not be able to load up and “take out” products, but you can come and go all day during the event, just keep your wristband on. Remember this is a fundraiser to help the community, so please be mindful with your behavior.
Supporters!
Some of the most loyal participants of the Festival since the beginning have been Dietz and Watson Foods, Boars Head Provisions, E Frank Hopkins Seafood, Canada Dry, Pepsi Cola, Coca Cola, Catelli Bros, Cento Fine Foods, Martins Sausage, UNFI (formerly Haddon House Foods) and Murphy’s Markets own specialty products.
Local companies such as Cornerstone Bank, Medford Village Car Care & Hainesport Enterprises, Robey’s Lawnmower Service, Spotts Hardware, The Original Lakes Appliance, Papa Joe’s Salt, Red Lion Express Lube, Patrick McAndrew Esq, Thomas Roth Electrical, Valenzano Winery, Russo’s Farms, Whalen Farms and Wheelies Bicycles have continually supported this event through the years.
We as Lions would like to thank them all as well as various other event sponsors that have helped contribute the success of the Annual Murphy’s Markets Family Food Festival through the years!
Prizes and Family Fun
The Lions run a raffle in which all prizes are donated and raffled off at the Festival. Check out the link above to see this year’s amazing list of prizes. Raffle Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased in the lobby of the Lakes and Pines stores from 5-7PM each weekday & 10-2pm on Sat/Sun for 2 weeks before the Festival as well as during the event itself. Prizes will be drawn about 2:50PM on that Saturday and you do not need to be present to win!
There is really good food, refreshments (non-alcholic) and something fun to be enjoyed by all ages. We will highlight some local small companies that sell items in Murphy’s Stores such as Papa Joe’s Salt, Lakes Coffee, Mohawk Candles, Some fun events for this year are: Jack the Balloon Man, 2 Face painters, 2 Moon bounces, a 24ft rock climbing wall, pony rides and a video gaming tent.
Additionally, Woodford Cedar Run will have animals to see. Atlantic City Electric will have free LED bulbs and the opportunity to receive a free NEST thermostat with a home energy audit for those that have their service. The Medford Police will have their Command Center and a police motorcycle to view. The Medford Lakes Police will have their Dare truck present. As well, the Medford Fire Department will have vehicles present for kids to see. All of this is inclusive with your wristband.
Please Join us this year on the First Saturday in May, 5/4, to make this event a huge success!