As I was traveling on one of the nearby highways I caught a glimpse of a display outside a Canal's beverage store. Of course the display meant pictures had to be taken of the interesting replicas of some famous, real, and fictional characters. The first jug-handle made it possible to gain entrance to Canal's parking area. As I took the photographs it reminded me of the untimely loss of lives due to substance abuse. Many times our lives were influenced by their gift of beauty and talent. Thankfully we continue to enjoy the films and music of yesterday productions, featuring some of the below portrayals.
Canal's advertising sign appears to be preparing shoppers for the holidays.
R2-D2 was a major robot character in all six Star Wars film. Originally there were two R2-D2 models, one remote controlled and rolled on three wheeled legs and another which was worn by a human and walked on two legs.
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortensen; June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962. Monroe was a successful model, actress, and talented singer.
She has become one of the most enduring icons of all time. The above photo depicts a pose from one of her popular movies. Marilyn Monroe continues to attract an audience of admirers and her tumultuous life will continue to fascinate her fans forever.
John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, and musician. It was his love for soul music that inspired the "Blues Brothers." His biography gives insight of a man who was generous, talented and sometimes misunderstood.
Batman is a favorite fictional character and superhero. Of course he is one of the favorite crime fighters also known as Dark Knight and the Caped Crusader. He along with his sidekick Robin are always ready to fight the forces trying to destroy Gotham City. Go Batman!!
This tattooed charmer appears to capture the idea-----somewhere inside me is that body. As I was taking the photo a pleasant patron going into the store jokingly asked me, "Would you like to wear that dress?" My response was, "It won't happen in this lifetime."
Recently Canal's added several more figures to their collection, one of them being Humphrey Bogart. In 1943, he and his co-star Ingrid Bergman starred in a film entitled Casablanca. In the 45 films of his career he generally portrayed a tough guy image. Then came the opportunity to play a romantic leading man in the Casablanca film. He and his costar made chemistry with their performance of former lovers briefly united in the chaos of WWII. In 1943 it received the Academy Award winner for best picture.
Pirates of the Caribbean certainly missed out on this charmer. I guess you might say you can't win them all.
Ho-Ho-Ho, this looks like the Santa who got run over by his reindeer.
Elvis became known as the King of Rock and Roll, and in today's world he is known as the "King."
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Elvis had everything necessary to become a star. His good looks, acting and singing continues to influence the music world today.
Never miss the opportunity to pose with the King. Just look at that smile, it belongs to a super person and I don't mean Elvis!!
Waretown is located in Ocean County, New Jersey. According to the 2010 census the population was 1569. It is the home to the Albert Music Hall and it is an active community offering events including October Haunted Hay Rides, winter events and older adult programs. This year hurricane Sandy slammed Waretown's water side leaving more than 100 houses in need of major repair. Like all other shore communities devastated by the hurricane, Waretown's goal is to recover from the chaotic storm. This year Wells Mills County Park in Waretown celebrated its 18th annual Pine Barrens Jamboree. It is a yearly event featuring scheduled activities and exhibits. "Piney" music fills the air, crafters share their creations, and exhibits feature the culture, industry and ecology of the Pine Barrens.
The park is a well maintained area and the Nature Center welcomes visitors with displays and lectures featuring the environment as the ultimate theme.
We were greeted by a family of bears and owls crafted by a gentleman using a chainsaw as his only carving tool. He periodically gave demonstrations and the wood chips went flying.
The fuzzy wool ornaments were soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye.
Chocolate dipped cranberries on a stick, pies and fresh cranberries were plentiful when we arrived, but scarce when we left. The chocolate cranberries melted in your mouth. Oh, so good!
The chickens were doing what chickens do. These two in particular were active but quite interesting to look at.
It appears every festival in the Pine Barrens has a display of tractors. Red, green or "rusty" they always seem to attract a population of mostly men.
This was not officially a bubble maker. It was a means to show how the machine works.
This Moonshine Still produced a potent beverage that would leave a few imbibers singing a happy "Piney" melody.
Never fool around with a Jersey Mosquito!
The NJ Forest Fire Service made a very impressive presence. Since Fire Prevention Week comes in October the children at the festival welcomed free hats, coloring books and other free- bees. Smokey the Bear (in costume) was seen walking around the park and he provided a photo opportunity for adults and children. I'm not a costume person so my Smokey is strictly a stand on shelf bear.
Members of the Albert Music Hall provided foot tapping music. There is a great history as to how this Piney music originated. Today hundreds of musicians have been a part of "Sounds of the Jersey Pines," Fiddles, guitars, mandolins, dobros, upright basses, dulcimers, spoons and wash tubs convey the history of this special type of music.
On October 20th and 21st, Chatsworth celebrated it's 29th annual Cranberry Festival. Each year in October hundreds of people take part in the season's two day extravaganza. They come to Chatsworth to visit "Piney" country and enjoy the festival. Located on the main street (County Road 563) a large building proudly stands. At one time the building was going to be destroyed, but a group of citizens saw potential and they worked diligently on ways to save the structure. And so began the restoration of the White Horse Inn.
When constructed the Inn served stagecoach and later railroad passengers. At one time prestigious families such as the Astors, Vanderbuilts, and royality came to experience the peace and quiet of the area.
Bob Birdsall, nature photographer has been photographing the New Jersey Pine Barrens for many years. His talent of capturing nature can readily be seen in his book " Seasons of the Pines." He has contributed his expertise's to his new book, "People of the Pines."
Hot Diggity Dog operates during the summer season, and closes after the festival. Locals, cyclists, and travelers enjoy tasty hot dogs, sweet or hot sausage sandwiches and general snacks. They always offer a pleasant smile--no charge.
Everyone seemed to have gotten hungry at the same time. Lots of delicious choices were available. My friend had a crab cake sandwich and I had a frankfurter with sauerkraut. It gave us the energy to keep going.
This little piggy was not going to market. Instead it was being carried by loving arms. He attracted quite a lot of attention and the little guy was repeatedly being photographed.
Children enjoyed the rock climbing tower. Sometimes mid-way it was apparent a little anxiety appeared on young faces, but generally they conquered the challenge.
Buzby's General Store for many years served the residents of Chatsworth. It was the place to go to hear the local news, purchase gasoline, and penny candy. The newest owner restored the building a number of years ago and it is now listed under the Historical Registry.
Many clever and creative items were displayed. People were shopping for unusual items to give as gifts for the holidays.
This yard display was fun to look at. Many residents of Chatsworth and people living by roads leading into Chatsworth have yard sales, and they are fun with some great bargains.
Since the festival takes place on both side of County Road 563 it is necessary to have the presence of the New Jersey State Police. This officer did an excellent job guiding predestrians, directing traffic, and maintaining a sense of calm.
Now for the tasty and tempting. Home made breads, cakes, cookies, jams and jellies were for sale. The Chatsworth ovens, mixers, and stoves, certainly were put to use prior to the festival. There was even a jelly called the Jersey Devil. It's great to know plans are already underway for the 30th festival next year. Hope to see you there!!!!
Congratulations to all those involved in making this year's fair a huge success, and to Mother Nature for providing a beautiful day. Many visitors each year look forward to visiting Batsto Village. The Village is located on County Road 542 and is easily seen from the highway. The mansion towers high above the landscape and there are many other buildings of interest. There were many crafters selling quality merchandise, others displaying vintage cars and trucks, and farmers giving demonstrations of distinctive farm equipment. The grounds easily accommodated parking and one never felt as if they were in a congested area. People sat by Batsto Lake, toured the historic sawmill, visited the Nature Center and the Batsto Mansion. Batsto was once privately owned, but its ownership is now the State of New Jersey. The Village dates back to the 1700's and it certainly played a part in our nation's history.
The Mansion has been restored and quite the attraction of the Village. There are scheduled tours of interest, but there is a fee for the tour.
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It was a pleasure talking to this gentlemen. He was very willing to display his Civil War artifacts.
A musical demonstration and verbal presentation was quite entertaining.
This is a side view of the Batsto country store. It's very fascinating visiting the past.
It appeared the visitors were happy with the displayed crafts contributing to the country theme.
I enjoyed looking at the classic vehicles, but my friend is totally into early transportation.
These attracted the children. Boys especially wanted the Harley Davidson truck.
I stood on a bridge watching families enjoying the day and children skipping stones across the lake. This is what it's all about.
Now we entered the putt, putt, smoke and demonstration of farm equipment. It was fun to watch since the equipment was all in operation.
The "cowboy" was wood burning Batsto Village New Jersey on a cedar shake. He was very cordial and people were willing to wait in line for his craft.
The shake cost $1.00, but it is a great memento.
It was a beautiful fall day and my friend and I had a very nice time.
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