May 22, 2025| Community, Events, People
By: Holly Odgers
What a day! On May 17, nearly 4,000 people gathered at Hopatcong State Park to celebrate New Jersey's largest lake and the vibrant community around it at the 2025 Lake Hopatcong Block Party. From the moment the gates opened, the park buzzed with energy, excitement, and a strong sense of community spirit.
With 200 vendors lining the park, over 100 volunteers keeping everything running smoothly, and support from 50 generous sponsors, the Block Party showcased the best of what makes this area so special. Whether you came for the shopping, the food, the live demos, to connect with neighbors, or simply to soak in the lakeside vibes, we hope you had as much fun as we did.
A hazy, humid morning quickly cleared to bright sunshine—perfect weather for being out on the water, making the free boat rides from Lake Hopatcong Cruises and Bridge Marina a definite hit.
We also loved seeing the smiles brought on by this year’s mascot crew! Herbie the Miner from the Sussex County Miners, the Roxbury High School Gael, and the always-popular Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion were on hand for high-fives and photo ops.
There truly was something for everyone—from kids to adults—with games, activities, and live demonstrations like an amazing animal showcase from Eyes of the Wild, and fun, interactive robots created by the Roxbury High School Robotics Club. Vendors ranged from local businesses and community groups to nonprofits, crafters, and artisans, offering everything from handmade goods to lake-friendly landscaping tips. Meanwhile, the food court served up mouthwatering options—from comfort food favorites to cool treats.
Adding to the community spirit, representatives from the four towns around the lake—Hopatcong, Jefferson, Roxbury, and Mount Arlington—came together to create a town square, providing plenty of ways for people to connect and engage.
The fun continued with the Passport Adventure and children’s scavenger hunt, which had eager participants exploring the park for exciting prizes. Over at Marina Way, guests admired an impressive lineup of boats and watercraft. And the 50/50 raffle kept excitement building throughout the day—and didn’t disappoint, with one lucky winner walking away with $2,047!
A big thank-you goes to Bob Kays, Ulla Vinkman, the Roxbury High School Aviation Club, and our Lake Hopatcong Foundation team for capturing the day in photos—check them out HERE.
We’re incredibly grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, vendor, supporter, and attendee who helped make the 2025 Lake Hopatcong Block Party another unforgettable success. Here’s to a community that keeps showing up—and to the lake that brings us together. See you next year!
