After a stretch of rainy, unsettled weather, this past weekend was exactly what Central Jersey needed — warm sunshine, blue skies, and the kind of air that makes you want to stay outside just a little bit longer. It felt, finally, like summer. And with June now officially here, the next few months are shaping up to be packed with outdoor fun for all ages.

Here’s a look at some things worth getting out for this week.

🚗 Somerville Cruise Nights | Friday, June 6 | 6–9 PM | Main Street, Somerville | Free
One of the region’s most beloved summer traditions kicks off its regular Friday night run. Main Street transforms into an open-air showcase of classic and vintage cars, with live music, outdoor dining, and extended shopping hours. It draws thousands every week, and it’s completely free — a great option for families or a casual date night.

🎪 Woodbridge Summerfest | Saturday, June 6 | 11 AM–10 PM | Merrill Park, Iselin | Free
The 6th annual Summerfest is back — and it’s going big. This free all-day event features food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, a drone show, and live music into the evening. It’s one of the best free outdoor events in the area and a perfect way to spend a Saturday with the family or a group of friends.

🛍️ Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show | Saturday, June 6 | 11 AM–5 PM | South Ave W & Boulevard, Westfield | Free
More than 125 artisan vendors line the streets of downtown Westfield for a free street fair featuring handmade goods, local products, and food. Expect a crowd, good energy, and plenty of window shopping. A solid choice for a low-key outing or a daytime date.

🐴 Watchung Stable Centennial Celebration | Sunday, June 7 | 11 AM–3 PM | Watchung, Union County | Free
The historic Watchung Stable is turning 100, and Union County is throwing a party. The free celebration features live music, a petting zoo, and barn tours. It’s a genuinely fun, family-friendly event that’s a bit off the beaten path — and all the better for it.

As always, you can check out our full events page for everything happening around Central Jersey, and if you have a community event you’d like listed, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Politics and taxes were big topics this week. Here’s a look at what The Central Jerseyan covered.

Edward Harper Jr. says he still has the drawings — two pencil sketches, one in black and white and one with color filled in by hand, both signed “E. 04.” He says he made them in 2004 at the request of a South Bound Brook police officer, who promised him a letter of recommendation from the chief in exchange. He delivered the design. The department adopted it as its official patch. He never got the letter.

For more than 21 years, that design has appeared on officers’ uniforms, patrol cars, the department’s website, its Facebook page, and at least one commemorative coin — all without Harper’s permission or any payment. When The Central Jerseyan asked the borough for records showing where the design came from or what was paid for it, the borough clerk certified that no such records exist. There are no contracts, no purchase orders, no invoices.

Now Harper is done waiting. Backed by a New York law firm, he’s sent a formal demand for $750,000, citing copyright infringement, breach of contract, and potential civil rights violations — because the original request came from a uniformed officer on duty. The borough has not responded. His attorney says a lawsuit is coming if that doesn’t change. Read the full story →

June is Pride Month, and downtown Rahway has two great ways to celebrate and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Signs of Pride! From Protest to Progress — Sunday, June 1 | 4–7 PM | Free. Commemorating the Stonewall Riots, this family-friendly event kicks off Pride Month at the Pride Crosswalk at the corner of Cherry & Irving Streets in Rahway. Come out for music, sign-making, poster-making, and giveaways.

4th Annual Drag Queen Brunch — Sunday, June 7 | 11 AM–1 PM | E. Cherry Street, Downtown Rahway. Iris House NJ and Coffee Box Rahway are bringing six fabulous queens to this family-friendly celebration. Enjoy a delicious brunch, activities for all ages, and great vibes. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under. The first 30 high school and college students get in FREE! Grab your tickets at cofbx.com. (Rain date: June 13)

A few months ago, I set out to answer a simple question: how is Rahway paying for all of this?

The mayor has an ambitious vision for downtown — a new amphitheater, a park, a revitalized arts corridor. It’s a compelling story. But after the city walked away from a plan to sell its water utility following significant public backlash, the question of funding remained unanswered.

So I filed an open records request. What came back has kept me busy ever since.

One story is already live: the city spent at least $200,000 on engineering firms, legal counsel, and a public strategy consultant to explore the water utility sale — before stepping back. A second story is nearly ready: Rahway has quietly bonded at least $7 million to purchase downtown properties from private owners, with serious questions about timing and pricing. A third thread involves DPW workers who’ve gone more than a year without a contract while millions flow into downtown development. And a fourth is just beginning: a political consulting firm kept showing up in the city’s legal invoices, collecting tens of thousands of dollars in fees passed through the city’s law firm.

More is coming. This is exactly the kind of journalism that only happens when a community invests in it.

If you want to see more of it, consider becoming a Citizen Supporter for just $5 a month.

Join us on Patreon and help keep serious local journalism alive right here in Central Jersey →

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This week's trivia: In 1972, which New Jersey university became home to one of the first officially recognized gay student organizations in the United States, following a landmark federal court ruling that paved the way for LGBTQ+ student groups nationwide?

Last week’s trivia:  Drumthwacket is the New Jersey Governor’s official residence.

Here’s the weather for the upcoming week:

🌧️ Monday, June 1: Light rain early on, clearing out to a pleasant night — temperatures range from 49°F to 72°F.

⛅ Tuesday, June 2: Partly sunny and comfortable during the day, turning clear by evening — temperatures range from 53°F to 76°F.

☀️ Wednesday, June 3: A beautiful, completely sunny day with clear conditions continuing into the night — temperatures range from 56°F to 82°F.

☀️ Thursday, June 4: Warm, bright, and sunny afternoon skies with a few periodic clouds rolling in overnight — temperatures range from 60°F to 86°F.

🌥️ Friday, June 5: Mostly cloudy but notably warm as summer temperatures ramp up — temperatures range from 64°F to 91°F.

🌥️ Saturday, June 6: Mostly cloudy conditions lingering, though staying warm for your weekend plans — temperatures range from 67°F to 89°F.

🌧️ Sunday, June 7: A cooler close to the week with light rain expected through the day and evening — temperatures range from 56°F to 84°F.

As always, you can see even more events on The Central Jerseyan website. See the full events calendar ➝ 

Have an event you’d like included in this newsletter or a tip for a local news story? You can reply to this newsletter or contact me here ➝ 

Have a great week!