SWEDESBORO — This year has proven to be a phenomenal beginning for the Swedesboro business owners.
Swedesboro has been in the spotlight with new businesses opening every month. This year alone, nine new businesses have opened their doors successfully and are continuing to thrive.
The most recent celebration was an addition to a staple of the business district in Swedesboro,
Botto’s Italian Line Restaurant. It opened on February 7, 1998 and has continued to be a reason why people come in to town.
The Economic Development Committee along with the Greater Swedesboro Business Association, The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce and New Visions Networking all paired together to help celebrate the grand opening of their outdoor dining patio. The breathtaking space is now a great place to enjoy cocktails and dinner. They also feature live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
The first official Grand Opening this year was the Hip Hop Shop, where Diane Hale and Alice O’Blennis, both Swedesboro Councilmembers, each held one side of the ribbon. Jen Romano, owner, had the honors of cutting the ribbon.
Other businesses that have joined Swedesboro recently include: H & G Spa, Swedesboro Liquor (under new owners and managers), Coffee and Cream, Tenbrook Orthodontics, Westbrook Jiu Jitsu, Blackbook, and Wagger’s Pet Parlor.
“I am often asked why so many businesses are looking at Swedesboro to be their home. People who have not visited us wonder what is so great about this little community. All they have to do is drive through town to see people walking the streets, sitting at one of the many outdoor dining areas or listen to the music piped into the night air”, says Ceri Galati, EDC member and Paralegal at the law offices of Mattioni, another business in town.
Another big draw to being a part of Swedesboro are the events that are held throughout the year. Swedesboro is quickly becoming a town that people want to live and work in.
Swedesboro offers many free events throughout the year that are key to their success. Some of the summer highlights are listed below.
- Dancing in the Street is Swedesboro’s FREE Summer Concert Series and is held throughout Summer 2016 on the third Wednesday of the months of June, July and August. Each event is themed and includes a children’s show at 7 p.m., followed by a live band at 8 p.m. In addition, this year there will be free water ice provided by Joe Giacobbe of Farmers Insurance.
- A day of free kayaking is available this summer with Splash and Paddle on hand to offer help and instruction. Life vests and a variety kayaks and canoes will be available for participants to explore this awesome recreation activity right in our own backyard at Lake Narraticon.
- Lake Narraticon is Swedesboro’s best kept secret because of its location. This is a 200-acre area is located consists of mature hardwoods on a hillside beside a man-made lake that was created in 1934. A 1.5 mile trail climbs the hill and circles the wooded area. The trail starts at a bridge over a small stream that feeds into the lake. The woodland and small stream habitat is good for birding and viewing mammals. Another small pond is viewable near the entrance.
- Swedesboro is also part of the Movie in the Park Series held throughout Gloucester County. On Friday, Aug. 12, Swedesboro will be showing Monsters University at Lake Park, aka Lake Narraticon located off of Park Avenue.
- Look for upcoming details for Swedesboro/Woolwich Day, the biggest event of the year. This year it will be held in the beginning of October. Come be a part of the biggest celebration of the year for Swedesboro.
Thousands of people line the streets to participate in this event. A mix of entertainment for folks of all ages will be presented on two stages. A selection of performances and demonstrations from local theater groups, dance studios and other local businesses will keep you entertained all day long.
The Economic Development Committee has been working diligently to help grow the central business district and surrounding areas. Swedesboro has been so fortunate to have the support of the Les Vail, the President of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce and Pete Curran, President of the Greater Swedesboro Business Association.
In order for these small towns and shops to survive, you need a strong community behind you supporting the business. It is so great to see so many of our townspeople patronizing these wonderful businesses. They are the backbone of our community and they are the biggest donors for our local fundraisers and scholarships.
by the GSBA
