In the heart of Phillipsburg, Shappell Park and surrounding streets became Pork Roll Central during the city’s annual celebration of the iconic meat earlier this month.

Norwescap, partnering with the Phillipsburg Downtown Association, hosted the Fifth Annual Pork Roll Palooza.

The traditional Jersey sandwich of pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll had some yummy company as munchers satisfied their munchies with other taste-treats like pork roll sliders, pork roll tacos, and pork roll tots!

Three musical acts performed during the event. The Wonton Soups, from Lehigh Valley, kicked things off with their hybrid of ska/funk/pop/punk/shanty/swing. The Midnite Sages, a Jersey foursome, performed next, dedicating their self-penned ode to the star of the day “Pork Roll,” a blues-y tune with the catchy refrain – “Pork roll (egg and cheese), it will satisfy your soul.” Closing out the musical line-up was Lucky 7, recognized as a premier funk band from the Lehigh Valley, dancers were up and movin’ and groovin’ to the crazy beat.

Between the bands and speakers, attendees relished visits to the dunk tank to try and drop a quartet local luminaries into the frigid water. Up first was Mark Valli of Norwescap, followed by Phillipsburg Mayor Todd Tersigni, and Councilmen Lee Clark and Keith Kennedy.

There was also a well-stocked Norwescap information table, a Nerf target game with prizes, and a Pork Roll Palooza Selfie frame with props inside Shappell Park. Lining Sitgreaves Street was an eclectic array of food and vendors, as well as a kids’ games and craft area run by Phillipsburg High School Key Club.

Everyone was smiling as Slice, the strolling slab of pork roll, and the Pink Pig, the convivial porker handing out plastic pig snouts, greeted the street fair revelers, young and old.

Food vendors included We Squeeze to Please, Steele Hill Bulldogs Youth Organization, Nathan’s Hotdogs, Tia B Side Street Tacos, Invertase Brewing Company, Kona Ice, and Desserts By Robin.

Non-food vendors included Blooming Cottage, Curly Crafty Mama, Monstrous World, Karen Kingfield custom blankets and knitted apparel, Naturally Healing CBD, Kayla’s Metaphysical Gifts, Lee Services, and Paparazzi Jewelry.

Look for the return of Pork Roll Palooza in October 2023!