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Pork Roll Palooza Put the “P” in Phillipsburg

Pork Roll Palooza Puts the “P” in Phillipsburg

Not just a ‘Jersey Thing’ as travelers from Virginia and New Hampshire came to “P”-burg’s Pork Roll Palooza!

Norwescap proudly hosted our 5th Annual Pork Roll Palooza, in partnership with the Phillipsburg Downtown Association, on Saturday, October 8th at Shappell Park and the surrounding streets. 

Right here in the heart of downtown Phillipsburg, where the heart of Norwescap resides along with our headquarter office and a bulk of our programs, many gathered over the course of the day to enjoy all things Pork Roll…and then some! 
 
Whether you call it Taylor Ham or you call it Pork Roll — Never call me late for this classic New Jersey treat – smothered with gooey, oozy cheese and an egg on a roll – and no one was late! Eating this tasty treat went beyond the traditional hard rolls and bagels, crossing over to ‘Pork Roll Sliders’ and ‘Pork Roll Tacos’! (Note: no one called it a Taylor Ham Taco, for those few fans who continue the resistance.) 

Complemented by unique brews from Invertase Brewing Company, Phillipsburg’s only local brewery, 2-thousand-plus guests came out to take part in this tribute event to New Jersey’s Favorite Meat, voted by “Jersey’s Best,” an online magazine, who clearly undewrstand why pork roll is the greatest meat. It’s the key ingredient in a NJ breakfast sandwich, and who doesn’t love breakfast? It’s the perfect blend of salty, savory, and crispy goodness – definitely a breakfast for Jersey champions. Therefore, pork roll is New Jersey’s cereal! 

The lines were long, bellies were full, and pets, kids and people of all ages gathered to sample much of the vendors specials. This family-friendly day featured over a dozen additional food vendors, local businesses, crafters and artists.  

Sponsored by many local businesses, we at Norwescap are grateful for the support and are in-love with our ‘heart of P-burg’ partnership with the Phillipsburg Downtown Association to make this fabulous street fair happen, where much of the day-to-day action of a busy business and residential community happens. Helen Zamora-Bustos, Norwescap Community Development Coordinator exclaims,  

“We are grateful to the Phillipsburg Downtown Association for its ongoing partnership and support of Pork Roll Palooza and all of our community development work throughout the Phillipsburg area. We are working together to make Phillipsburg stronger and to attract more visitors to this beautiful town on the river’s edge.” 

The Phillipsburg Downtown Association is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to benefit the public and the business community, particularly, but not solely, in and around Phillipsburg, New Jersey.  

On hand were three bands, which had people dancing from 11 AM – 5 PM. There was even a tribute performed live with the Pork Roll song. Yes, we said it, the Pork Roll Song, written and sung by the Midnite Sages. What event gets their own feature song!? Only Pork Roll Palooza! 

“From the Sizzlin’ Griddle to Your Hungry Ears, Midnite Sages served up their first single off the soon-to-be released album Ride On: A Delectably Spicy Musical Form of “Pork Roll.” 

Danielle DeGerolamo, our favorite reporter for the TAPintoPhillipsburg (Phillipsburg, NJ Local News | TAPinto ) online news, asked visitors if they were local, most were not. These Pork Roll fans traveled from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and even Virginia. Of course, we asked, what brought you to Phillipsburg for this event? Jack told us, “We can buy pork roll in Virginia, but it just tastes better cooked in New Jersey, so we drove up this morning to check it out. I’ll probably stop somewhere else to buy more for the ride home.” 

This event also had the pleasure of entertaining additional Warren County residents who traveled from Hackettstown. They heard about the event after attending the recent Railroad Festival.  They were just looking for something to do and mentioned their wish for more local events like this in the Phillipsburg NJ and Lehigh Valley area, “We love the area, and everything is always relaxing”. 

The event opened at 11:00 AM with a welcome from our very own CEO, Mark Valli and an introduction to the event MC, local businesses owner and resident Ed Bullock. 

The Wonton Soups performed, followed by dunk tank ‘Celebrity’ appearances of Mark Valli, followed by Mayor Todd M. Tersigni, Councilman Lee Clark and Councilman Keith Kennedy. Also performing throughout the day were Midnight Sages and Lucky 7 for the remainder of the day, with amazing energy. Let’s not forget the guest appearance by ‘Slice‘!   

An event like this needs a dream-team to plan it and that work has already begun for the 2023 6th Annual Pork Roll Palooza. Area business owners or companies are encouraged to become PRP vendors or sponsors, and if you’d like to Get Involved more with Norwescap, read more here: Get Involved – Norwescap