RIVER VALE… WE’RE ABOUT TO GET A LITTLE SPICY. 🌶️🔥

Do you have a chili recipe that people won’t stop talking about?

The kind where someone takes one bite and immediately asks, “Okay… what’s in this?” 👀

Well, now’s your chance to put that recipe to the test!

The 6th Annual River Vale Day Chili Cook-Off is coming up, and we’re looking for the best chili makers in town to bring their A-game, their secret ingredients, and their biggest pot.

And the best part?

IT’S FREE TO ENTER!

Registration Required

📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
📌 River Vale Day
⏰ Registration deadline: October 2, 2026

So dust off Grandma’s recipe.
Break out your secret spice blend.
Add that one mysterious ingredient you refuse to tell anyone about. 😂

Whatever your chili strategy is… we want to taste it.

REGISTER HERE!

Rules & Regulations:
-Any River Vale resident is able to enter- Adults and Kids (We would love to see some junior chefs!)

- Must enter by end of day on 10/2 by filing out this google form.

-Bring hot chili in a covered pot (to keep it warm) with ingredient listing from 11am-12pm to the Managers Table at River Vale Day. There will be a designated 15 minute spot in the Holdrum parking lot for chili drop off.
-You will receive an email with an entry # which you will also put on your pot so you are anonymous for the judges.
-Winners will be announced at about 1:30pm- 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded.
-While we would love to sample, it is not allowed due to regulations with the health department, but it's yours to serve at home as you wish! Pots/Containers need to be picked up from the Manager’s Table by 2pm.

YOUR THURSDAY PLANS JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN. 🍎🌽🍁
Fall has officially entered the chat. 🍂
The leaves are changing, the air is getting a little crisp, and the River Vale Farmers Market is bringing all the good stuff to your Thursday afternoon.
Fresh finds? ✔️
Favorite vendors? ✔️
New things to discover? ✔️
Dinner handled? Also ✔️
So grab your reusable bags, bring the family, and come hang out with us at the market!
________________________________________
🌱 THE FAVORITES ARE BACK!
You know them. You love them. You probably already have a few things you always buy from them. 😉
Hope Cress Farms
Clyde's Italian Ice & Ice Cream
Pickle-Licious
Dirty Good Soda
Because some market favorites simply belong at the market. ❤️
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👋 AND WE'VE GOT NEW FRIENDS!
Come check out some of the vendors joining us:
Hoffman Bread
Clean & Thrive
Red Lily Baking
Gypsy Bazaar
201 Sauce
Cozy Tea Loft
Humble Harvest
Spectrum for Living
Translation: you may want to leave a little extra room in those shopping bags. 😂
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🍴 COME HUNGRY. WE'VE GOT DINNER COVERED.
No need to spend your Thursday afternoon wondering what everyone wants for dinner.
Empanada Lady and Cousin's Maine Lobster will be bringing the good stuff!
Come hungry.
Leave happy.
Dinner conversation: handled. 😉
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🎶 SHOP, SNACK & STAY FOR THE MUSIC
We're also bringing some live music to the market!
Mike Brocato will be performing from 3–6 PM, so grab something delicious, find a spot to relax, and enjoy some music while you shop.
Honestly, we can't think of a better way to spend a Thursday afternoon.
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🏆 WE'RE STILL CELEBRATING!
And in case you missed it…
The River Vale Farmers Market is a 2025 Bergen's Best Readers' Choice Winner! 🏆
Apparently, you guys like us.
We like you too. 😉
Thank you for continuing to show up, shop local, support our vendors, and make this market such a special part of the River Vale community.
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🍁 SEE YOU THURSDAY!
Thursday, October 1, 2026
1:00–6:00 PM
📍 406 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675
Rain or Shine!
Bring your reusable bags, your appetite, your friends, and maybe a little extra room in the car.
Come for your favorites. Discover something new. Grab some dinner. Stay for the music.

Most importantly…
Come be part of the community. ❤️
See you Thursday at the River Vale Farmers Market! 🌽🍎🍂

🎶 Your River Vale Day Schedule Is Here!
Sunday, October 4 • 12–4 PM
Mark Lane Athletic Complex

It’s almost here — River Vale Day! 🎪🎶🍔🎈

Our town’s favorite day of the year is just around the corner, and we’ve got four hours packed with things to see, do, eat, ride, cheer for and enjoy together.
Whether you’re coming for the rides, the food, the music, the vendors, the giveaways, the inflatable fun, the community groups — or just because it’s a great day to be a River Vale neighbor — there’s something waiting for you!
And if you like a little schedule with your celebration, check out the attachment to learn about all the special things happening throughout the day!

⭐ YOUR RIVER VALE DAY TIMELINE includes:
🎺 Event Opener with Pascack Valley Panthers Band
🎶 Kover Up! Cover Band - Sponsored by the River Vale Public Library & Friends of the River Vale Library
🏆 River Vale Day Sponsor Thank-Yous
🌶️ Chili Contest & Winner Announcements
🐐 The Return of the Goat Award — will you be competing for the GOAT (Greatest of all Trunks) at the Ragamuffin & Trunk or Treat 2026?
📣 Catch the River Vale Raiders Cheer Squad showing off their skills on the turf!
👀 Look up! Our stilt walker is making an appearance!
🥋 DP Martial Arts demonstration
🤖 PV Pi-Oneer Robot Demo
All weather permitting.
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🎪 AND THAT'S JUST THE SCHEDULED STUFF!
All of this is happening in addition to the rides, inflatables, food, vendors, giveaways, nonprofits, local businesses, decorations and all of the people who come together to make River Vale Day what it is.
Basically… if you’re looking for a reason to come celebrate your town, we’ve got about a hundred of them. ❤️💙
Bring the kids. Bring the grandparents. Bring your neighbors. Bring your appetite. Bring your River Vale pride.

☔ A QUICK WEATHER & PARKING NOTE
As always, all activities are weather-dependent and subject to change for safety. We’ll do our best to keep the fun going, but Mother Nature gets a vote!
🚗 Need parking? Extra River Vale Day parking is available at Stonybrook Swim Club.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT HOLIDAY FARMS OR IN THE EDGEWOOD COMMUNITY.
We want to be good neighbors and keep those areas accessible for the residents who live there.
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🎉 SEE YOU SUNDAY!
River Vale Day 2026
📅 Sunday, October 4
⏰ 12–4 PM
📍 Mark Lane Sports Complex
Rain or shine!
❤️💙
LET’S CELEBRATE! 🎈

A Heartfelt Thank You As We Prepare for River Vale Day on Sunday:

River Vale Day is one of those days when you can actually feel what makes a community a community.
It’s the music playing, kids running from one activity to the next, neighbors stopping to say hello, families discovering a new local business, a nonprofit sharing what they do, someone trying a new food, a little friendly competition, a lot of laughter — and thousands of small moments that add up to one very special day.
But none of that happens by itself.

It happens because people and organizations throughout our community choose to make it happen.

And today, we want to say a very heartfelt THANK YOU to the businesses, organizations, nonprofits, community groups and sponsors who have invested their time, energy, creativity and resources into our celebration of River Vale Day 2026.

⭐ To every organization participating in River Vale Day...
When you sign up to be part of this event, you aren't simply showing up with a table.
You take on a project.
You plan.
You organize.
You purchase supplies.
You create activities.
You prepare giveaways.
You coordinate people.
You staff your booth.
You spend your own time and resources making something fun, interesting or meaningful for our residents.
Every single participating organization contributes to the experience of River Vale Day.
And that is something we never take for granted.

💙 And to our Sponsors — thank you for going even further.
Our sponsors have stepped up with additional support — through cash contributions, products, services and other resources — that help make so much of River Vale Day possible.
That support helps create the magic of the day.
It represents an investment in community.
That kind of community doesn't happen automatically.
It is built by people who care enough to participate.
And you did.
From the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU.
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🌟 THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS
Township of River Vale
River Vale Free Public Library
The Friends of the River Vale Library
River Vale Farmer's Market
Balloon Chica

GOLD SPONSORS
Align Orthodontics
Dart Computer Systems
River Vale Education Association

SILVER SPONSORS
River Vale Orthodontics
Storks & Co.
Wellness for Life
Camp Ramaquois
All-Star Swag (chili contest prize)
The 201 Sauce Company (chili contest prize)
Bear Brook Dental Care
7-Eleven
Steelhaus Cycle
Brightview Senior Living – Joy's Farm
ShopRite / Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. (chili contest prize)
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River Vale residents are invited to a FREE 4-session Memory Training course designed to help you better understand how memory works and learn practical, evidence-based strategies for common memory concerns.

During the course, participants will learn memory-enhancing techniques that can be applied in everyday life.

Dates: Thursdays — October 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2026
Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Location: Hillsdale Community Center, 137 Patterson St., Hillsdale, NJ 07640
Cost: FREE
Registration: Contact Erica Abbruzzese at 201-445-7217 or Eabbruzzese@nwbrhc.net.

Presented in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health and the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission.

Space may be limited, so be sure to register!

There is NO recycling pick up on Wednesday, September 30 this week.

The next recycling pick up (glass, aluminum, plastic and tin only) will be on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

The River Vale Recycling Center at 320 Rivervale Road is open for drop off on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm.

Please do not place recyclables in plastic bags and do not drop off garbage. More information is available here.

River Vale Day is Sunday, October 4! 🎉
There are 365 days in a year… but there is really only one that everyone in River Vale waits for…

🎉 RIVER VALE DAY 🎉
Sunday, October 4, 2026 • 12–4 PM
It’s our biggest celebration of the year, our favorite day of the year, and one giant excuse for the whole community to come together and have some fun.

Think music, games, local vendors, food, activities, entertainment, and plenty of reasons for kids (and kids-at-heart) to stay awhile. From rock climbing and bouncy houses to the mechanical bull, mini golf, performances, robotics, dancing, cheering and more — River Vale Day is packed with the kind of fun you can’t fit into any old ordinary Sunday.

Yes… there will be ice cream 🍦
And food trucks.
And a Chili Contest. 🌶️DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER by OCT. 2!!
And live music. 🎶
And all the familiar faces that make River Vale feel like home. ❤️

So before calendars start filling up with soccer, school events, Sunday errands and everything else October throws at us…

SAVE THE DATE!!!!
📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
⏰ 12–4 PM

River Vale Day.
The biggest celebration in town.
Everyone’s favorite day.
We’ll share more details as we get closer — but for now, just put it on the calendar and tell the family.
We’ll see you there! 🎈

River Vale pet owners, are you unable to attend the River Vale Rabies Vaccination Clinic on November 14?

Protect your pets by attending any of these free local Rabies Clinics this Fall, presented by the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission.

NEW DATE - After careful consideration monitoring the weekend weather forecast, Bergen 250 has made the unfortunate decision to postpone the Baylor Massacre Remembrance Commemoration Ceremony scheduled for this Sunday on September 27th.

The ceremony has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 11th at 1:30pm at the Baylor Massacre Burial Site in River Vale.

All are encouraged to attend!

Dear River Vale Residents,

I hope you had a wonderful summer.

If you haven’t been to the Mark Lane Athletic Complex off of Piermont Avenue lately, I encourage you to check out the new outdoor exercise park adjacent to the hut on north side of the complex. We are grateful that the Mark Lane Fitness Zone was made possible with grant funding from Bergen County Open Space, State of NJ Recreation and Municipal Open Space.

Designed to promote health, wellness, and community connection, the park features a variety of durable fitness equipment, which is free to use, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are looking to build strength, improve your balance, or simply enjoy a workout in the fresh air, this space has something for everyone!

On your recent visits to our Farmers Market, you may have noticed construction on the tennis courts next to Town Hall. We are pleased to have been able to resurface them with additional grant funding. They are now complete and ready for our tennis-playing residents to play! The resurfacing of the Mark Lane turf field is scheduled for later this Fall as well, so stay tuned for updates.

In addition to the improved courts, I hope you enjoy this great new exercise space to stay active, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of exercising in beautiful outdoor River Vale!

Best Regards,
Mark Bromberg, Mayor

If you requested to vote by mail in the November 2026 General Election, ballots have been mailed! Be sure to return at a dropbox (there is one in front of River Vale Town Hall) or mail asap.

www.bergencountyvotes.com
www.vote.nj.gov

Registration is now open for the 2026 River Vale Turkey Trot Charity 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Fitness with Friends and Run 4 The Love!

Last year was a huge success- proceeds were donated to the Helping Hand Food Pantry to help our community!

Prizes for top runners, free tee shirts, music, food and community engagement!

Whether you want to run, walk or cheer on friends or family, we hope to see you there!

Sign up now:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/RiverVale/RiverValeTurkeyTrotFamily5KRunWalkForCharity

Registration for the 2027 season of Pascack Valley Junior Wrestling is now OPEN!
This K–8 Youth Wrestling Program for residents of River Vale and Hillsdale focuses on learning the basics, building confidence, and having fun on the mat!

Register here - https://pascackvalleywrestling.sportngin.com/register/form/053021121

Please email pascackvalleywrestling@gmail.com for more information or questions.

BERGEN250 RESUMES REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUNDTABLE SERIES WITH DIVE INTO TWO NOTABLE FIGURES AND THEIR IMPACT ON BERGEN COUNTY

Learn More about John Fell, Patriot and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and William Franklin, Last Colonial Governor of New Jersey

HACKENSACK, NJ – Bergen250, the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, and the County of Bergen invite the public and media to attend the first lecture of the fall 2026 American Revolutionary War Roundtable Series on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00 PM at the Bergen County Administration Building’s 1st Floor Multipurpose Room, 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ.

William Franklin, illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, was the last royal governor of New Jersey. John Fell led the local opposition to the British during that time. Although their paths probably never crossed, their dual lives provide a unique look at New Jersey in Revolutionary times.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, noted local author, Jim Wright of Allendale, will talk about these two exceptional men – and their legacies in Northwest Bergen County.

For those unable to attend in person, the lecture will be recorded and published on the County of Bergen’s official YouTube channel following the event.

Fall 2026 Lineup (7pm at the One Bergen County Plaza Multipurpose Room):
September 9th: “The Turncoat & The Patriot” Presented by Jim Wright
October 14th: “The Baylor Massacre” Presented by Edmund Moderacki
November 10th: “George Rogers Clark & The Revolutionary War in the West. The Siege of Fort Vicennes, February 23-25, 1779” Presented by Pat Schuber
December 9th: “Pillage, Plunder, and Arson in 1780 in Bergen County: Material Culture of the Inhabitants” Presented by Peggy Norris

About Bergen250
Bergen250 is Bergen County’s initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, highlighting the county’s critical role in the nation’s founding and engaging the public through lectures, events, and community programming. For more information, visit www.Bergen250.com.

🌶️ BRING THE HEAT TO RIVER VALE DAY! 🌶️

Get ready for one of the tastiest traditions of River Vale Day — the 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off!

Think your chili has what it takes to impress the judges? Bring your best recipe and compete for bragging rights and prizes! Or simply come hungry and enjoy a delicious day of chili, community, and fun with family, friends, and neighbors.

🏆 PRIZES
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place entries!

🌶️ FREE TO ENTER
Registration is required, so don’t wait!
📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
📌 River Vale Day
⏰ Registration deadline: October 2, 2026

Ready to compete?
Scan the QR code on the flyer or check our webpage https://www.rivervalenj.org/page/river-vale-day for details and to REGISTER !

For more information, contact:
events@rivervalenj.org

Grab your favorite recipe, bring the heat, and be part of this delicious River Vale Day tradition!

🌶️ We can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up! 🏆

🏠 REMINDER: RIVER VALE 2027 REASSESSMENT IS UNDERWAY

River Vale residents are reminded that the Township’s 2027 property reassessment is currently underway.

Appraisal Systems, Inc. (ASI), contracted by the Township, is conducting inspections throughout River Vale, including exterior measurements/photos and required interior inspections.

A few important reminders:
🔹 ASI inspectors will carry photo identification and their names are registered with the River Vale Police Department and Township Clerk’s Office.
🔹 If you are not home for the initial visit, you will receive information about arranging a return visit for the interior inspection.
🔹 Video conference/contactless interior inspections are available upon request.
🔹 New 2027 property values will be based on estimated market value as of October 1, 2026.
🔹 Property owners will receive their proposed assessed values by mail and will have an opportunity to question or contest those values.

📞 Questions about the inspection or valuation process?
Contact Appraisal Systems, Inc. at 201-493-8530.

Additional information: www.asinj.com → “Current revaluation information” → River Vale.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Save the Date: River Vale Day is Back! 🎉
There are 365 days in a year… but there is really only one that everyone in River Vale waits for…

🎉 RIVER VALE DAY 🎉
Sunday, October 4, 2026 • 12–4 PM
It’s our biggest celebration of the year, our favorite day of the year, and one giant excuse for the whole community to come together and have some fun.

Think music, games, local vendors, food, activities, entertainment, and plenty of reasons for kids (and kids-at-heart) to stay awhile. From rock climbing and bouncy houses to the mechanical bull, mini golf, performances, robotics, dancing, cheering and more — River Vale Day is packed with the kind of fun you can’t fit into any old ordinary Sunday.
Yes… there will be ice cream 🍦
And food trucks.
And a Chili Contest. 🌶️
And live music. 🎶
And all the familiar faces that make River Vale feel like home. ❤️

So before calendars start filling up with soccer, school events, Sunday errands and everything else October throws at us…

SAVE THE DATE!!!!
📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
⏰ 12–4 PM

River Vale Day.
The biggest celebration in town.
Everyone’s favorite day.
We’ll share more details as we get closer — but for now, just put it on the calendar and tell the family.
We’ll see you there! 🎈

🎉 Now Just $30! Celebrate River Vale & America's 250th Anniversary with Our Commemorative Travel Tote! 🇺🇸👜

The River Vale Social & Cultural Affairs Committee has reduced the price of our limited-edition River Vale Travel Tote from $40 to just $30!

This beautifully crafted tote commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the United States while celebrating the pride and spirit of our River Vale community. Whether you're heading to the beach, traveling, shopping, attending sporting events, or running everyday errands, this durable canvas tote is the perfect companion.

River Vale Commemorative Travel Tote
👜 Now only $30 each (previously $40!)
💵 Check or cash accepted (exact change please)
📍 Available exclusively at River Vale Town Hall
⏳ Limited quantities available while supplies last

Tote Features
• Premium 24 oz. cotton canvas
• Dual 26-inch handles for comfortable carrying
• Zippered main compartment
• Convenient front slip pocket
• Size: 14" H × 23" W × 6½" D

Every purchase helps support River Vale Social & Cultural Affairs events and community programming, making this tote more than just a great bag—it's an investment in our community.

Stop by River Vale Town Hall (406 Rivervale Rd.) to purchase yours today!

Town Hall Summer Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Don't wait—once they're gone, they're gone! Grab this commemorative keepsake at its new lower price and show your River Vale pride wherever you go! 🇺🇸✨