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☀️ Summer Arrives, State Hockey Champs & Meet Daisy Lee - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
☀️ Summer Arrives, State Hockey Champs & Meet Daisy Lee - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
☀️ Summer Arrives, State Hockey Champs & Meet Daisy Lee - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
Mid-80s hit Thursday, the Farmers Market opens June 13, United Hockey repeats as state champs, and a lovebug named Daisy Lee is waiting for you.
Randy Booth
Jun 2, 2026
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THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: June 3, 2026
In this issue:
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Trivia Question❓The Sussex County Farmers and Crafters Market at the Fairgrounds is opening for its 2026 season this month. At which well-known Sussex County location does the market take place, and approximately what time of year does it traditionally open each season?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings |
Sussex County YMCA Raises Nearly $47K at Annual Golf Outing The Sussex County YMCA brought in $46,594 at its 24th annual golf outing at Ballyowen Golf Club on May 20, supporting financial assistance programs for local families and memberships. One hundred golfers turned out for the event, which benefits the YMCA's Annual Support Campaign - the fund that ensures cost is never a barrier for families who need access to programs and services. A strong showing for a cause that touches a lot of lives in our region.
SCCC and Warren County College Launch New Transfer Pathways Sussex County Community College and Warren County Community College have announced a new partnership creating streamlined transfer pathways between the two institutions. The agreement is designed to make it easier for students at either college to transfer credits and continue toward their degrees - a practical win for Sussex County students looking to advance their education without starting over.
Sussex County Farmers and Crafters Market Opens June 13 Mark your calendars - the Sussex County Farmers and Crafters Market at the Fairgrounds opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market continues on the second and fourth Saturdays through October, offering locally grown produce, handmade goods, and a genuine taste of what makes Sussex County special. A great reason to get outside on a summer Saturday.
MalFUNKtion Band Hits the Sparta Pour House This Friday If you're looking for a great reason to get out Friday night, the MalFUNKtion Band brings their horn-driven cover show to the Sparta Pour House at 43 Center St. on June 5. If you've never seen a full horn section tear through a night of funky covers in a small venue, this is the kind of Friday night that reminds you why you live in a town with a real music scene.
Court Upholds Sparta Zoning to Protect Route 15 Cornfield A court has upheld Sparta Township's zoning ordinance protecting a Route 15 cornfield from a proposed housing development. The ruling backs Ordinance 25-06, which restricted the parcel to agriculture and outdoor recreation use only. Residents who pushed back against the development cited concerns about congestion, drinking water protection, and preserving Sparta's rural character. The court agreed. A meaningful win for the township's long-term land use vision. https://patch.com/new-jersey/sparta-nj
Sparta Special Olympics Spring Vendor and Craft Fair Coming Up The Sparta Special Olympics is hosting a Spring 2026 Vendor and Craft Fair at Sparta High School, 70 W. Mountain Road. It's a great opportunity to shop local, support Sparta's Special Olympics athletes, and spend time in the community. Check the Sparta Special Olympics social pages for exact dates and times. https://patch.com/new-jersey/sparta-nj
United Ice Hockey Repeats as NJSIAA Public Co-Op State Champions Sparta High School skaters helped power the United co-op hockey team to a second straight NJSIAA Public Co-Op state championship at the Prudential Center. Junior Braydon Sisco led the way with a hat trick in a 5-1 win over North Hunterdon, capping a 16-7-2 season. The roster blends talent from Sparta, Kinnelon, and Jefferson - and the title stays right here in the area for another year. Congratulations to our Spartans on the ice. |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
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Quote Of The Day |
"Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something." - Regina Brett |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
The Iron Anchor Capital of America - Right Here in Sussex County
Before Lake Mohawk, before the iron mines, before Thomas Edison ever set foot on Sparta Mountain - Sussex County had already made its mark on American history in an unexpected way. For decades in the 18th and early 19th centuries, this corner of New Jersey was the anchor-forging capital of the United States.
The Andover Iron Works, established in Sussex County in the 1750s, became one of the most productive iron furnaces in colonial America. During the Revolutionary War, the forge played a vital role supplying the Continental Army with iron goods - including anchors for the fledgling American naval fleet. The ore came from the rich deposits beneath the Sussex County hills, and the forests surrounding the forge provided the enormous quantities of charcoal needed to fire the furnaces.
At its peak, the operation was a marvel of early American industry. Wagon teams hauled finished iron goods from the remote forge to markets in New York and Philadelphia. The anchor trade in particular thrived because Sussex County iron had a reputation for exceptional quality - strong enough to hold ships in place in the roughest Atlantic waters. Long after the forge itself fell quiet, the legacy of that industrial era lived on in place names, old foundations, and the deep-rooted pride of a county that helped build a nation.
Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Sussex_County,_New_Jersey https://www.spartanj.org |
Our Local Weather |
Sparta, NJ - Week of June 3, 2026 Summer is arriving right on cue. The week opens mild and comfortable Tuesday, then builds through Wednesday and Thursday into the low-to-mid 80s by the weekend. No major rain in sight - just a classic early June warm-up that makes you want to be outside.
Day: Tuesday Date: June 2, 2026 High: 73°F Low: 52°F Description: 🌤️ Mild and mostly sunny - a beautiful Tuesday
Day: Wednesday Date: June 3, 2026 High: 80°F Low: 56°F Description: ☀️ Warm and sunny - summer knocking on the door
Day: Thursday Date: June 4, 2026 High: 85°F Low: 60°F Description: ☀️ Hot and sunny - break out the shorts
Day: Friday Date: June 5, 2026 High: 86°F Low: 62°F Description: ☀️ Sunny and warm - perfect Friday to head outside
Day: Saturday Date: June 6, 2026 High: 84°F Low: 60°F Description: 🌤️ Warm and partly cloudy - great weekend weather
Day: Sunday Date: June 7, 2026 High: 80°F Low: 58°F Description: 🌤️ Comfortable and warm - enjoy every minute
Day: Monday Date: June 8, 2026 High: 78°F Low: 56°F Description: 🌤️ Seasonably warm to start the new week |
Support Our Local Sponsor |
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Indulge in a Culinary Experience
Whether you're planning a wedding, shower, milestone celebration, or in‑office luncheon, Amy - the creative force behind The Hungry Hearth - brings warmth, flavor, and unforgettable hospitality to every event. Her custom catering menus are crafted with the freshest locally sourced ingredients and tailored to your vision, making each gathering feel personal, delicious, and beautifully memorable.
From elegant bridal showers to cozy baby showers, from Communion and confirmation parties to polished corporate luncheons, Amy transforms your occasion into a feast worth celebrating. Every dish is infused with heart, comfort, and the signature homemade touch her clients can’t stop raving about.
And for busy families, Amy still delivers her beloved dinner‑delivery magic every Tuesday and Thursday - offering generous family‑style meals, individual portions, and irresistible add‑ons that make weeknights effortless.
Let The Hungry Hearth elevate your next event with food that feels like home and tastes extraordinary.
Contact Amy today! Email:thehungryhearth@gmail.com |
Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
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🐾 Meet Daisy Lee - Your New Fur-ever Friend!
Adopt Daisy Lee Today! 🐾 🧡
Breed: Collie - Cattle Dog Mix Age: About 3 years young Female 🏥 Health: Spayed, Vaccinated, Microchipped 💉 Temperament: Loving, adventurous, great with people and dogs
Daisy Lee came to Father John's Animal Haven all the way from Virginia, and from the moment she arrived it was clear this girl has a lot of love to give. She's about 3 years old, a healthy 55 pounds, and carries herself with the kind of easy confidence that tells you she's been well loved before and is ready to be loved again.
The staff describe her simply as a lovebug who also happens to love adventures. She lights up meeting new people, gets along beautifully with other dogs, and has the kind of energy that makes a house feel full and alive in the best possible way. She's not bouncing off the walls - she's just genuinely happy to be wherever you are.
With summer arriving this week, picture Daisy Lee on a trail, on a dock, in the backyard, or tucked beside you on the porch as the evening cools down. She'll be happy in any of those places, as long as you're there too. She's the dog that makes every errand feel like an adventure and every quiet evening feel a little warmer.
She deserves a warm home to spend every one of those days feeling loved.
👉 Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt
50 Father John’s Lane
Father John's Animal House is a no-kill, 501(c)(3) shelter supported entirely by donations. Every animal is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. |
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Our Local Events |
Sparta Elks Lodge Hosts Prom |
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On May 21st, Sparta Elks Lodge #2356 on the Boardwalk of Lake Mohawk, hosted prom for Sparta Unified Sports and Sparta Special Olympics. |
Please help support our local events: |
Tuesday, June 2 🍼 Toddler Tuesday 1:15 PM | 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ An immersive class blending art, music, and storytelling for toddlers and their grownups. A wonderful Tuesday afternoon outing.
Thursday, June 4 ⚔️ Knights of Columbus Council 588 - 125th Anniversary Gala 5:00 PM | The Barn at Perona Farms, 350 Andover-Sparta Rd, Andover Township NJ A milestone evening celebrating 125 years of one of Sussex County's most storied civic organizations. Cocktail hour 5-6 PM, dinner and awards 6-9 PM.
Friday, June 5 🎸 MalFUNKtion Band at Sparta Pour House Evening | Sparta Pour House, 43 Center St, Sparta NJ Horn-driven funk and cover tunes at one of Sparta's favorite local spots. A great way to kick off the weekend.
Saturday, June 6 🎯 Sparta Special Olympics Spring Vendor and Craft Fair 10:00 AM | Sparta High School, 70 W Mountain Rd, Sparta NJ Shop local vendors and crafters while supporting Sparta's Special Olympics athletes. A feel-good Saturday morning in the community.
🏖️ Saturdays at the Library: Art Cart 11:00 AM | Sparta Public Library, 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta NJ Drop-in art activities for all ages at the library every Saturday.
Sunday, June 7 💃 Special Chance to Dance 3:00 PM | Sparta High School, Sparta NJ A wonderful performance showcase from the Performing Arts Special Chance to Dance program. |
Our Local Contacts |
EMERGENCY SERVICES |
Emergency - Police, Fire & Ambulance Call |
UTILITIES: |
Jersey Central Power & Light Sparta Water & Sewer Utility |
TOWNSHIP OFFICES |
Township Manager's Office Township Clerk Planning & Zoning Building Department Tax Collector Recreation Department Public Works |
COMMUNITY RESOURCES |
Sparta Public Library Chamber of Commerce Board of Education Sparta High School Department of Public Works |
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES |
Sparta Township Health & Senior Services |
Answer to Trivia Question |
Question: The Sussex County Farmers and Crafters Market at the Fairgrounds is opening for its 2026 season this month. At which well-known Sussex County location does the market take place, and approximately what time of year does it traditionally open each season?
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How To Contact Us |
Newsletter Advertisements and Sponsorships Available! Contact Sparta Spotlight: Call or Text: (570) 856-8163 |
Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event details, business updates, and local news. However, plans can change! Please confirm with organizers or official sources before attending. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to keep our community informed and connected. |