“More than a celebration.”
That’s how Jason Michelini, chair of the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation’s Gala Committee, describes the upcoming MainStreet Gala taking place this April. According to Michelini, the event is also an investment in the future of Downtown Hammonton.
“Every dollar raised helps strengthen our small businesses, support community driven events, and preserve the unique character that makes our downtown thrive,” he said.
The Hammonton Revitalization Corporation (HRC) invites the community to join them “for an unforgettable evening” at the elegant Eastlyn Golf Course and Greenview Inn, located at 4049 Italia Avenue in Vineland.
Guests will enjoy an open bar, a refined three-course dining experience, a captivating silent auction, lively dancing, and more, all while celebrating more than four decades of revitalization efforts that have helped transform Downtown Hammonton.
This year marks the third annual MainStreet Gala. Last year’s event featured a large and popular silent auction, with items including a Burt Reynolds-signed license plate, trips to various destinations, a bourbon basket, and a Downtown Hammonton basket filled with goodies and gift cards from local businesses.
The evening also included a 360-degree photo booth and a packed dance floor, making it a memorable celebration for all who attended.
“It was an incredible reminder of how much this community cares about Downtown Hammonton,” Ty Wilson, executive director of MainStreet Hammonton, said, reflecting on the strong community turnout. “When you walk into a room filled with people who believe in this town and want to see it continue to grow, it is both inspiring and motivating.
“That energy and support is what allows us to keep building on our momentum year after year.”
Building on that success, MainStreet Hammonton plans to introduce several new experiences at this year’s Gala, including a cigar bar and additional surprises to be announced in the coming months.
Funds raised from the event directly support the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation’s MainStreet Program, which is dedicated to strengthening Downtown Hammonton through economic development, historic preservation, and community engagement initiatives. Proceeds from the Gala help fund programs that support local businesses, beautification projects, and the many community events that make the downtown a vibrant and welcoming place.
The MainStreet Gala will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on April 18. RSVPs are requested by Tuesday, March 31. For sponsorship opportunities, visit downtownhammonton.com/2026galasponsors. Tickets can be purchased at downtownhammonton.com/2026galatickets.
In addition to the MainStreet Gala, several notable community events are on the horizon.
The Easter Eggstravaganza will return on April 18. As Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel explained in a video on the township’s website last year, “This is one of the events we do bringing in a multitude of different community organizations to help give back to the children of our community.”
“We have Easter giveaways, we have candy, we have prizes, we have fun events, there’s a DJ and of course the thing you expect the Easter Bunny is here,” he said.
Residents can also look forward to The Great Egg Drop at Toy Market.
Another popular event, Antique Week, debuted last year and will return this March 24-29. Downtown Hammonton is home to a wide array of antique shops, and last year’s event highlighted Antique Market Place, Antiques Trading Post, Bernie’s Antiques & Artifacts, Elemental Vintique, Jersey Video Games, and Shoppes on Bellevue.
The Hammonton Revitalization Corporation was formed in 1984 as a committee of the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce with the mission of revitalizing and strengthening Downtown Hammonton’s economy. In 1993, the organization achieved official recognition as a MainStreet America community through the MainStreet New Jersey program.
To stay up to date on events and initiatives, follow the HRC on Facebook and Instagram @downtown.hammonton or visit www.downtownhammonton.com. Through the website, residents can also sign up for the organization’s monthly e-newsletter to receive updates on everything happening in Downtown Hammonton.
