Hello 08108! Who is ready for summer?! I sure am! So excited for those relaxing pool days, trips to the beach, and barbecues! Tan lines anyone? I am also excited for you to check out our Summer edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Collingswood.
We start our issue with the annual String Band Parade. What a sight on Haddon Avenue on the first Sunday of May. The Serenade to Camden County, sponsored by the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Haddon Township, offered an entertaining day filled with music, food, vendors, and games for the entire family. The parade started three years ago and serves as a fundraiser for the string bands to raise money for their annual New Year’s Day parade. “We all grew up watching the Mummers perform on New Year’s Day, and it’s nice to see them live and in person in your community,” Haddon Township Mayor Randall Teague said. Come for a Mummers strut on page 9.
Next we go on stage with Finley Jenne. Finley started talking at 9 months old and that was it. “…I always wanted to sing at every family party. I wanted everybody’s eyes on me,” they said. Finley has “essentially don’t it all” as part of Collingswood Youth Theatre, Collingswood Middle School and Collingswood High School theater. As well as Odyssey of the Mind, choir and so much more. Learn about Finley and all that they does on page 13.
Holy Cannoli!: Your ‘go-to-sweet spot’ is next. In June 2024, the owners expanded their popular South Philadelphia café by launching a sister location—Holy Cannoli! Cannoli Bar and Gelateria—at 31 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township. Craving sweet, Italian-inspired treats? Their menu offers a variety of mouthwatering treats including donut holes filled with cannoli cream (“cannoli holeys”), dannolis, cookie sandwiches with cannoli filling, and even waffles stuffed with their signature cream. “Our recipe contains the highest quality ricotta cheese we could source,” co-owner Kristine DeCrosta said. Follow your cravings to page 16.
We round our issue with Victor Santucci: A Real-Life Dr. Doolittle. Santucci’s hands-on approach and extensive knowledge make his Garden State Pet Center a trusted destination for all things related to pet wellness and companionship. The business has received recent awards from two top sources — Excellence in Holistic Pet Nutrition in March 2025 by Stellar Business, and Top Holistic Pet Store 2025 by Insider Weekly. “I was beyond thrilled because we make it a mission to educate our pet parents every single day,” Santucci explains. Find out more on page 20.
Also check out our Expert Contributor articles – “The Real Estate War That Might Impact Your Home Sale” on page 6 and “Creating Your Forever Home: How Thoughtful Remodeling Meets You at Every Stage” on page 26. And don’t forget Keeping up with Collingswood on page 30 for future community events and hear what your neighbors have to say, Milkshakes or Smoothies? on page 2. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
