WEST ORANGE, NJ - Washington Elementary School hosted the latest "Downtown Thursday" event on July 29, which featured a variety of family-friendly events and a new dedication marker recognizing the old trolley system that once connected the township.

Downtown West Orange Director Megan Brill and her team worked hard to put together the event, held on the lawn of Washington School. The location worked perfectly to allow for games sponsored by the West Orange Public Library, cupcake-making with Leilo's Sweet Shop, face-painting with Miss Letty, crafts with Bifrost studio, a West Orange Senior Citizen information booth, and more.

The Light Bulb Coffee Shop and La Celeste Bakery had new items  for sale. Select Towing, the West Orange Fire Department, and the West Orange Police Department held a "touch-a- truck station" for children to enjoy. 

Township Historian and Public Information Officer Joe Fagan explained the genesis of the ninth and newest marker along the West Orange corridor, which was installed at the exact location where the first electric trolley arrived in 1892. Schneider's Hardware parking lot now marks the spot. (Read more about the trolley and marker HERE.)

The final Downtown Thursdays event will be held Aug. 11 from 5-8  pm  at Eagle Rock and Mississippi Avenues in the Lourdes section and will feature a jazz band and walking tour. 

Go HERE to see photos from Downtown Thursday at Washington School and go to the App Store to download the Dowtown West Orange app to stay apprised of all things West Orange. 

WOFD Bruce D'Amato and WOPD Justin Davis.

Trolley marker dedication: Roger Schneider, Council President Susan McCartney, Asmeret Ghebremicael, Joe Fagan, Joe McCartney, Mayor Rob Parisi, Councilperson Tammy Williams.