Central NJ Venue for Enthusiast Meet

This may veer close to being off topic, but I know that many of the guys here are familiar with central NJ. I'm looking for an ideal location for a BMW e9 coupe gathering next spring. We're expecting cars from as far as New Hampshire and Virginia, so accommodations are necessary. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Let me start off by saying the E9 is a wonderful vehicle; myself and many other euro groups have held events/ gatherings at Roosevelt Park in Edison, NJ. It has a tremendous amount of parking spaces too gather in. This summer we had a huge E46/E39/E38 etc. gathering totaling over 50 cars at this location. Hope this helps, map is in link.

Jeff

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=oak+drive,+Edison,+NJ+08837&ll=40.551798,-74.341607&spn=0.013351,0.040443&t=h&hl=en

 

Thanks Jeff! Never organized an event before, so I might ask some questions that might seem silly. I don't think we'll have more than two dozen cars; is a permit necessary for Roosevelt Park?

 

Well legally I think so, but we have had over 5 meets there and never got a permit. The police and park patrol have driven by us while we were gathered and never said anything. I feel if you park legally in the parking spaces and don't draw attention to yourselves, your home free. Family's have reunions there all the time and they never have permits and never have any problems with the police.

 

Only 5??? LOL! Seemed like a lot more. Went to the last one and had 50+ cars there. As long as you are quiet you are fine. It was especially funny since when I left I saw a cop sitting outside the park talking to one of the BMW guys. They were pulled side by side and just talking.

 

umm IDK, BTW you came too one of our meets??

 

Hey Len, IMHO, if you have ppl coming from a great distance, you dont want to half ass it and chance getting bounced. Not much fun having to relocate last minute.

I dont know of any "friendly" places to congregate, but my advice is to square it before showing up that day. I'll give it some more thought over the weekend.

EDIT: Maybe you could appeal to one of the BMW dealers to host the group, do an open house kinda thing.

 

How about the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside NJ?

 

Greg, we thought about approaching BMW of North America if it looks like a decent turnout (25+). I was also thinking about the Fall Festival location in Florham Park; they can provide catering, although I'm not sure if we have enough people to be cost-effective. I'd also have to see about nearby hotels.

Yourk, I'll check up on the Watchung Reservation, thanks.

 

It won't be as quiet as Edison due to kids screaming, BBQ's and ridiculously loud motorcycles that pass through; plus all the spots are usually taken up. just my .02

 

Palmer Square in Princeton tends to accomodate this type of event, assuming you have enough cars. They actually close the square to traffic and display the cars around the common. However, I have no Idea who to contact to get it set up.

Art S.

 

Hello Len,

Maybe you should take a look at Allaire State Park in Wall Twp, NJ. The park itself is beautiful and there is plenty of parking. It is also 5 minutes away from the beautiful beaches in Spring Lake. Accomodations in the area range from 5 star B&B's to clean local motels.

I would guess that you would need to contact the park to reserve a parking area.

Good Luck!
Mike

 

Thanks everyone; a lot to think about!

 

I live in the reservation basically. Only during the summer months is it like that. In the spring, when its still a bit chilly, its perfect.

 

let me know more....i run a bodyshop at a bmw dealer in springfield nj.
dates, cars etc....maybe i can be of assistance

 

Tommy,

Right now we're planning three e9 get-togethers in '06; central NJ for early June for the CT/NY/PA/MD/DC/DE crowd, northern Massachusetts also in June for the MA/VT/NH/NY/CT crowd, and the Vintage Festival at Lime Rock in September. Right now it looks like we may have two dozen coupes for the central NJ event.

Thanks for the assistance. I'll keep you posted as things come together.

Len

 

Tommy G, I think one of your first new M5s was sold to my neighbor. Two weeks ago i saw him having a blast around town in it. heh

 

Hey Len if you want we could set this event in my town . last summer i had a car show in Perth Amboy by the water front it was a great turn out the proceeds went to the police department and were set in a fund for the kids we have at our safe haven . if you want we could set it up so that we could all have fun and at the same time give to the children in the safe haven. we will not have to worry about the police we will be helping the police and comunity. let me know?

 

Lupe, firstly, sorry about your experience with CC; hope that works out for you. Secondly, thanks for the infoon Perth Amboy. Right now we're trying to get a head count. Then we'll have to select a location that works for everyone. This probably won't come together until after the new year...

 

Thanks, well hope the head count is big looking foward to hooking up soon well as soon as my car is fix.