EASTON, Pa. (September 29, 2014) - Unity Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Police vs. Firefighters cook-off competition at the 14th Annual Easton Garlic Fest scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 4th and 5th in downtown Easton. And it could be very interesting when Easton Professional Firefighters/IAFF Local 713 and the Easton Police Department take the "Stinkin' Culinary Stage" at 2:30 p.m. October 4th.
"While the Easton Police Department is very skilled in public safety matters, we are confident that we will prevail in the culinary theater!" said Jim Corcoran, Vice President of Local 713.
Easton Police Detective Matthew Rush envisions a different outcome on the horizon.
"It will not be good for the Fire Department," said Rush. "I hope that they can recover from their loss. The event should be a great opportunity for the public to see us in another light aside from our normal duties."
The inaugural cook-off between the Police and Firefighters is sure to be a highlight of the Garlic Fest, which features cooking demos and free samples from some of the best garlic-loving chefs from throughout the region. Live music on two stages, free food samples, crafts and beer/wine are all part of the aromatic festivities. The School of Rock will also perform in front of their studio on Bank Street.
Local 713 will be represented by Firefighter Terrance Hand, a Master Chef, and Firefighter Kevin Weidner, a Sous Chef. The Police will be represented by Rush. The chefs will have 40 minutes to prepare and plate a dish for a panel of judges, including a representative from Unity Bank. The winner will be awarded a trophy and a $100 donation for their charity.
"For the second year in a row, Local 713, will be handing out brand new American made coats to kids in need in the Easton School District," said Corcoran. "The Firefighters Local has partnered with Operation Warm, a non-profit organization that works to provide coats to children in need nationwide. We are providing new winter coats to children living in poverty so that they can attend school even on the coldest winter days."
"We will be competing on behalf of the Cops-N-Kids Reading Room, which provides books and other lessons to residents of the city," said Rush. "The Police Union has tried to support this program in the past and so has the Fire Department."
Jo Moranville, chair of Garlic Fest for 14 years, said the event was born when the Easton Farmers Market re-formed to become the producer only vibrant market it is today.
"They were looking for small events to attract folks," she said. "They have a tomato fest, strawberry fest, zucchini fest, etc. I suggested a garlic fest based on a small garlic fest that was run by Karen Doerr who owned Ferry Street Cafe in downtown. It was successful and highlighted the local restaurants. I viewed the Garlic Fest as a way to highlight both the Farmers Market and the local restaurants and merchants as well. We are thrilled to have Unity Bank on board for this great community event."
For more information on Garlic Fest, please visit www.eastongarlicfest.com.
About Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), the parent company of Unity Bank, its primary and wholly owned subsidiary, is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton, N.J. Unity Bank provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers through its 15 bank branches in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Unity Bank provides traditional and community-oriented commercial banking services, including personal and business checking accounts and time deposits, money market accounts and regular savings accounts. For more information, please visit www.unitybank.com or call 800-618-BANK (800-618-2265).