Audubon Day

     Sunday, April 27, 2025: On a technicality, my story began in Audubon (Camden County), New Jersey. In 1956, I arrived at the old Audubon Hospital, but I grew up in Clementon, NJ. Other than an occasional shopping trip to the old Black Horse Pike Shopping Center (nowadays it is called Audubon Crossings), I spent most of my childhood in or near Clementon. Anyway, April 26th was the birthday of John James Audubon(1785-1851), the author of Birds of America, and several towns picked that day to honor him, including Audubon. For 2025, the town had their first annual Audubon Day at the Francis J. Ward Recreation Center & Audubon Family Park, 602 Hampshire Avenue, (856-547-0711). Nevertheless, because of the threat of rain, those in power changed the event for the next day. Therefore, on the date above, I bought a sandwich from one of the close to a dozen food trucks, and I ate it inside the recreation center. Later, I looked at tables, inside and outside, promoting different groups and causes: 18 altogether, including a historical society, different departments for the borough, and other community organizations. In addition, I noticed about two dozen vendors selling their merchandise. Meanwhile, I also saw other events that included children’s games and live music—but I didn’t see anything promoting John James Audubon. However, this has been their first time running this celebration. So maybe things will be a bit different next year!