---

   If you thought the celebrations ended with the Fourth of July, think again. Hackensack’s annual Sweetheart Days returns July 8-14, bringing a full week of family activities, entertainment, competitions, food and community fun.

   The celebration begins Wednesday, July 8, with Hackensack’s all-day Crazy Days, where downtown businesses will be offering special sales and promotions. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a pop-up book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hackensack Hub. Wrap up the day with Bingo at 6 p.m. at the Hackensack Legion.

   Thursday, July 9 offers a more relaxed schedule, featuring the Hackensack Legion’s weekly meat raffle beginning at 6 p.m.

   Friday, July 10 starts with Community Coffee from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hackensack Hub. That evening, enjoy the weekly Lakeside Concert from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lions Pavilion City Park featuring Josh Duffee. Later, head to the Hackensack Legion for live music by Fool’s Gold from 7 to 11 p.m.

   Saturday, July 11 is packed with activities from morning until night. Registration for the Paws + Claws Furry 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at the Paul Bunyan Trail on Lake Avenue, with the event starting at 9 a.m.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., browse the Lending Library Book Sale at Sun N Fun. The Craft Vendor Fair opens at 10 a.m. at City Park and runs until 3 p.m., while food trucks line 1st Street from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

   Dog lovers won’t want to miss the popular Dachshund Derby at noon on the lawn by the 1st Street Pavilion. Car enthusiasts can check out the Car & Motorcycle Show from 1 to 4 p.m. on 1st Street.

   Children can take part in the annual Duck Race, with registration beginning at 2:15 p.m. at Boy River RV Park by Birchwood and the race starting at 2:45 p.m.

   The Hackensack Fire Department will serve its annual barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m. at the fire station. Live music by Fool’s Gold begins at 7 p.m. on the lawn by the 1st Street Pavilion, followed by fireworks over Birch Lake at dusk.

   Sunday, July 12 starts with registration for the Sweetheart Days Cornhole Tournament at 12:30 p.m. near the horseshoe pits by the 1st Street Pavilion. Play begins at 1 p.m. The tournament is limited to 32 teams with a $40 entry fee per team. Cash prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third.

   Also from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy “Growing Up in Hackensack” at Rendezvous Brewing before ending the day with the Hackensack Legion meat raffle at 5 p.m.

   Monday, July 13 features another Hackensack Lions meat raffle at the Muni beginning at 5 p.m. Union Congregational Church will also host a dinner and show beginning at 5 p.m.

   The celebration wraps up Tuesday, July 14. The Hackensack Hub Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can participate in the weekly Fishing Contest from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Birch Lake public dock or enjoy Kids Games in City Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

   Food trucks return to 1st Street from 4 to 8 p.m. The Sweetheart Days Parade steps off at 6 p.m., traveling along 1st Street from Whipple Avenue to Murray Avenue. The Hackensack Legion’s raffle drawing at 7:30 p.m. officially closes out another year of Sweetheart Days festivities.

   Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to enjoy the entire week, Sweetheart Days offers something for everyone, from live music and family activities to community traditions that have become favorites year after year.

   For the most up-to-date schedule and additional information, contact the Hackensack Chamber or visit hackensackchamber.com, as events are subject to change.

---