Cranberry Fest

Ever wonder about Rider’s obsession with that red berry? It all started with the founder and first president of the Trenton Business College, which eventually became Rider University.

In addition to his presidential duties, Andrew J. Rider was also well known as a cranberry grower. His cranberry bogs were located just down the road from today’s Lawrenceville campus, in Hammonton in the Pine Barrens. Rider’s prominence in the berry industry led to his election as a director of the American Cranberry Grower’s Exchange. Later, he was also credited for introducing the cranberry to the queen of England. Impressed, she nicknamed him “The Cranberry King of New Jersey.” Rider also owned a horse named Cranberry that he purchased in England.

The entire University community will have a chance to learn more about the first president during Cranberry Fest, which will feature a look-a-like Andrew J. Rider telling the history of his life. Since 1979, the University community has celebrated Rider’s history with the annual event, which features an outdoor luncheon, activities and free giveaways. This year’s Cranberry Fest will be held on Tuesday, September 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Campus Mall (rain location will be inside the Student Recreation Center).

The Lawrenceville campus event will feature live music by the band Lost in Paris; caricatures; name painting in Cranberry theme; pumpkin painting; and the Rider Game Wheel. The menu will include turkey and smoked gouda sub; Italian sandwich; roasted vegetable sandwich; roast beef sandwich; pasta salad; assorted gourmet chips; cranberry white chocolate cookies; and assorted blondie bars.

A fall-themed Cranberry Fest dinner will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the Great Plains of the Princeton campus.

In addition to celebrating Rider’s history, the day will also feature two ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The New Academic Building ribbon cutting will be at 11:15 a.m. in its new plaza out front and the BLC Theater will be having its curtain opening at 1 p.m.