

Area 57 - May 3, 2025
At Area 57 you will be able to get an inside look at all things Drone & Robotics, with Warren Community College. The Uncrewed Systems program that has been in developement since 2017 and is one off Warren County's best kept secrets.
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The opportunities it provides are life altering. Above and Beyond, and the argument could be made, out of this world with what they have on the horizon. Come explore Area 57
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Schedule - updated 5/3/25 7:30am
Area 57 doors will open at 9:30 am with the Combat Robot Wreckage. The competition will be held in the gymnasium of Warren Tech School. Use Theatre entrance.
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The event is free for students and little ones, veterans and seniors (with proper ID) and Adults, $5 (This will help support some of the activities.) Parking is free. We suggest reserving your spots, even if free, as space may be limited for the indoor activities as well as supplies for activities. This will help us plan for YOU!
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Use the entrance Warren Tech and look for directions to the John La Porta Theatre entrance.
Stop by the theatre throughout the day to watch some space movies.
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Food Trucks will be on premises - Maria's Grill and Maglione's Italian Ices
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Schedule below is tentative.
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9:30 - 11 am
Curious about Hot Air Ballooning?
Learn all about balloons with RE/MAX. Walk inside an actual hot air balloon basket for some photo ops. Ask questions of real balloon pilots and crew! (Weather Permitting)
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9:30 am - 2:30 pm
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First Robotics Competition robots on display.
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Team 56 from Bound Brook, is a very active FRC team and will have their robot on dispaly and be able to answer questions / do demonstrations. To learn more about the team, visit them at www.team56.com.
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Meet the Easton RoboRovers FIRST Robotics Team # 8117. They are based in Easton, PA with a team of 20 creative students who build 120 pound robots for competition. They proudly finished their third year of competition with a Creative Design Award at Mount Olive High School and as finalists at Warren Hills High School. This is their second year at Area 57 and are excited to be part of it!
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More team details coming soon...
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9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Combat Robot Wreckage - Warren Tech gymnasium (school adjacent to the College)
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Participants:
- Check in for participants 8 am
- Competition starts at 10 am and runs through 5:30 pm or later
Public can watch the combat as well as speak with the participants to learn about becoming involved.
Up to 55 robots will be accepted. Ants, Plants & Beetles
Check back for Registration Info
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Public:
- Doors open at 9:30 am. Combat starts at 10 am. Watch 1 lb. and 3 lb. robots fight in 3 minute bouts. Participants will be set up at work stations around the gymnasium, and they are always willing to talk to you about the world of Robots. Be prepared to be sucked in.
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10 - 2 pm
Moon-Rocket Tent
Build a rocket at the Moon-Rocket tent (free and as supplies last). Test fire the rocket you build! Three different types of rockets for different age levels and abilities!
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10 am - 4 pm
Build a Balloon
Would you like to know about all the different parts of a balloon and how they are put together? Pilot Keith will have several baskets to show, and even an actual hot air balloon he has been working on building! See how the fabric is fit together to make these magical and colorful aircrafts!
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10 am - 4 pm
24 Math and More
Whether your kids are good at math or not, check out the 24 Game and have fun building your math skills up.
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10 am - 4 pm
The Drone Zone
Try your skills with a small drone drop and win prizes.
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10 am - 4:30 pm
Fascination Place
Enjoy crafts, STEM puzzles & toys and other activities at the Fascination Place children's activity area.
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10 am - 5 pm
Warren UAS On Display
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Stop by the Tent and check out some of the College's drones. Meet SPOT the robot "dog".
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Warren Community College is dedicated to the advancement of UxS education. They offer an Associate degree in UxS Systems. AUVSI TOP Level 3 Training Provider, ASTM Certified, FAA CTI member, COW for BVLOS, OOP, Multiple Drones, and TOP 3 RPI instructors. Students get hands-on training on most advanced systems in the industry in air, maritime, and ground environments.
Staff will be on hand to answer all questions.​​
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10:00 am - 4:00 pm (time updated)
​Autocades Mobile Trailer
Time travel with Autocades mobile arcade and their space and science-fiction themed classics. Blast space bugs in Galaga, stop the alien invasion in Defender, avoid the assault in Asteroids, and take down the Death Star on the Atari Star Wars space shooter with its iconic vector graphics and learn the ways of the Jedi on the Star Wars video pinball machine. ($10 wristband to play, $20 family pack of parents and one child.)
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10 - 4 pm (time updated)
Kites & Kaleidoscopes - at the Moon Rocket tent
Decorate a kite or a kaleidoscope then give them a try! ​
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12:00 - 2:00 pm
Bean Bag Target Practice
Design a bean bag at the Fascination Place to be used on the big orange "x" target on the Balloon Port. Test your competition skills with some target practice and win prizes.
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Balloon Activity Most Likely Not Possible Today
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Balloon Tethered Rides ($$) (Weather Permitting)
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4:30 pm
Special Shape and suspected alien Fred G Monster Hot Air Balloon invades. (Weather Permitting)
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6:00 pm
Balloon Pilots do a Fly Out for a grand finale! (Weather Permitting)
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Contact
To inquire about sponsorship, support, participation, please contact Giulia Grotenhuis at fly@balloonfestnj.com
908-283-0721