It was a night of ice cream, music and fun at Ben & Jerry’s Sidewalk Carnival this past Thursday. Kids of all ages lined up to take part in the festivities, which included music by the Fuzzy Lemons and of course, lots of ice cream and smiles. Dozens of families took part in the festivities which included face painting, and not just the kind that comes from ice cream.

The event was to benefit the Second Annual “Lose the Training Wheels Bike Camp,” which is a camp that teaches children with disabilities how to ride a two-wheeled bike. The Hoboken Family Alliance is hosting the camp, which will be held this year at the Hoboken High School July 8 to 13.

Many local celebrities came out to show their support for this valuable cause – and even lent a hand or two behind the counter, scooping out ice cream and doling out smiles for the kids.

Freeholder Anthony Romano, comedian Artie Lange, and entrepreneur John Pepperoni were a few of the celebrity scoopers. The kids might not have noticed who was scooping, but their parents sure did!

Romano said he would do anything for Theresa Howard and the kids.

“We work together in Hoboken,” said Romano. “To be back here with such good people – it’s such a great community event. Hopefully, we can raise enough money for the event this year.”

Theresa Howard, Director of Children with Special Needs for the Hoboken Family Alliance, says the event raised approximately $500. The proceeds will go towards this year’s program, she says. But people can still help. There are still 10 open campers spots and they also need volunteers at the camp.

“It was a great show of community support,” says Howard. “It is a great way for families to come out and meet one another.”

Howard says she was very touched that the owner of Ben & Jerry’s reached out to her to see if they could help when they heard about the program. They were extremely proactive in offering help of any kind, says Howard.

“It was a great event and a great spring night,” she said.

This year’s camp is being sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s, the City of Hoboken, Litzky Public Relations, Macy’s, Coca-Cola, hMAG, the Hoboken Harriers, and WPLJ. If you want to find out more about the program or to find out how you can help, please visit: www.HobokenFamily.com.