06/13/2026
*Edit: My comments in this post are not about FID or Shop Rite. The impact on business was not on them nor was it their decision. FID and Shop Rite has my full support, admiration and respect. *
I never imagined I would have to write a post like this.
For the last five years, Humdoo Ice Cream has proudly supported community events in Flemington and on Stangl Road. We've promoted events, encouraged collaboration between businesses, and worked hard to help make our town a destination.
Because of that, I was genuinely excited to support the return of the Flemington Car Show to Stangl this year. In fact, over the past year, I have publicly advocated for the event and encouraged other businesses to welcome it as well.
Unfortunately, today's event left me feeling deeply disappointed and disrespected.
As many of you know, Humdoo is a seasonal business. Warm summer weekends are not just busy days for us—they are some of the most important days of the entire year. Today, while local traffic and parking access to our business were significantly impacted by the car show, the event also chose to bring in another ice cream vendor to distribute free ice cream just a few storefronts away.
I find that decision incredibly difficult to understand.
When an event chooses to take place on a business district street, I believe it should support the businesses that are there year-round—not compete directly with them. The businesses on Stangl Road pay rent, employ local residents, sponsor community initiatives, and work every day to make this area a place people want to visit. We are not just a backdrop for events; we are part of the reason people come here in the first place.
What makes this especially frustrating is that Humdoo has consistently supported this event. We welcomed it and encouraged others to do the same because we believed it would benefit the community and the businesses that call Stangl Road home.
Today, that support did not feel mutual.
This is not about competition. This is about respect, partnership, and consideration for the small businesses that are affected when large events take over our streets and parking. Community events should create opportunities for local businesses, not make it harder for them to succeed.
I sincerely hope future decisions are made with greater consideration for the businesses that invest in this community every single day.
To everyone who chose to support Humdoo today despite the challenges, thank you. Your support means more than you know.
