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Community Corner

GameTruck Brings the Party to Garwood and Beyond

This arcade on wheels is available for rent.

Have you seen the bright green GameTruck parked on South Avenue in Garwood? Take a step inside, and you’re transported to a gamer’s paradise, a mobile arcade available for rent for birthdays, corporate parties and more.

“My phone has been on non-stop,” said Gina Manning, who along with her husband opened the Garwood franchise of the national chain in November. “When spring hits, everyone wants to play.” Garwood is the third GameTruck francise in New Jersey; others are in Atlantic County and Howell.

Inside the truck are four 50 inch televisions, four Xbox 360 systems, three Nintendo Wii systems and a PlayStation 3. Up to 16 gamers can lounge in style on four leather couches lining the sides of the trailer. The most popular and newest titles are available for gaming.

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Weekend birthday parties (which Manning said are most popular) start at $395 for the first two hours, with an additional $115 for each additional hour. Weekday birthday parties start at $349 for the first two hours, with an addition $99 for each additional hour. 

Manning said her son went to a party where there was a GameTruck, and he had a great time. After, she had two parties for her kids, and her husband “got hooked.” Manning hosted her first party in November.

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Birthday parties are most popular, Manning said. “The parties aren’t just for boys either. Girls love it, too.”

Bonnie Spring, of Livingston, hosted a birthday party last week for her eight-year-old son and 20 of his closest friends. For two hours, her son was in heaven, surrounded by his favorite games in the coolest party.  

“It was the best time in the world. All the kids were amazed,” she said. “The truck was gorgeous and the kids didn’t argue once. It was absolutely impressive.”

Spring found the GameTruck online and thought her son would enjoy it. It turns out that it was the party of the year among his friends. All the parents asked for their business card, she said.

“Whether you are seven, in high school or older, everyone will love it,” said Spring.

See it for yourself tomorrow: The Garwood GameTruck will be open for play in Warinanco Park in Roselle for the Playball for Miracles from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The baseball charity event is hosted by the Elizabeth Firemen’s Federal Credit Union and all proceeds will be given to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The truck will be open the entire time, though most parties last about two hours. Everyone is welcome to come take part in the games and to watch the baseball games, Manning said.

To rent the GameTruck, visit gametruckparty.com or call Manning at 908-789-5725. 

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