A very special summer tradition in a very special Jersey town

It's one of the most idyllic towns in our state.

It's the kind of place where kids ride their bikes to one of the 22 lakes in town without having to worry about them being stolen. Most of the people know their town cops by name.

It's a little over one square mile and has a population of a little over 4,000. Medford Lakes boasts over 10% of its houses are log cabins. In some neighborhoods, it seems like much more.

Every year as you drive through the town you can see dozens of campaign posters on lawns and on street corners. They're not for politicians, but for teenagers vying to be selected as Mister or Miss Medford Lakes of the annual "canoe carnival."

It's an amazing, creative celebration every summer of living in such a special little town. This is the 90th year of this special little local custom.

Dennis Malloy/Townsquare Media

All summer people work in their driveways on their sometimes very elaborate canoe floats to get ready for the big day and night. This year it's Aug. 6. The pageant for Mr. and Miss Medford Lakes takes place tonight July 29 on Beach 3. The big canoe carnival is next Saturday.

To illustrate what a great town this is, their Facebook page shows a teenage boy and girl putting back up one of the signs of another contestant that had blown over in the wind.

Yes, there are still people like that around New Jersey and yes there still are precious places like Medford Lakes.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson