RiverFest in Frenchtown NJ, the largest event of the year in this picturesque and upscale river community, will again light up the Labor Day weekend, but with a GREEN light this year. Cleo Sharplin, President of the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association announced today the addition of events and activities supporting this year’s theme of “GREEN”.
The opening event of the annual RiverFest in Frenchtown will again be a wine tasting fundraiser under the main tent on Bridge Street, benefiting land preservation in Hunterdon County. During RiverFest vendors will share information with attendees on a host of “green” issues and demonstrate new products, such as a 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon, fresh from its new conversion to an all electric vehicle. There will also be a special booth concerning organic foods grown locally as well as foods served in local restaurants.
Ms. Sharlplin noted that “Even the special events will be GREEN: the theme of the annual Saturday Pet Show will be ‘Recycled Couture’. Every year we see amazing creativity in pet decoration, from dogs to horses. This year will be especially interesting with the recycling theme.” To enter a pet contact Cleo at Alchemy at 908 996-7424.
The closing event for RiverFest will be a charity auction benefiting a variety of not-for-profits ranging from animal rescue to health care.
The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and the Wine Hut will kick off RiverFest with a special wine tasting to celebrate the beauty of the Delaware Valley on Friday, August 31st from 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Representatives from six import houses will be pouring a wide variety of wines accompanied by hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $25.00 per person (age 21 or older please) at the door or by calling the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance at 908-237-4582. Proceeds benefit the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance’s land preservation and outreach programs. For more information, please visit www.HLTA.org.
Among the “Green” vendors available to answer questions and give advice will be Flemmington Car and Truck, demonstrating new car hybrid technology on Saturday, and Bucks County Renewables, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting alternatives to fossil fuels.
RiverFest is hi-lighting the need for reducing dependency on oil products as part of its environmental focus, and is showcasing electric and partially electric vehicles that can meet the needs of many commuters while reducing or eliminating air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. BC Renewables will display three cars: a 1991 Dodge Colt, converted to electric when brand-new; a 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon, fresh from its conversion by a team of automotive technology instructors and EV enthusiasts, and the recently converted electric Vanagon.
Also attending will be Eclectic Architecture, owned and operated by Michael J. Margulies, RA, AIA. The firm specializes in the use of natural materials, employing traditional styles, and following sustainable practices. Projects include both residential and commercial buildings with a focus on environmentally sensitive solutions and beautiful results.
Another vendor emphasizing green technology will be Heat Shed, an energy business for 28 years, devoting themselves for the past 7 years exclusively to solar electric systems. Heat Shed works in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has installed approximately 170 kW on residences. Attendees will see examples of photovoltaic modules, shingles and laminate.
There will be a silent auction of “DOGS on the Delaware” cutouts, decorated by local artists. The auction and that runs all weekend on the bank parking lot, will draw both RiverFest and the year long DOGS project to a close with the announcement of winners on Monday afternoon. All proceeds from the auction go to identified charities such as River Union Stage, Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance, Doylestown Free Clinic, and the S.A.V.E. Animal Shelter.
Parking for the event, in addition to regular town lots, will also be available in a number of lots for local churches on Saturday and after 12:30 on Sunday. Follow signs.
The annual Pet Show at RiverFest will feature host and judges Noel Barrett, known to many as a host of the Antiques Road Show on PBS, and Paul Savage, a Professor of history, who together also judge the annual Pet Parade in Carversville PA. The PET SHOW, a favorite event of the festival, is open for competition for best costumes in several categories, all under this year’s general theme of “RECYCLED COUTURE”. The show will be on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 pm in the main tent next to the Frenchtown Inn, Frenchtown, NJ. Entrants are needed! To enter your pet, contact Cleo Sharplin at Alchemy 908 996-7424.
Last year’s festival “hit,” Wolf Rescue, will return all three days for opportunities to learn about wolves, to pet them and to be photographed with these remarkable animals. All contributions go the rescue and protection of these often misunderstood creatures.
Revival Construction is a company that celebrates the tradition and legacy of craftsmanship. It specializes in reviving antiquated buildings, adding the warmth of wood, and creating the charm of old places in new spaces. Revival Construction Company blends artisanship and a new approach to building, devoting itself to sensitive restoration and renovation. They will discuss your projects and provide guidance.
Bittersweet Green Design of Solebury PA, which recycles barn wood and other materials in the construction of mirrors and frames, will have selections for sale. Sharing space with Bittersweet is a consultant to architects and builders, who will be available to discuss green technologies and resources for green products in building and renovation projects.
Saturday from 3:30 – 5:30, the Sergeantsville Farmers Market, a cooperative featuring organic produce, will discuss organic gardening, their weekely markets, and offer a chance to win a gift basket of products.
Floorcloth artist, Judith Moore will exhibit her painted canvases which are used as rugs. Floorcloths have been used since the 1600's and her designs are inspired by ancient Roman mosaics. Created to be walked on, they are extremely durable, one of kind pieces.
River Valley School of Upper Black Eddy will be offering crafts for kids on Saturday only, as will the Alexandria Historical Society. Both groups will talk to the public about their missions and about getting involved in the community.
Also on hand will be health and nutrition counselor, Chris Chamler to answer your questions and promote balanced diet and living.
Widow McCrea House (Frenchtown) and Chestnut Hill Inn (Milford) will share information about their B &Bs and the Ship Inn (Milford) and Frenchtown Inn will both promote their restaurants and discuss their organic and heart friendly menus.
Returning this year are important jewelers, painters, gourmet food vendors, and other craft dealers.
Entertainment will be provided on Saturday and Sunday on the main stage by BLUE NUMBER 9 of New York City, back by popular request! Throughout the festival music will be provided by local artist Dave Rounsaville, whose strolling guitar music has become an annual feature of RiverFest. On Sunday at 12:30 there will again be a gospel sing featuring choir members from Frenchtown churches. And on Sunday at 3:30, the annual fashion show in the main tent.
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Technorati Tags: labor day, labor day nj, festivals
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Saturday, August 18, 2007
Things to do in NJ on Labor Day Weekend: RiverFest, Frenchtown NJ
Art Party in Clinton New Jersey, Saturday, September 29
The Hunterdon Museum of Art is now taking reservations for its annual gala fundraiser, "ArtParty", scheduled for Saturday, September 29th from 6:30 to 11:00 pm, at 7 Lower Center Street in Clinton. The historic mill which houses the museum will provide a picturesque setting for an elegant evening of dining, dancing and cocktails. "ArtParty" will include an auction featuring original art in addition to other exciting items and services. All proceeds from the event support the museum's exhibition and educational programs.
"ArtParty" is the first assignment for the museum's new Associates Board. Co-chairs Laura McDevitt and Elizabeth Matto are working with a talented team to build on an established event. West & Co. will cater the gala and the appetizer selection will include a raw bar by Metropolitan Seafood. A live band will provide music for dancing.
In the hands of designer Evelyn Suarez Breheny, the museum's riverside patio and galleries will set the scene for a "sparkling" evening. Evelyn emphasized that "ArtParty" will highlight "the treasure of creativity available to all here in Hunterdon County." In this spirit local florists have been invited to create unique individual table centerpieces. Auction Chair, Jennifer Brazel, is gathering an array of exciting items and services. Original art pieces to be auctioned include unique ceramics, jewelry and wearable art. New Jersey businesses have demonstrated their generosity. Donations include a Renaissance portrait worth $2,000 from Kramer Portrait Studios in Redbank and a round of golf and lunch for four at The Architects Golf Club of Phillipsburg.
The Hunterdon Museum of Art is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Cornerstone Awards, given to an organization and an individual whose commitment and dedication have made a significant impact on the arts in the region. This tradition was established in 2000 to reflect the museum's mission "to enhance and encourage the appreciation of, understanding of, and involvement with art". This year's honorees are Ingrid Renard and PGB Trust & Investments. The museum is delighted to honor Ingrid, artist and Board Member, who has volunteered her time to the museum for many years. Her numerous and valuable contributions include heading the installation crew and serving on the exhibition committee. The museum's corporate recipient, PGB Trust & Investments, has a long history of providing generous support to museum events including "ArtParty" and "Art in the Open". John Bonk, the bank's First Vice President / Director, Business Development, also provides active support to the museum by serving on the advisory and development advisory boards.
Profit from the auction and from ticket sales provide the museum with critical operating funds to cover essential services, such as the lighting of the exhibits, not covered by other sources of financing. Museum Executive Director, Marjorie Frankel Nathanson, stressed that the gala "gives our members and friends a chance to support the museum but it also is a wonderful event where attendees can enjoy an evening of fine food, good music, terrific people and exciting art."
Reservations are $200 per person and can be purchased by calling the museum at 908/735-8415 ext. 21. Limited corporate sponsorship packages are still available. Call Karla at 908/735-8415 x11 for details.
Benefactors of "ArtParty" to date include Amy Ayoub, Helen Axel, Sue Barto, Bennett Bean, Peter Cirigiano, Penny Gagne, Lidia Hickman, June and Ira Kapp, Jocelyn Kapp Manship, The Honorable Thomas H. Kean, Senator Leonard Lance and Heidi Rohrbach, Elizabeth Matto, Lisa Mayle, Fredetta McCormick, James E. McDevitt, Laura McDevitt, Patricia A. McKiernan, Mary Melfi, Paul Sauerland, Reeve Schley III, Ellen Siegel and Robert Haines, Sally Spofford, Glenn and Andrea Stein, Beate Stych and Wolfgang Fichte, Sarah and Guy Taylor, John Walsh III, Laura Ward, The Honorable Christine Todd Whitman and Mr. John R. Whitman.
PGB Trust & Investments are sponsoring the gala at the Platinum level. Other corporate sponsors include Ameriprise Financial, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Falcon Engineering L.L.C., Foster Wheeler, Herold and Haines, P.A., Rezkom Enterprises, Inc, Unity Bank, and Yardville National Bank. In addition, EMBARQ is underwriting the mailing of the invitation.
For over fifty years in the community, the non-profit Hunterdon Museum of Art has celebrated the achievements of New Jersey artists as well as those from outside the state with exhibitions of fine art, craft and design. The museum also offers art classes for all ages. Museum gallery and shop hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, located at 7 Lower Center Street in Clinton, NJ. For more information contact the Museum at 908-735-8415. Suggested admission to the museum is $5.
Museum programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, corporations, foundations, and individuals. Funding has been made possible in part by the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through funds administered by the Hunterdon County & Cultural Heritage Commission.
The Hunterdon Museum of Art is a wheelchair accessible space. Publications are available in large print. Patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may contact the Museum through the New Jersey Relay Service at (TYY) 1 (800) 852-7899.
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Technorati Tags: clinton+nj, art, museum
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