Main Street Somerville will
be crowded with thousands of visitors Oct. 4 to take in all that the
23rd annual Arts & Main fall street fair has to offer, a
kaleidoscope of crafts, music, art, amusement rides, games,
contests, raffles, merchandise, food, antique cars, and an
Oktoberfest beer garden.From Borough Hall at the west end of town all the way down to the green surrounding the historical Somerset County Courthouse at the east end of town, Main Street Somerville will be transformed into a broad pedestrian boulevard.
From Doughty Street to Grove Street, Arts & Main is a visual delight, with dozens of artists and crafters displaying their creations, with several demonstrating their techniques; it’s a shoppers’ paradise, with Main Street lined by over 200 vendors displaying paintings, pottery, photography, handmade jewelry, furniture and many other unique gifts. Sponsored by the Somerville Business & Professional Association, Arts & Main officially begins at 11 a.m. and continues through 5 p.m.
“The SBPA is proud to once again sponsor Arts & Main and we are equally proud of all that Somerville has to offer,” said Rod Hirsch, executive director of the SBPA. “Because the event attracts people from throughout the state as well as New York and Pennsylvania, it’s a wonderful opportunity for residents, civic organizations and the business community to come together and promote the town, as well as enjoy the great buys, great food and great entertainment.”
The SBPA will sponsor a 50-50 raffle to raise funds for local charities; be sure to stop by and say hello to the local merchants, who will be in front of 72 W. Main Street selling tickets.
Like a Jersey shore boardwalk or a carnival midway, Main Street will feature a variety of food; the aromas wafting down the street will help guide you to hot roast beef sandwiches, racks of ribs, sausage & pepper sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs, funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, pizza, canoles, shish-ka-bobs and other culinary delights!
Also returning this year will be the popular outdoor beer garden hosted by Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant, joined for the first time by Scampi’s and Central Pizzeria. All three will have tables and chairs roped off in front of their restaurants.
The Arts & Main Stage will feature musical performances from several bands, including High Maintenance, Quincy Mumford and Alan Grant & Primitive Soul. An all-new KidZone will include several amusement rides, games and nonstop activities for the entire family. Kids, moms and dads can also take a horse and carriage ride on Bridge Street alongside the court house. Classic, antique and custom cars are expected to be on display along Division Street.
“Working in conjunction with “This Is It” Promotions, the SBPA has worked hard to make Arts & Main a marquee event in central New Jersey, with lots of chatter on the Internet from visitors far and wide who are once again looking forward to browsing up and down Main Street with friends and family,” said Kevin Cahill, proprietor of Discover Wine and president of the SBPA.
Local fire companies, veterans’ organizations, school clubs, civic and service groups will also be on hand to sell fund-raising merchandise and distribute information about their organizations.
Visit the SBPA website, www.somervillebiz.org or call the SBPA at (908) 526-3499 for further information.