Hillsborough, NJ (June 17, 2019) - On Saturday June 22nd, from 3:00 – 10:00pm, the Sourland Conservancy will host the 16th Annual Sourland Mountain Festival (SMF) six hours of live music, local food, craft beer, wine and spirits, mountain history, and family activities. Proceeds will be used to preserve and protect the Sourland Mountain.
As usual, music will be the focus of the Festival. This year’s line-up includes six popular bands with local roots: Danielia Cotton, Anthony Krizan, Citizens Band Radio, Mike Montrey Band, The Adventures of Matte Black, and the The Gumbo Gumbas. Hopewell native, Danielia Cotton, will co-headline Anthony Krizan. Former member of the Spin Docors, Krizan will play blues infused rock ‘n’ roll with soulful swampy undertones. The Mike Montrey Band blends Americana, Folk and Rock ‘n Roll. Their latest release, John Street (2018) was produced by Grammy-winner Jim Scott (Wilco, Tom Petty, Tedeschi Trucks). The Adventures of Matte Black is a musical collaborative that has endless influences while still producing a distinct and unique sound. The Gumbo Gumbas are a delicious medley of authentic New Orleans Jazz with a side of Creole.
In addition to the music, guests will enjoy a variety food and drink including gourmet specialties, hot dogs, Thai or Latin cuisine, waffles, ice cream, cheesecake, award-winning wine, craft beer and spirits as well as fresh, organically grown, local produce and juices from Sourland region farms including Martenette Farms, Morganics Family Farm, Marchese Farm, and Fairgrown Farm.
The Fest truly has something for everyone, and this year’s event will offer more options than ever. The Cool Critters area will host alpacas, goats, dogs, amphibians and other animals. Guests may pet some of the critters, ask questions of naturalists and farmers, and watch live demonstrations. History Lane will feature the Lenape Nation, the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, and others with important stories to tell. A plethora of educational exhibits will focus on the environment and the great
outdoors. For pure fun, guests may try the bouncy house or the supervised rock-climbing wall. Adults may take an electric bike for a spin courtesy of Sourland Cycles. Vendors will offer items including handmade gifts, jewelry, unique hats and apparel, plant medicine, native crafts, hot sauce, license plate signs, leather goods, dog and cat inspired clothing, and much more.
Proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival will support the Sourland Conservancy’s mission to protect, promote and preserve the unique character of the Sourland Mountain region. The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. It encompasses a complex ecosystem of forest, wetlands and grasslands, and is home to an incredibly rich diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered. The forest is especially important as a breeding area for migratory songbirds, particularly those who nest only in large wooded areas.
Board President, Dante DiPirro, said, “The Festival offers a chance to hear great music while enjoying an afternoon and evening in the beautiful Sourlands, learning about the importance of the region, and supporting the Conservancy’s critical work.” The Festival is one the Conservancy’s two signature events. The Sourland Spectacular bicycle rally will be held this year on September 7th.
In addition to the rich ecology of the region, the Sourland Mountain has an important role in making this area such a great place for people to live, enjoy recreational activities, and do business. It provides healthy leisure opportunities, a chance to get away from the stress of everyday life and enhances the quality of life for those communities based in and around it. Mike Barasch of Coldwell Banker Realty said, “It’s not just that I personally love having the Mountain on my doorstep. It really enhances the attractiveness of the area and that is why we are supporting the great work of the Conservancy.”
The Sourland Conservancy board and staff would like to thank all of the volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Sourland Mountain Festival a wonderful community event. They would like to offer special thanks to the Mountain Fest Committee – especially Festival Chair, Suzanne Parsons, They would also like to thank the Festival sponsors and the bands and crews whose support is critical to the success of the event, and especially the Conservancy’s annual business partners who support the Conservancy year-round: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Kilbourne & Kilbourne, Sourland Cycles, Sourland Mountain Spirits, The Bank of Princeton, Sourland Coffee, Northfield Bank, the Bent Spoon and The Ryland Inn.
The Ryland Inn provides the VIP Service at the Festival with a focus on locally sourced, responsibly grown food. The VIP service is co-sponsored by Volvo of Princeton, Cherry Valley Country Club, Coldwell Banker and Secure Retirement Strategies. Other major Festival sponsors include Hegedus Law, Lambertville-New Hope App, Union Line Garage, Hunterdon Healthcare, REI, the Princeton Record Exchange and Green Power Energy.
The 16th Sourland Mountain Festival will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019, 3:00pm – 10:00pm at the Hillsborough Golf & Country Club, 146 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough, NJ. Discounted advance-sale tickets are available now: Adults $20 ($30 at the gate); Young People (12-18) $10; Children under 12, Free. For more information or to purchase admission, visit www.sourland.org/sourland-mountain-festival.
Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, working to protect New Jersey’s Sourland Mountain since 1986.
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