The Sourland Mountain Festival will return to Hillsborough this weekend.
On June 22 from 3-10 p.m., the Sourland Conservancy will serve as the host to the 16th Annual Sourland Mountain Festival (SMF), which is set to feature six hours of live music, local food, craft beer, wine and spirits, mountain history and family activities.
Festival officials said that proceeds from the event will be used to preserve and protect the Sourland Mountain.
This year’s lineup features 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 with Anthony Krizan.
The organizers reported that former member of the Spin Doctors, Krizan, will play blues infused rock music with soulful swampy undertones.
The Mike Montrey Band blends Americana music with elements of folk and rock. Their latest release, “John Street,” was produced by Grammy-winner Jim Scott whose produced Wilco, Tom Petty and Tedeschi Trucks.
The Adventures of Matte Black is a musical collaborative that features various influences while still producing a distinct and unique sound. The Gumbo Gumbas are a medley of authentic New Orleans Jazz with a side of Creole.
In addition to the music, guests can 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 SMF has partnered with local green teams to move toward making the festival a zero-waste event. The organization’s goal is to eliminate waste by reducing packaging, reusing, recycling and composting.
They are encouraging vendors to use compostable cups and plates. The event organizers said vendors will not sell single use plastic, including water/beverage bottles. Guests and volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring reusable water/beverage bottles. Unlimited free water will be available at several stations on festival grounds as well.
Organizers said that the festival 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 animals, 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. Various educational exhibits will focus on the environment and the great outdoors.
There will also be face painting, yoga, inclusion festival and a scavenger hunt. 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 more.
Organizers said that proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival will support the Sourland Conservancy’s mission to protect, promote and preserve 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 a wide diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered. The forest also serves as as a breeding area for migratory songbirds, particularly those who nest only in large wooded areas.
“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,” said festival board president Dante DiPirro.
Danielia Cotton will co-headline the 2019 Sourland Mountain Festival on June 22 from , 3–10 p.m. at the Hillsborough Golf & Country Club, 146 Wertsville Road, Hillsborough.
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 http://www.sourland.org/sourland-mountain-festival.
Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, working to protect New Jersey’s Sourland Mountain since 1986.
