Hoboken Takes the Party to the Streets in Annual Spring Arts and Music Festival

It may have been Cinco de Mayo, but the 2013 Hoboken Arts and Music Festival was a celebration of all cultures.

Drawing thousands of people up and down Washington Street from Seventh Street to Observer Highway, the festival is one of the city’s most anticipated events of the year featuring live entertainment for both children and adults, and over 300 vendors including local businesses, restaurants, and artists of all kinds.

“I come here every year and I absolutely love it,” said Danielle Thomas. “There is such a huge variety. I love the creativity and it brings great attention to Hoboken. The jewelry is my absolute favorite and I spend too much money.”

The festival attracts thousands from Hoboken and beyond every year.

“I’ve lived here in Hoboken for more than 10 years, and every year we come here to the festival with my kids to see the different things,” said Luis, who was checking out one of the vendors with his daughter Emma.

“My favorite part is the eating and just looking and checking what stuff they have on sale,” said Emma, 9.

Also taking in the beautiful day was Ryan Green and her 10-month-old daughter Stella, who was all smiles as she got hands on with a very festive maraca.

“There’s a lot of vendors here this year and she’s been great,” said Green, who also her son tucked away sleeping in his stroller. “I have lived here in Hoboken for many years, and I wanted to come and see my friend’s booth.”

Traveling from all the way from north Philadelphia, Jorge Torres and his family came to Hoboken for a visit to Carlo's Bakery and were pleasantly surprised to find the festival.

“It’s my daughter’s birthday and we came here because she wanted to go the Cake Boss’ store,” said Torres. “We got here and there is a party going on. You get a little something extra.”

 “I thought we were just going to get a cake and go,” said Mayliz, who just turned 11. “It feels awesome, it’s really fun.”

This year’s festival included many new displays as well as some annual favorites, and among one of the many new unique ideas to the market was Scott Snyder’s Practice Pong booth, where everyone could try their beer pong skills, sans the beer. The device, which is patent pending, is described as the only beer pong training device on the market and mean. More information at www.practicepong.com.

“We started it as a sanitary version of beer pong,” said Snyder, who is a mechanical engineer. “The beer never hits the cup.”

Snyder is an alumni of Steven’s Institute, and has been coming to the festival for many years, but this is his first year displaying and launching his new product which seemed to be a big hit with the kids in the crowd.

“It’s been a blast,” said Snyder. “It’s a beautiful day for the festival, and its fun to see people enjoying it.”

Long time vendors like Jim and Barbara of Craft Scents have been displaying at the festival for about 17 years, and have always enjoyed the pleasant people they meet throughout the day.

“My family is from Hoboken, 136 years ago the came here,” said Jim. “We’re at home here, and the fair itself from our perspective has gotten better and better every year.”

In addition to the great arts and crafts for sale, a variety of food from all over the world could be found throughout the festival from Greek Gyros to traditional India cuisine, as well as classic street fair favorites like Italian sausage, kebobs, smoked pork, and grilled corn.

“Its like going to an international convention,” said Diane Matthews. “We’ve had a great turnout this year.”

“There is nothing better than a sausage and a funnel cake on Washington Street,” said Patrick Gagliardi, who was on line for his food favorites with son Dominic. “I’m here in Hoboken 21 years, although I was born here and my son is fourth generation in Hoboken. I think the festival is a wonderful experience that Hoboken shares with thousands of wonderful people. I think the artists have brought their best this year.”

Of course the festival is never complete without a little music, and among the featured headliners was renowned folk rock singer-songwriter John Eddie. Eddie has performed with Jersey legend Bruce Springsteen, and three of his songs have been covered by rapper and country rock bad-boy Kid Rock.

“I just heard about him and he’s excellent,” said Robert Bouncuore, who came out specifically for the show. “He does a lot of Springsteen stuff.”

“This is my third time coming to the festival,” said Steven Reif. “There’s beautiful weather, great food and everybody is friendly.”

Barbara Kurland and partner Bill Underwood of Taking Turns in Denville have been displaying at the festival for four years selling their wood works, and most recently their repurposed whimsical gifts including games made of old post cards that are 100 plus years old, candle holders made out of salt and pepper grinders, and old postage stamp magnets among others.

“[The festival] is exciting,” said Kurland. “They have good quality crafts here, and you meet interesting people.”

Also enjoying a little shopping with her friends was Lindsey Buonopane, who found another great gift idea for her boyfriend in Boston.

“Down there was this Irish couple that make clocks out of liquor bottles; they have very unique gifts here that you can’t find at the mall,” said Buonopane, who just moved to Hoboken last February and loves the vibe of the city. “[The festival] brings everybody out. Its family oriented and everyone is enjoying their time.”