Atlantic Highlands Historical Society

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In The News

Check out some of the events and activities we have had in recent years.

33rd ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

The weather held up throughout the day (last year's weather led to a rain date) and even provided some cooling breezes.  Approximately 70 high-quality vendors, many from Pennsylvania and New York, showed their handmade products or dispensed food in the 33rd annual festival, chaired again by Jo-Ann Hunt.  Compliments abounded as shoppers admired vendor products and vendors voiced appreciation of the setting, festival organization, and the feel of the borough

You might think the crowd in the photo is watching a parade, but that’s not the case. This appreciative crowd is at the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society's Arts and Crafts Festival, lining the street to watch the MTM Dance Factory perform in front of Borough Hall on September 20.  Under the direction of Margot T. McCray-Gough, the Junior, Funk, and Senior Troupes presented jazz, funk, acro performances and then collected children from the crowd to teach them the Cha Cha Slide.  The dancers have appeared at Six Flags Great Adventure, Nets games, and at last year’s festival. When the DJ hired for the festival didn't show (and still hasn't been heard from), the group danced to music accompaniment from "Mike's" strategically placed car. That is improvisation at its best.

The weather held up throughout the day (last year's weather led to a rain date) and even provided some cooling breezes.  Approximately 70 high-quality vendors, many from Pennsylvania and New York, showed their handmade products or dispensed food in the 33rd annual festival, chaired again by Jo-Ann Hunt.  Compliments abounded as shoppers admired vendor products and vendors voiced appreciation of the setting, festival organization, and the feel of the borough. 

Breaking the "shark" piñata proved a difficult, though not insurmountable, task for the young bat wielders.  The shark proved to be tougher than last year's school bus piñata, but eventually proved no match to kids seeking a cascade of wrapped candies.

Additional events this year included a magician, face painting, and a large used-book sale (fill a plastic bag for $3) at the Strauss Museum from those donated by Books Once Read when it closed its First Avenue store. Thousands of remaining books will be offered for sale Sundays 1-4 at the Strauss until the Society's annual Flea Market at the marina parking lot September 10.

Nancy Mulheren and the Mulheren family generously donated display of the magnificent White 1938 touring bus used in Yellowstone National Park.  Jay Hendricks brought the bus to the festival, enthusiastically answering many questions about the classic vehicle. Only 36 of these fine buses remain in existence. Its refurbishment had been performed by Finelines of Atlantic Highlands

Many downtown merchants along First Avenue helped turn the day into a town event by holding sidewalk sales in front of their stores.

 

32nd ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

The Arts & Crafts Festival was held in August 2004.