Beautiful weather and great food were enjoyed by tens of thousands of people who attended the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival Sunday.
Shirley Temple of Doom, a local favorite band, played an acoustic set at noon at the Sixth Street stage. Drummer Billy Atwell was happy with the turnout and the way the band sounded.
“We thought it was a great event,” Atwell said.
In addition to classic tunes from rock and roll hall of famer Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, the sidewalk food and craft vendors were a hit. Pizzerias were selling fine Italian cuisine, Latino restaurants hawked delicious ethnic foods, and cotton candy could be purchased at almost every corner.
The artists came out as well. More than 300 craftsmen, sculptors, photographers, and painters were set up at individual tables displaying their wares.
According to Geri Fallo, director of the city’s Cultural Affairs Department, the event was a success, and it had a great turnout. “We really enjoyed the festival this year,” Fallo said.
Other participants included the city’s Historical Society, the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, and the school district. Additional performers included singer/songwriter Marshall Crenshaw, Skanatra, The Demolition String Band, Eugene, Lenahan, Bill McGarvey, Jose Conde, Gene D. Plumbers, and Orchestra C-2.
For the kids, there was a play area set up at Second and Washington streets including a giant slide. The festival was sponsored in part by The Hudson Reporter newspaper group. – E. Mulero