The beautiful weather and great food were enjoyed by the nearly 70,000 people who attended the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival Sunday.
With a stage on Sixth and Washington streets and another on First, local bands and national acts wowed the masses.
Shirley Temple of Doom, a local favorite band, played a terrific 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 the rock and roll hall of famer Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, the sidewalk food and craft vendors were a hit. Pizzerias were out 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.
Other performers included singer/songwriter Marshall Crenshaw, Skanatra, The Demolition String Band, Eugene, Lenehan, 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 where they use a large slide and play other games.
The festival was sponsored in part by The Hudson Reporter newspaper group. – E. Mulero