Picture a smaller version of the Hoboken Arts Festival with its host of food vendors, and you get a fair idea of what JC Project EATS looked like when it was unveiled in front of City Hall recently, a day-long street fair celebrating warm days, cool drinks, and delicious eats. The spirit of the event was buoyed by lively music by performers from the nearby Caribbean parade.
An estimated 10,000 attendees enjoyed food and drinks from over 30 local vendors, including a full bar and two beer trucks thanks to The Hamilton Inn, and games of ladder ball, bocce, and beer pong, provided by Yelp NJ and Zog Sports.
This was the third event put on by the Jersey City Project, whose mission is to present a series of curated outdoor markets and events in downtown Jersey City. The project kicked off with Project Market last December, and was followed up by Project Earth in April. Regular features of these events include gourmet food vendors and food trucks, live entertainment, artisans from the handmade furniture and jewelry and clothing industries, and workshops.
“This is an opportunity for innovative people to introduce what they do to the public.” – Mayor Steven Fulop.
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Produced by local business people
Some of the key organizers were Kristen Scalia, of Kanibal Home, and Elizabeth Cain, of Hound about Town, both long time residents with local businesses. Together they decided to start an outdoor market dedicated to promoting small businesses, local talent, and seasonal highlights, providing opportunities for people to connect within the community.
Sponsored by some of the most prominent business people in downtown, JC Project EATS was designed serve as a sampler of existing and potential food vendors in the area and to provide emerging talent with a showcase. The event also is part of a series of happenings throughout the city, providing residents with a reason to come out into the streets to enjoy and celebrate their own community.
This is the first year that the group has held an event in front of City Hall, and they hope to continue it in the future.
Some of the local eateries such as City Diner and Mod Cup were joined by newcomers such as Nums.
“This is an opportunity for innovative people to introduce what they do to the public,” said Mayor Steven Fulop, who wandered through the crowd. “Some people need to get a start, and this is how they get introduced to the public.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.