New Jersey Fringe Festival Returns This August

In 2015, Eagle Theatre orchestrated a gathering between local businesses, artists, and street vendors, to discuss the concept of a statewide arts festival in Downtown Hammonton, New Jersey.

The initial idea was inspired by the Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival. In Hammonton, each year this one-day festival affords teens from Atlantic County the opportunity to display their talent, meet with professionals in the field and attend hands-on workshops or master classes.

"You walk down Bellevue Avenue and witness a sea of musicians taking part in impromptu jam sessions, photographers capturing the town's revitalized architecture, visual artists sketching portraits of the scene. We took note and began brainstorming on how to capture and expand upon this frenetic energy. Festivals of celebration allow us to capture the attention of the community and encourage them to engage." states Artistic Director, Ted Wioncek III.

Three years later, Hammonton, the little town that could, is now gearing up for its 3rd Official New Jersey Fringe Festival, August 3rd - August 5th.

What makes the 3-day street fair and theatrical marathon particularly unique is it's two festivals in one approach. Access to the outdoor festival area, featuring street performers, live music, interactive pop-up art, food vendors and a craft beer and wine garden, is free and open to the public.

The festival will also feature a variety of eclectic specialty theatrical performances, all held inside multiple venues within walking distance of the festival's hub, Eagle Theatre.

Performances range from 20 - 90 minutes and are performed multiple times throughout the day. Selections range from small musicals, cutting edge original work, one-man/one-woman shows, cabarets, and experiential storytelling. Festivalgoers can purchase wristbands for specialty theatrical performances in advance or at the festival.

In addition, this year the festival will feature a new completely family friendly venue, including a rock band for kids, a princess cabaret, and performances for kids by kids, from the Eagle Theatre Conservatory.

"Hammonton has had a long-standing history in providing festivals and cultivating immersive celebratory atmospheres. In many way, we, as a town, are setting the stage. Everyone in the community plays a part in making this come to life." states Jim Donio, Chief Strategist of Eagle Theatre.

Hammonton has strategically partnered with local businesses to provide a unique social experience, set in an award-winning Downtown destination.

The New Jersey Fringe Festival is produced by Eagle Theatre and sponsored by The Noyes Museum of Art, Spellcaster Productions, GrandAire Booking, Verizon, Kathedral Event Center, Spellcaster Productions, and MainStreet Hammonton.

For info, visit www.jerseyfringe.com or call 609-704-5012

This program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism and The New Jersey State Council on the Arts.