By DENISE HERSCHEL
The Tinton Falls Library Music Festival is scheduled to take place Sat., Aug. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. with an evening of musical talent, a variety of food, an array of outdoor games and a Beer Garden.
The annual event is all part of the borough’s community efforts to raise funds for the Tinton Falls Library, which was forced to close its doors in 2017 due to a mold problem discovered in an attached trailer.
“This is truly a community effort. The town has been very supportive of our efforts, setting up the tent for our performers and setting aside a portion of the park for our use on the day of the event,” said Linda Cicalese, board member for the Tinton Falls Public Library Association. “Local businesses have donated money and our volunteers make the day happen. And none of it would be possible without the extreme generosity of all the performers who are coming from as far away as Philadelphia and Highland Park.”
Tickets for the music festival are $10 for an adult (12-years-old and older), $5 for a child (5-years-old to 11-years-old) and children under 4 are admitted free.
“The main feature of the festival will be the musical groups who are giving so tremendously of their time and talent. They are returning from last year; the Ranney School rock band and Jeremy Adam with his band; Mike Noordzy and his group, El Noordzy. Ronnie Lee Steele is performing as The King. Tommy B and the Deep Blue Sea, Well Wish and Framing Dakota are all members of Musicians on a Mission. We are very excited and grateful for all of them!” she said.
Food available for purchase will include hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, snacks and ice cream. In addition, there will be a Beer Garden. Games featured will include corn hole, Giant Jenga, and a children’s activity area with book bingo and storytime.
Cicalese said that this is the third year for the festival, to be held at the Sycamore Soccer Fields. The time and duration of the festival was changed this year.
“We have shortened the day and we are starting later so that people can come after other summer activities. We are looking forward to a record turnout,” she said.
The library has been closed for five years and officials hope to reopen next year.
“We applied for a grant from the state two years ago and were awarded that grant this year. All the paperwork for the grant from the state has been completed and we are waiting for the funds to be deposited into our account. Then the town will seek bids for the work that needs to be done. However, rising costs mean that we need to augment that money in order to reopen the library. We are hoping to reopen in 2023” she said.
To purchase tickets for the Tinton Falls Music Festival go to the library’s website at tintonfallslibrary.com or buy them at the gate the day of the festival. Cash or checks will be accepted the day of the festival.
