Coaster Photo
AsburyFest welcomed hundreds of visitors to Bradley Park over the weekend.
By DENISE HERSCHEL
The three-day AsburyFest, hosted by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, was held over the weekend in Bradley Park offering crafts, music and food.
The festival, which began Friday evening, welcomed hundreds of visitors over the three days.
“Everything was in our favor for this year’s AsburyFest,” said Asbury Park Chamber Executive Director Matthew Whelan. “Aside from a brief drizzle before we opened on Sunday, the weather was gorgeous! Vendors and attendees alike all applauded the change from September to June. Every festival-goer we spoke to said they thought this was the best AsburyFest they’d ever been to.”
A portion of entrance fee went to supporting Coastal Habitat for Humanity.
Asbury Park resident Jo Franklin said that she enjoys the festival because of the variety of food available as well as the assortment of crafts to purchase from vendors.
“It’s a cool, fun day. It’s very chill and a good day out to eat, shop and listen to music. I brought my kids who are teenagers and they brought their friends,” she said.
Some of the food available to sample included Latin Bites, Island Noodles, Shrimp Shack, Weiner Wagon and Empanada Guy.
Crafts lovers were also on the lookout for some unique gifts for themselves as well as others with dozens of local vendors on hand.
Long Branch resident Sammie Plunkett said she likes to buy unique earrings and bracelets which are handmade. She was also hoping to buy a gift for her friend’s birthday.
“The prices are good and it’s fun to look around to see what they are selling. This is my second time coming to it and I wanted to come early to beat the crowds,” she added.
Plunkett was not disappointed as there were a host of vendors including The Ring Lady, Henna Squad, Cheeky Designs, Sasta Jewelry, Earth to Ocean, Sew Much Cooler and Jersey Plate Art.
For many attendees, music was the big draw of the day with Joey Riley of Bradley Beach planning to sit back and listen to some good music.
“I came this afternoon with my sister to get some food and then I am meeting some friends later to hear some of the bands,” he said.
Music fans were not disappointed as they listened to Shore Thing, The Wag, Junction 13, Run for Cover, Tangled Souls and Almost U2, among others.
AsburyFest also saluted their local heroes with free admission for all veterans, active duty military and first responders.
