Crafts fair, antiques show and a weekend of jazz | Warr

There are three events - including a crafts fair, antiques show and a jazz festival - coming to Hunterdon County in September.

By Al Warr

Summer has about burned itself out. Cooler days and evenings invite us to explore the great out-of-doors once again.

Autumn is a special time of year. Seasonal fairs and festivals pop up, shows and other entertainments attract attention. September is alive with events.

Frenchtown celebrates with RiverFest on Sunday. Milford's popular bed races highlight the town's MilfordAlive! event on Sept. 24.

But I am covering three other events. In the mid-month weekend, Sept. 16-18, Flemington will be kicking off the annual Central Jersey Jazz Festival, along with the annual Craft Fair. Topping off the weekend will be the annual Hunterdon County Fall Antiques Fair.

***

The Jazz Festival is a three-day affair, beginning in Flemington on Friday and continuing in New Brunswick and Somerville on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, Sept. 16-18.

Hunterdon part of Central Jersey Jazz Festival

The Flemington leg of the Jazz Festival has been moved from downtown Flemington to Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road. It is set for Friday, Sept. 16, from 6-10 p.m. The doors open at 5 p.m. Bring your own blanket.

Expect music by Charlie Apicella & Iron City, Cynthia Sayer Quartet, Alexis Suter, and Freddie Hendrix.

The Ship Inn will be selling their craft beers. Choose wines made at Old York Vineyards and Unionville Vineyards. Unity Bank is sponsoring tethered balloon rides.

For more information, visit CentralJerseyJazzFestival.com.

***

Flemington's 32nd annual Craft Fair is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18, 9 to 5. Both sides of Main Street will be filled with crafters, artisans, vendors, and music.

Expect tents and tables filled with jewelry, clothing, pottery, handmade furniture, quilts, paintings, edibles and more.

This event is sponsored by the Hunterdon Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus. They will be putting on special shows at 1 p.m. on the steps of the Courthouse on both days. In addition, strolling quartets will be entertaining throughout the fair. And a DJ will be playing oldies.

"This show attracts regional artists, artisans and crafters," said Richard Cornelison. "We are expecting between 50 and 70 this year." He's been handling the event for the past 12 years.

Several crafters who will be attending this show talked about what they do.

Debbie Hahn operates Alpaca Comforts, offering "exceptionally warm and soft alpaca essentials," she said. This includes all natural dryer balls, felted soaps, scarves, light and heavy weight socks, colorful hats for men, women and children. Call her at 267-719-3721.

Michelle Koches offers fashion jewelry, clothes pin magnets, metal necklaces and bracelets. "I make them all," she said. She also offers wine glass markers--people put these on the stems of wine glasses to know which one is theirs, she explained. Call her at 908-303-9356.

Bruce Catton has been designing and creating wood art for more than 30 years. He uses local trees felled by storms and construction to make scroll work, sculpture, wall decor, baskets, bowls and spoons, boxes, even paintings on wood. Everything is one-of-a-kind, handmade. He will be bringing many items to the Craft Fair. Some 200 of his creations can be viewed at OutOfTheWoods-USA.com. His phone is 908-797-9128.

Barry Wennagel operates PensAndMoreByBarry.com. Years ago, he started out as an electronics engineer, he told me. For the past 10 years, he has been a wood turner. His signature creations are pens, both ballpoint and fountain pens. Other items include letter openers and pizza cutters. He even makes a stylus for iphones.

"I'll be at the corner by the courthouse," he said.

Pat Barnhart creates handmade lawn chairs. She uses blank frames and covers them with macrame or woven mesh. The result can be plain or she can incorporate logos, sports teams and other designs. Call her at 609-737-2912.

Jack Tackett makes custom wood items of many types and designs. He does small things, like cutting boards, and larger undertakings like a king-size four-poster bed. Other items include game tables, barbeque carts, bar tops and benches. Look for Mustache Jack Creations on Facebook and Etsy. His phone is 908-581-2632.

***

The Hunterdon County Fall Antiques Fair will be held on Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 to 4. It's at the South County Park, Route 179, Ringoes. There is a $7 entry fee, but parking is free.

Here you will find country and fine antiques and collectibles, pottery, porcelain, lighting, tools, textiles, paintings and prints, jewelry and much more.

Ellen Catona specializes in fine 18th and 19th century American antiques. "This is not a flea market," she cautioned. Expect American country furniture, stoneware and pottery. Her phone is 609-865-9846.

Helen and Larry Bryan (732-690-5783) will be displaying Americana and early lighting. "We will have lots of small items - furniture, tinware, treenware and the like," she said.

Eleanor and Steve Cheety (215-364-1158) are bringing a general line of antique woodworking tools and country pieces, children's toys, bowls, and early 19th century silver.

Richard Gryziec specializes in early American samplers and American folk art. Expect a range of items, and view the website at RSGantiques.com. His phone is 570-650-0804.

This is a big annual fair for antiques. Some 60 dealers will be displaying a diversity of wares, and the fair draws over 1,000 attendees from far and near.

Al Warr can be reached at 610-253-0432 and AlWarr16@gmail.com

Crafts fair, antiques show and a weekend of jazz | Warr