Let’s get green! And artsy! And enjoy some music, too!

Once again the Washington Improvement District and the Washington Borough Green Team are partnering for the Annual Sustainably Green Arts & Music Festival on Saturday June 19 in Downtown Washington. Additionally, June 19 marks the opening of Washington’s weekly Farmers’ Market season. The festival action takes place throughout the Downtown and in the Pocket Park.  

“A full day of family-friendly activities; something for everyone,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the Washington BID. “We combined what used to be two separate events last year into one and the response was terrific. So it’s sort of a two for the price of one day in Downtown Washington!”

The Sustainably Green Arts & Music Festival features terrific eco-friendly art and displays from artisans and organizations in the region, kids activities with Dove Environmental, and plenty of music. 

The musical line up this year includes Big Bruce and the Messengers, 11 a.m., Gypsy Funk Squad, 1 p.m., and the BassBoards at 3 p.m.

The Green Fest typically includes an array of environmentally friendly vendors, activities, and other great stuff.  Among the specialty vendors this year are Brie’s Crafty Creations, Handsewn Treasures, Hempworx, Soul Shine Tie Dyes, Powur Solar, and Weathered Creations.

An added attraction for the day takes place at Kids R People 2, located at 47 E. Washington Avenue (Route 57) in the center of the Downtown, where it will be featuring Juneteenth activities starting at 12 noon.

Sponsors of the festival include Home Instead Senior Care, Smith Motors, Messinas – the all natural garden company, Warren Hills Memorial Home, Schembre & Gannon Accountants, DM Solutions LLC, Good Impressions Print Communications, Unity Bank, Direct Millwork/Builders General Supply, Visions Federal Credit Union, Sendell Real Estate Associates, Swift Print Solutions, and the Washington Diner.

The weekly Farmers Market is held in Downtown Washington every Saturday by the Pocket Park, beginning on June 19, and continuing through September, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each week features a different special activity or theme, including musical performers, DJs, farmer appreciation, senior and veterans days, a mini kids fest, and more. 

Among the farmers market vendors coming this year are: Pipers Hill Farms: Heirloom tomatoes, pumpkins, gourds, and butternut squash;K&A Farms: Jersey fresh produce; Bread Lock Botanicals: Fresh-cut flowers and flower arrangements, herbs, fruits, and vegetables;J&N Beekeepers: Local raw honey; Asya’s Boards of Charcuterie: Boards of charcuterie including assorted cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, and dessert boards; New Morning Farm offering a selection of fresh produce and cut flowers, and Dandy Lion Acres Farm: Farm fresh eggs, hanging baskets and plants, and fresh produce.

Also, Do Good! Goods, eco-friendly fair trade gift items,; Bang It Out Designs: hand-stamped metal objects including ornaments, bookmarks, chopsticks, keyrings,  etc.; Cosmic Debris: handmade candles and wax sculptures; Dove Environmental Education: free environmental activities and crafts for kids with a focus on litter prevention; Gym Vixen Activewear: women’s sportswear, leggings, sports bras, and tops; Kaleidoscope Enrichment: Free science activities and crafts for kids; and Lola B Head Soaps and Soy Candles.

For more information about the Sustainably Green Arts & Music Festival, vendor opportunities, and other WBID news, visit washingtonbid.org or LIKE the Washington BID Facebook page. More about the Sustainability event and the farmers market can be found on the Washington Borough Green Team Facebook page as well. You can also email admin@washingtonbid.org.