Community event showcases 50 local artists, businesses, and volunteers
On Saturday, May 30, Appel Farm Arts & Music Center presented the 2026 South Jersey Arts Fest at their beautiful campus nestled in the outskirts of Elmer. The annual community event featured over 50 local artists and musicians, and is supported in part by New Jersey State Council on the Arts, regional and local businesses, organizations and volunteers. There was not an advertised ticket price, but a donation of $20 was suggested upon parking. The windy conditions made things a bit difficult, but the event remained a success.
Setting the Music Scene
As you walked into the festival, buskers greeted you with street-style musical performances throughout the grounds. Among them, local musicians such as Jay Runyon & Pete Ware, Bob Higgins, and Trey Smith played their hearts out to the passers-by. It was a great way to showcase up-and-coming talent from the area. The experience provided an outlet for those with a passion for performing in public to share their music, whether it be original or covered songs.
Arts and Crafts Vendors Galore
Artists and makers of all kind presented their fine and craft artistry. Jen Ottepka, originally from Alloway, offered wildlife and studio photography prints and shadowboxes featuring adorable field mice and dwarf hamsters staged in endearing scenes. Jean Dominique of Nature Bone Studio featured fine jewelry made by combining objects found in nature with copper electroforming and borosilicate glass flameworking. Sara Lynn Fioriglio of Studio Fig came with original illustrations, designs and photography inspired by nature and travel printed on a variety of clothing and other items. There was certainly something for everyone available, and to describe all of the artisan goods here would be quite an undertaking!
Food and Beverage Service
Several local food trucks provided a variety of options for food and beverages, including Teenie Hut Jr’s of Elmer. A beer and wine garden was hosted by Lost Elephant Brewing Company of Elmer, Farmers & Bankers Brewery of Woodstown, and Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery of Pilesgrove Twp.
Activities for the Kids
There were free craft activities for the kids, including a make-your-own instruments and flower crowns complete with ribbons and rhinestones. Volunteers like Tam Bitgood are integral to the success of these activities.
“What a great pleasure it was volunteering at the 2026 SJ Arts Fest last Saturday,” stated Bitgood. She continued, “The arts making tent is by far my favorite place to volunteer…and it was hopping! So many children and adults came through making musical instruments from simple household objects and elegant crowns made of felt and paper and adornments. The leaders of the crafts were knowledgeable, flexible and kind. Great fun was had by all!”
Tam is a skilled and talented visual artist currently serving as the president of the Salem County Art League, so having her artistic expertise on hand was a boon for the event.
Headlining Musical Performances
The Grove Stage saw some great performances from local artists. Anthony West, of Elmer, played acoustic Americana originals and covers with support from Ron Lange on the double bass. Cooperstomp is a fan favorite 3-piece alternative band comprised of Scotty Stevens on vocals and guitars, Nate Whyte on drums and Ian Kelly on bass playing original music for the “sensitive at heart,” per their socials. Their merch featured a screen printed t-shirt made by the front man himself. Planette Automatic performed poppy originals with poetic and ethereal charm. It was great to see these popular acts drawing their fan base to the event, which in turn provided a platform for them to gain a new audience.
The festivities concluded with a rehearsal performance in Hill Field by Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps, a non-profit marching ensemble from Princeton that has been performing since the eighties. Musical performances were made possible with the support of WXPN, a partnership that has historically been key to the success of arts and music festivals at Appel Farm.
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center
It was a beautiful day of arts and music. Appel Farm Arts & Music Center has been a cherished asset for Salem County since 1978, and it is great to see their vision and traditions continue to thrive. Community such as this is only made possible by the hard work of volunteers and sponsors, and supporters. Appel Farm Arts & Music Center hosts a variety of actives throughout the year, including art camp and classes for kids and adults alike. Folks interested in other activities or wanting to stay informed about next year’s South Jersey Arts Fest can check out their website for more information.
Photos from the event
