Olde Kings Jazz Fest reigns in Swedesboro Oct. 17
In an effort to distinguish their festivals from those of other municipalities, Swedesboro officials decided to jazz it up.
The borough will host its third annual, multi-venue Olde Kings Jazz Fest Oct. 17 from 4 p.m. to midnight. A joint venture between the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission, and the Swedesboro Economic Development Committee, the event is part of an effort to revitalize the borough’s downtown area.
“What we were trying to do was to bring the arts to Swedesboro and to try to create a buzz and something in Gloucester County with the arts,” Diane Hale, chairwoman of the economic development committee and Swedesboro Borough Council member, said. “You’re always looking for a different event to highlight your town and to stir new interest into making your town a destination point.”
There are already art galleries and historic buildings in the borough, Hale said, but the economic development committee, which was created in 2004, has taken steps to make the area a “destination” by holding special events, and by embarking on a three-phase revitalization of the streetscape of the borough’s main drag, of which two phases are complete. The last phase, which still needs funding, will put new pavers on Kings Highway between Ashton Avenue and Church Street.
Hale said the borough, which is less than a square mile, is lucky to have a downtown, and its residents are starting to take advantage of it.
“They absolutely love it,” Hale said. “Like anything, most people don’t like changes; but they see how wonderful it looks and it is very pedestrian-friendly, which is what our goal was, and it looks beautiful. I think we have one of the best-looking downtowns in all of Gloucester County.”
Swedesboro will share its downtown, new pavers, lights and all, with about 1,000 visitors, all looking to hear some jazz. Last year, the event drew about 700 people from 11 counties in New Jersey, and parts of Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware.
“The event is uniquely regional,” Hale said.
Tickets are $20 in advance, and in addition to bringing people into the borough, the proceeds benefit events put on by the economic development committee, including the Olde Kings Blues Jam, held in the spring; and an outdoor living and garden show. The committee is also throwing around ideas for an additional event.
“The sponsorship money [for events] is few and far between, so we’ve got to raise money,” Hale said. “The same people keep getting hit up for these sponsorships, so we need to be self-sustaining — that’s why we charge a fee. But $20 for 12 performances? That’s almost unheard of.”
Tickets may be purchased online, and are available at the information booth located in front of the wine tent at Schoener’s Garage; at Rode’s Fireside Restaurant and Tavern; or at Bethesda United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, for $25 the day of.
For more information, call 1-888-315-8099, ext. 707, or visit www.swedesboro-nj.us.
The borough will host its third annual, multi-venue Olde Kings Jazz Fest Oct. 17 from 4 p.m. to midnight. A joint venture between the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission, and the Swedesboro Economic Development Committee, the event is part of an effort to revitalize the borough’s downtown area.
“What we were trying to do was to bring the arts to Swedesboro and to try to create a buzz and something in Gloucester County with the arts,” Diane Hale, chairwoman of the economic development committee and Swedesboro Borough Council member, said. “You’re always looking for a different event to highlight your town and to stir new interest into making your town a destination point.”
There are already art galleries and historic buildings in the borough, Hale said, but the economic development committee, which was created in 2004, has taken steps to make the area a “destination” by holding special events, and by embarking on a three-phase revitalization of the streetscape of the borough’s main drag, of which two phases are complete. The last phase, which still needs funding, will put new pavers on Kings Highway between Ashton Avenue and Church Street.
Hale said the borough, which is less than a square mile, is lucky to have a downtown, and its residents are starting to take advantage of it.
“They absolutely love it,” Hale said. “Like anything, most people don’t like changes; but they see how wonderful it looks and it is very pedestrian-friendly, which is what our goal was, and it looks beautiful. I think we have one of the best-looking downtowns in all of Gloucester County.”
Swedesboro will share its downtown, new pavers, lights and all, with about 1,000 visitors, all looking to hear some jazz. Last year, the event drew about 700 people from 11 counties in New Jersey, and parts of Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware.
“The event is uniquely regional,” Hale said.
Tickets are $20 in advance, and in addition to bringing people into the borough, the proceeds benefit events put on by the economic development committee, including the Olde Kings Blues Jam, held in the spring; and an outdoor living and garden show. The committee is also throwing around ideas for an additional event.
“The sponsorship money [for events] is few and far between, so we’ve got to raise money,” Hale said. “The same people keep getting hit up for these sponsorships, so we need to be self-sustaining — that’s why we charge a fee. But $20 for 12 performances? That’s almost unheard of.”
Tickets may be purchased online, and are available at the information booth located in front of the wine tent at Schoener’s Garage; at Rode’s Fireside Restaurant and Tavern; or at Bethesda United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, for $25 the day of.
For more information, call 1-888-315-8099, ext. 707, or visit www.swedesboro-nj.us.
