2nd Annual Keyport Antiques & Artisan Festival Set for May 21st
Celebrate the work and wares of the Bayshore area’s finest antique dealers, artists and artisans at the 2nd Annual Keyport Antiques and Artisan Festival. The celebration, held by the Keyport Bayfront Business Cooperative (KBBC), takes place in the borough’s historic downtown district on West Front Street and Waterfront Park on Saturday, May 21 from 11am to 8pm.
Festival-goers can look forward to a day full of great food, fine art, handmade crafts and timeless antiques—all to the backdrop of the beautiful Raritan Bayshore waterfront. The arts, crafts and antiques of local artists, artisans and dealers will be showcased alongside those of crafters and traders from surrounding areas.
“We have a lively art and antique scene here in Keyport,” said Stuart Z Koperweis, Executive Director of the KBBC. “Their talents give our community a unique character, and we loved the idea of highlighting their work with those of artists and dealers from around the area.”
A lineup of live musical performances and poetry readings will keep crowds entertained while perusing through the variety of fine art, handmade merchandise and vintage goods displayed throughout Waterfront Park and a closed West Front Street.
Visitors can also enjoy antique appraisals and the return of Art Around the Bay, a free event where guests can reserve a canvas from the Arts Society of Keyport, bring their own supplies and paint along the waterfront.
A free trolley service will run between the Aberdeen-Matawan train station and Downtown Keyport from 11am to 6pm. Additional parking is available at the train station and is free on weekends.
The Arts Society of Keyport will hold its annual Silent Auction Fundraiser at the festival. Visitors are invited to browse and bid on locally created pieces following this year’s theme of “Return of the Butterflies”. Proceeds support the Arts Society of Keyport’s mission to promote the arts of Keyport and the surrounding areas.
“There’s been a recent revival of interest in all things vintage,” remarked Charlie Merla, President of the KBBC. “The enthusiasm has been tremendous for our antique and consignment community. We’re very excited to invite art lovers and antique aficionados alike to celebrate with us in May.”
Admission to the Keyport Antiques & Artisan Festival is free and the festival’s rain date is Sunday, May 22 from 11am to 5pm.
About the KBBC
The Keyport Bayfront Business Cooperative is the managing entity of the Keyport Business Improvement District, created by ordinance of the Borough of Keyport. It is run by an elected Board of Directors, comprised of business operators, property owners, representatives of the Borough of Keyport including Mayor and Council members, Borough committee representative and resident representative.
For more information about the KBBC, visit www.visitkeyport.org and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KeyportHappenings and on Twitter @Keyport_NJ
