For the last 4 years since I moved back to Jersey all I've heard about is you have to come to the BLACK POTATOE FESTIVAL ( yes with an e on the end of potato.) I'm all about seeing bands especially if it's my friends who are playing.. I found this part of Clinton very charming and very Nantucketish.. Old buildings, quaint shops, old time ice cream stores outdoor restaurants. This took me back!
In the center of town is an old bridge overlooking a small waterfall that I had to walk across to get to the entrance of the festival. This is where they held the annual YELLOW RUBBER DUCKY RIVER CROSSING. (All children bring a yellow rubber duck and they all start in one spot. Whoever crosses the river first wins.)
The BLACK POTATOE FESTIVAL is held every July for 5 days at the RED MILL MUSEUM in Clinton, NJ. This was their 20th year. Bands and individual musicians come from all over different states to preform and sing a lot of original folk style music..There was some blues, and rock.. My favorite band was THE BILLY HECTOR BAND from Asbury Park, NJ. He's been around for ages and had the crowd dancing to his Funky, Soulful,Blues beat.
This is such a pretty spot with interesting buildings to hold THE BLACK POTATOE FESTIVAL.. It dates back to 1782, when 529 acres were originally purchased..
As I walked around I noticed an old mill, along with an old saw mill. In between and down by the water was the secondary stage which was the smaller of the two. Individual singers and 3 piece bands played here. On each side of the stage were vendors who were selling custom earthy wares like tye-dye shirts, scarfs, hats, dresses etc.
The entrance fee was $25 for the day. You can purchase a weekend pass which comes out cheaper for each day online or at the gate......
There were huge trees all around the property, which gave some shade on a very hot day. Behind the main stage you could look up hundreds of feet to see where the Quarry was dug out..The vibe was very casual and laid back...Most people brought a blanket or folding chair to sit on while watching the many different bands.There were food vendors strategically placed all around the grounds. At the bottom of the hill was a Pizza Truck. They served Homemade Pizza ,Espresso, Cappuccino, and 4 different kinds of homemade Cannoli's.
I found myself along with many other people going from the Main Stage which was up the hill, and walking down to the smaller stage at the bottom of the hill. ( 2 minute walk)
All the bands were coordinated so when one band finished the other band on the smaller stage began. In the middle between the stages were more vendors and a beer truck. They served Red's Hard Apple Cider, Yuengling, Bud, Bud Light, and Coors Light, and Blue Moon which they were out of.. ( I went on the last day)I prefer an IPA so I settled for Coors Light.. ( I thought the Hard Cider was too sweet.)All the beer was $5.00. You could also purchase wine for $7.00.
Next to the beer Truck was another food truck and he served SMOKED BRISKET AND SMOKED PULLED PORK Sandwiches and platters...He sold some cool tee -shirts .. One read - " HELLO IT'S MEAT YOUR LOOKING FOR." It had a picture of a pig on it..
Across on the other side of the main stage was another vendor who sold Cajun style food. He had DEEP FRIED ALLIGATOR on the menu, JAMBALAYA, BEANS N RICE etc.. I love Alligator( it taste like chicken..) but didn't try his..
I wound up with the BRISKET and PULLED PORK SANDWICH with HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE .. Both were equally delicious..It was too hot to eat anything else so I passed on a few other food items..
I parked in town on the street for free.. If you come be prepared to do some walking..
This truly was a lovely day. THERE IS NO SMOKING ON THE PREMISES.. Be prepared to walk if you smoke..WHEELCHAIR ACCESS is difficult...
If you like laid back and folk style music then this is definitely for you.. read more