Festival-goers raised their glasses during a toast at the downtown Blackwood festival on Oct. 18.
Gloucester Township residents poured into downtown Blackwood on Oct. 18 for the sixth annual craft beer and food festival along Black Horse Pike.
Hosted by Mayor David R. Mayer and council members, the event brought together local breweries, wineries, food vendors and musicians to one of the township’s most anticipated fall celebrations.
Mayer said the festival continues to highlight a strong sense of community and is an opportunity for residents to enjoy not just beer and food, but fellowship in a family-friendly environment.
Participants sampled craft beers from area brewers and sipped wines from Valenzano Winery. Live musical performances included the Steve Dee Band; Live Grapes; Late Last Night; and SHEA, along with DJ Erock Knoll and 2Dream.
Families filled Harwan Park, where crafters and artisans showcased handmade goods. Children participated in Kids Corner at Harmony Hall, which included crafts and a meet-and-greet with GT Rex, the township’s mascot.
Free shuttles were provided from Highland High School and Blackwood Elementary School. Mayer thanked township staff and volunteers for again organizing the festival.
Township resident Amber Howard attended the festival with her son and said they look forward to the event each year. She shared that it’s one of the few times she gets to slow down and simply enjoy the day with her family.
“My son loves the Kids Corner, especially meeting GT Rex,” Howard said, “and I love checking out all the food trucks and local vendors. There’s always something new to see or taste.”
Howard added that she appreciates how the festival brings people together.
“It’s nice to run into neighbors and friends you might not have seen in a while,” she noted. “The music, the laughter, the sense of community – it really makes you proud to live here.
“It feels like the whole town comes alive.”
