(for additional information call Cleo Sharplin 908 996-9000 or Sam Phillips 908 996-7424)

PRESS RELEASE #3:
RiverFest Sept. 1-3 Frenchtown, NJ

RiverFest in Frenchtown, NJ, the largest event of the year in this picturesque river community, will again light up the Labor Day weekend, but with a GREEN light this year. Cleo Sharplin, President of the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association announced today the addition of events and activities supporting this year’s theme of “GREEN”. The opening event of the annual RiverFest in Frenchtown will again be a wine tasting fundraiser under the main tent on Bridge Street, benefiting land preservation in Hunterdon County. During RiverFest vendors will share information with attendees on a host of “green” issues and demonstrate new products, such as a 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon, fresh from its new conversion to an all electric vehicle. There will also be a special booth concerning organic foods grown locally as well as foods served in local restaurants.

Ms. Sharlplin noted that “Even the special events will be GREEN: the theme of the annual Saturday Pet Show will be ‘Recycled Couture’. Every year we see amazing creativity in pet decoration, from dogs to horses.This year will be especially interesting with the recycling theme.” To enter a pet contact Cleo at Alchemy at 908 996-7424.

The closing event for RiverFest will be a charity auction benefiting a variety of not-for-profits ranging from animal rescue to health care.

The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and the Wine Hut will kick off RiverFest with a special wine tasting to celebrate the beauty of the Delaware Valley on Friday, August 31^st from 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Representatives from six import houses will be pouring a wide variety of wines accompanied by hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $25.00 per person (age 21 or older please) at the door or by calling the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance at 908-237-4582.  Proceeds benefit the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance’s land preservation and outreach programs. For more information, please visit www.HLTA.org.

Among the “Green” vendors available to answer questions and give advice will be Flemmington Car and Truck, demonstrating new car hybrid technology on Saturday, and Bucks County Renewables, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting alternatives to fossil fuels. 

RiverFest is hi-lighting the need for reducing dependency on oil products as part of its environmental focus, and is showcasing electric and partially electric vehicles that can meet the needs of many commuters while reducing or eliminating air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.  BC Renewables will display three cars: a 1991 Dodge Colt, converted to electric when brand-new; a 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon, fresh from its conversion by a team of automotive technology instructors and EV enthusiasts, and the recently converted electric Vanagon.

Also attending will be Eclectic Architecture, owned and operated by Michael J. Margulies, RA, AIA.  The firm specializes in the use of natural materials, employing traditional styles, and following sustainable practices.  Projects include both residential and commercial buildings with a focus on environmentally sensitive solutions and beautiful results.

Another vendor emphasizing green technology will be Heat Shed, an energy business for 28 years, devoting themselves for the past 7 years exclusively to solar electric systems.Heat Shed works in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has installed approximately 170 kW on residences.  Attendees will see examples of photovoltaic modules, shingles and laminate.

There will be a silent auction of “DOGS on the Delaware” cutouts, decorated by local artists. The auction and that runs all weekend on the bank parking lot, will draw both RiverFest and the year long DOGS project to a close with the announcement of winners on Monday afternoon. All proceeds from the auction go to identified charities such as River Union Stage, Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance, Doylestown Free Clinic, and the S.A.V.E. Animal Shelter.

Parking for the event, in addition to regular town lots, will also be available in a number of lots for local churches on Saturday and after 12:30 on Sunday. Follow signs.

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PRESS RELEASE #5 : For release AUG 10
RIVERFEST, Frenchtown, Sept 1-3, 2007

Noel Barrett of PBS Antiques Road Show to judge PET SHOW at RiverFest !

The annual Pet Show at RiverFest will feature host and judges Noel Barrett, known to many as a host of the Antiques Road Show on PBS, and Paul Savage, a Professor of history, who together also judge the annual Pet Parade in Carversville PA.  The PET SHOW, a favorite event of the festival, is open for competition for best costumes in several categories, all under this year's general theme of "RECYCLED COUTURE".  The show will be on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 pm in the main tent next to the Frenchtown Inn, Frenchtown, NJ.  Entrants are needed! To enter your pet, contact Cleo Sharplin at Alchemy 908 996-7424. 

More GREEN GROUPS and Vendors Added to RIVERFEST EVENT !

A number of vendors and not-for-profit groups have been added to the RiverFest offerings for Sept. 1-3:

Last year's festival "hit," Wolf Rescue, will return all three days for opportunities to learn about wolves, to pet them and to be photographed with these remarkable animals.  All contributions go the rescue and protection of these often misunderstood creatures.

Revival Construction is a company that celebrates the tradition and legacy of craftsmanship. It specializes in reviving antiquated buildings, adding the warmth of wood, and creating the charm of old places in new spaces. Revival Construction Company blends artisanship and a new approach to building, devoting itself to sensitive restoration and renovation.  They will discuss your projects and provide guidance.

Bittersweet Green Design of Solebury PA, which recycles barn wood and other materials in the construction of mirrors and frames, will have selections for sale.  Sharing space with Bittersweet is a consultant to architects and builders, who will be available to discuss green technologies and resources for green products in building and renovation projects.

Saturday from 3:30 - 5:30, the Sergeantsville Farmers Market, a cooperative featuring organic produce, will discuss organic gardening, their weekely markets, and offer a chance to win a gift basket of products.

Floorcloth artist, Judith Moore will exhibit her painted canvases which are used as rugs. Floorcloths have been used since the 1600's and her designs are inspired by ancient Roman mosaics. Created to be walked on, they are extremely durable, one of kind pieces.

River Valley School of Upper Black Eddy will be offering crafts for kids on Saturday only, as will the Alexandria Historical Society.  Both groups will talk to the public about their missions and about getting involved in the community.

Also on hand will be health and nutrition counselor, Chris Chamler to answer your questions and promote balanced diet and living.

Widow McCrea House (Frenchtown) and Chestnut Hill Inn (Milford) will share information about their B &Bs and the Ship Inn (Milford) and Frenchtown Inn will both promote their restaurants and discuss their organic and heart friendly menus.

Returning this year are important jewelers, painters, gourmet food vendors, and other craft dealers.

Entertainment will be provided on Saturday and Sunday on the main stage by BLUE NUMBER 9 of New York City, back by popular request! Throughout the festival music will be provided by local artist Dave Rounsaville, whose strolling guitar music has become an annual feature of RiverFest.   On Sunday at 12:30 there will again be a gospel sing featuring choir members from Frenchtown churches.  And on Sunday at 3:30, the annual fashion show in the main tent.

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PRESS RELEASE #6 : For release AUG 22
RIVERFEST, Frenchtown, Sept 1-3, 2007

Throughout Frenchtown, retail merchants and restaurants will be marketing green and organic products.  During the festival these merchants will feature many GREEN specials, and they are also committed to such products in their ongoing business.

Cleo Sharplin, President of the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association, sponsor of RiverFest, noted that "many of our members have been promoting GREEN all along, and RiverFest is opportunity to showcase the increasing presence of GREEN in our buying and selling practices.  I would be lying to say the positive response has been universal.  It is going to take public pressure to keep this trend moving along.  This is our 3rd year promoting the environment, preservation and conservation. Some local merchants, utilities, manufacturers, and markets that could have been at the forefront of our effort have been disappointingly unresponsive.  Still each year we do see a lot more enthusiasm.  So we are proud of the merchants and restaurants that will provide festival specials!" 

[NOTE TO PRESS: what follows is a sampling of the specials being offered by various merchants in Frenchtown during the RIVERFEST weekend.  Please select ones you want to include in your article.]
 
The Spinnery, on Race Street, will have specials on all natural yarn and during the weekend be giving demonstrations on spinning flax into linen thread. 

Dave Buegler of the Cycle Corner on Bridge Street noted that "We'll continue to sell bikes, recycle our cardboard, paper and bottles/cans, and sponsor the HART "Bike To Work" program."  On a lighter note, he also agreed that the Cycle Corner will cease all import, distribution and sales of internal combustion vehicles of any form or type! 

Coldwell Banker Hearthside Mitchell Williams, not to be outdone by the Cycle Shop, will indeed go motor free.  They will sponsor a drawing for a free bicycle in their office at 57 Bridge Street. The bicycle will be displayed in the window starting August 18th.

The Frenchtown Inn goes green with a menu for the festival that features an organic chicken breast with a fricassee of wild mushroom, spinach and shallots paired with organic white wine. Colleen Tomko, who also is a personal trainer, commented on how the fitness and health trend has influenced the restaurant business, requiring new sources for organic products.  "Customers want to eat healthier and light.  Andrew and I have created menu items we would want when we go out.  We are the first to ask if it was grown locally or what source it came from." The Inn's research of local farms results in the freshest produce for healthy, great quality food.

Yoga Loka and Purely Pilates will be giving out information on the Yoga and Pilates classes and private lessons held at the Yoga Loka studio on Bridge street.  Discounted class blocks will be sold for new students as well as for current.  Also on sale will be CD's and books, and discount cards will be given out  to be used at the Yoga Loka boutique.

The Book Garden will feature warm greeting cards that do not warm the planet with paper made from fibers such as sugar cane.  There will also be important books for sale such as Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth and Danny Seo's Simply Green Parties. 

Alchemy Colthing will introduce a new line of all natural bamboo clothing and scarves, the season's latest GREEN" trend, as well as their other lines of organic cotton and hemp fabrics. Cleo Sharplin, owner, has been the driving force behind the RiverFest focus on the environment.

Thistle on Bridge Street goes green by featuring tote bags and purses made from recycled wool coats and rubber entrance mats made from recycled tires.  Also visitors to the store can register to receive a gift basket of Fresh Wave products, organic all natural odor neutralizers, no purchase necessary. Finally, the owners  will demonstrate their own recycling by turning broken Stangl into stylish mosaic tables

Designs for Tranquility, a new, serene art shop, will also highlight the eco-friendly, renewable resource of Bamboo with a line of home accents made from Bamboo. To encourage the use of Bamboo in design, there will be a contest in which local artists will submit designs that would use various sized Bamboo poles freshly cut from a NJ garden. According to Jill and Russ Paul, owners, "we will also launch that weekend the "Green" line from the designer of our best selling ancient Roman Glass jewelry line."

The Studio will offer discounts of up to 1/3 off retail to promote the latest line of LEE furniture, "Natural LEE" with fibers made from recycled materials, wood from certified sustainable growth forests, and extensive use of soy-based products.  In their second store inside Alchemy, the Studio will offer organic lavender soaps and lotions from a farm in Bucks County.

Val Sivilli's new shop, Civilian on Harrison Street, features clothing and T's in natural fibers, organic cottons, and hemp.  Val, designer of the official RiverFest T-shirt for the past three years, will have this year's GREEN tribute Tee for sale at $22, as will Alchemy Clothing.  They go fast!  And check out Val's bright new mural on the side of her shop.

Kathy Smith Designs will demonstrate her use of reclaimed fabrics and other materials to construct her wide variety of vintage dolls.