On Thursday, June 15, the temperature in Flemington was a comfortable 77 degrees at 5 p.m. A light wind pushed billowy clouds gently across a clear blue sky. The conditions were perfect for those who came out for the borough’s Sip & Stroll event on Stangl Road.
That evening, adults sipped alcoholic beverages as they -- you guessed it -- strolled along the street in the historic Hunterdon County community.
Lone Eagle Brewery poured seasonal craft beer, there were spirits and frozen drinks to be had at Skunktown Distillery and sangria -- featuring Old York Cellars -- was served at the Blue Fish Grill. All of these beverages could be enjoyed on premises or taken off-site in “to-go” cups.
More than just drinks
But Sip & Stroll is by no means an adult-only affair. In fact, the event -- part of a seasonal series which kicked off in April and will be held on the third Thursday of each month through September -- is intended to appeal to all members of the community. There were activities for attendees of all ages.
“In my estimation, while drinks are available, it’s not really an event that is focused on ‘drinking,’” said Robin Lapidus, executive director of Flemington Community Partnership. “It’s much more about moving around to explore different areas and experiences in the Arts and Cultural District -- it has a ‘first night’ like feel -- and Stangl Road is very much like a ‘greenway’ with grassy spots and beer gardens and music tents and ice cream and patios. While we do have some seating, the event by design, is about strolling and getting immersed in smaller events in one night.”
She also noted, “The Bluegrass Jam inside DIY is an alcohol-free space where artists are very focused on jamming and learning from each other -- people bring rare historical instruments, some handmade, and some off the shelf but it’s not about drinking at all.
“There are activities for kids including some quieter inside spaces with vintage Atari machines but overall, it’s like a night out on the town where there is something for everyone, every age, every pocket-book, and where all are welcome to find some awe and fascination.”
The June Sip & Stroll event was near nirvana for artists, who sold their wares from tables set up on the edge of the sidewalk. Shops kept doors open for those who were interested in making twilight purchases or just browsing.
Musicians performed under tents in front of businesses and on grassy patches that separate shops. Parents pushed ice cream-eating children in strollers. Youngsters rode bikes and tossed beanbags onto corn hole boards. Couples and friends settled into Adirondack chairs or gathered around bistro tables or brightly-colored picnic tables to relax, chat or listen to music. The event was indeed a family affair and, for some, that meant sipping and strolling with their leashed dogs.
The June event, which ran from 5 to 9 p.m. and billed as a “celebration of Summer and Pride,” featured a DJ dance party and amplified acoustic and electric music played by many, including groups of high school students, who showed up with family and friends.
Business owners and area residents are equally excited about the Sip & Stroll series.
Bob King, co-owner of Lone Eagle Brewing and a committeeman in Raritan Township, said the Sip & Stroll events are great for business and the community. King, a proponent of the open container law in the borough, said, “People are looking to get out and have an experience in a fun and responsible way, and we’re providing that here.”
Toby Chernesky, a self-described disco diva who performed at the event, said “I love doing stuff in this town.” The graduate of Hunterdon Central High School said, “I like being around people I know. I like for people to see how I’ve progressed.”
Chernesky, who studies voice performance at New York University and performs at venues in New York City, said he started singing at Gabby’s Pizza (outdoors with a karaoke machine) during the pandemic and will “forever be thankful” for getting his start there. “I love doing stuff in this town! Great things are happening here and I’ll always be happy to perform here.”
Ben Weinman is a Flemington resident attended the event with his children.
Weinman, who is a heavy metal guitarist (The Dillinger Escape Plan), said he and his family have lived in the borough since late 2017. Work wise, he benefits from the proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. He said he enjoys the quiet of the community and noted “it’s a great place for kids.” But, he said, he felt there “was not much to do here .... then I came to this street.”
Weinman said he loves the events on Stangl Road and is heartened by the sense of community here. Here, he said, “a farmer and an artist will have coffee together.” This place is special. He said, “Everyone has a common interest in rejuvenation ... development of the area.”
A spirited community
According to Lapidus, the open container conversation was had between the Flemington Community Partnership, local businesses, commercial property owners, police, council, and former Mayor Betsy Driver. Lapidus said, “It was a long conversation that went on for at least two years with a high degree of buy-in before it came before the borough council. The goal was always about revitalization and economic development.” She continued, “As Liberty Village the first outlet mall faded into the background as it was no longer unique or comparable in design and amenities to all of the new destination outlet malls everywhere, Stangl Roal had a few property owners who saw the value of repurposing buildings and attracting artistic, cultural, and wellness-oriented businesses.”
The Sip & Stroll was approved by resolution in March 2023 for six months on a trial basis and was brought forward by the Flemington Community Partnership board trustee Tony Parker, who also sits on the council, and was welcomed by Mayor Marcia A. Karrow.
Karrow said, “Sip & Stroll is another avenue to showcase our arts and cultural opportunities in Flemington. Its success is due to having a vibrant business and cultural district with business owners who are willing to work together to make a monthly night out entertaining for everyone. Flemington continues to look for interesting and fun ways to bring economic vitality to all of our business districts.”
Lapidus said, “The Sip & Stroll is the result of business owners working together in the spirit of many hands making light work -- our businesses showcase what they do best and attract their fans and loyal customers and then those people explore other places on the block and we just keep mixing it up.”
With eyes wide open
What was absent from this event was any evidence of public drunkenness. And, although Lapidus said that public drunkenness was never a concern, she said the community moved forward with “eyes wide open.” She said, “We were cautiously optimistic to test the waters and do it on a trial basis. The same is true for Open Container, we never had naysayers, but there were discussions at the council meeting where it was proposed to limit the dates and the times from Friday through Sunday.”
And, public safety was always front and center. “We are always concerned about public safety at events. An officer is assigned to the Sip & Stroll on-site and on-foot to be helpful and to show a strong community presence. We greatly appreciate their help, and we work closely as a team in close communication, which is the best way to produce meaningful community events.”
And that’s not all
In addition to the Sip & Stroll events, Flemington hosts farmers markets, historic house tours, ghosts tours, car shows and more. The borough’s sixth annual the Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival will be held on Aug. 12 from noon to 8 p.m. For a complete list of upcoming events, click here.
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