Sounds Around Town Big Hit With Local Crowd

Linda DiBias of Bernardsville said her kids look forward to Sounds Around Town each time the event combining music, downtown shopping and delicious treats is held around each fall and spring in Bernardsville's event.

"It's a great community event," she said. "I think everyone loves to get out, and come together."

"It's just a great night...it's always great to get out with friends," said her friend, borough resident Diane Ernst, who was accompanied by her daughter, Karina. She observed the Sunday's weather turned out to be beautiful, after the event was rescheduled to 4 to 8 p.m. that day instead of during Saturday's storms.

The street fair, which spreads from Claremont Road up Route 202 to another main gathering spot at the shopping center by Kings Supermarket, also offers way more to make that socializing even more entertaining.

Joe Rossi, senior vice-president of the Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce and co-chairman of the chamber-sponsored Sounds Around Town said that seven bands or solo performers, and also a deejay provided music in multiple locations.

He said the event now is held each May and September.

Many of the downtown businesses stayed open during that time and offered freebies or other specially priced food or merchandise.

Marianna's Pizza Cafe on Claremont Road offered a sidewalk spread that would have made an Italian grandmother proud, including chicken parmesan or penne vodka for $3 for either meal, $1.50 for pizza slices and free desserts, including brownies.

Penguin Ice Cream also drew a crowd.

A little up Claremont Road, 56 Degree Wine shop threw open its doors at its new location, with wine tastings from Master of Wine Chris Cree. Cree said the seafood hors d'oeuvers offered with the wines — including crab cakes sitting in a spicy sauce — were from Metropolitan Seafood in Lebanon.

Around the block, Wallflowers Gallery also was open at a new location, 35 Mill St., displaying artwork by Philip Kennedy-Grant, who also in an architect.

Wallflowers also had a spread of edibles and wine to taste, along with music provided by duo Beth Sherby of Bernardsville and Dina Hall from Bethlehem, Pa.