2021 Newark Halsey Fest Is Largest In Its History, Organizers Say

Newark NJ

20 September, 2021

2:45 PM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Newark Alliance. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. The Newark Alliance and Rutgers University-Newark, in collaboration with co-sponsors Prudential Financial and United Airlines, will partner together for the return of the Halsey Fest on Thursday, Sept. 23 (rain date Sept. 30), from 3 to 8 p.m. Now in its 10th year, Halsey Fest will run along Halsey Street between Central Avenue and New Street in downtown Newark, and will feature performances, activities, arts, games, food, drinks, giveaways and more. Halsey Fest 2021 builds off the success of the annual fall celebration that began nearly a decade ago, and which returns following its cancellation in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's Halsey Fest – the largest in the event's history, spanning five blocks – welcomes and re-orients Newark stakeholders, residents, employees, students and visitors back to the Brick City. "We are a longtime supporter of Halsey Fest, it furthers our mission of partnering with entrepreneurs in our hometown," said Shané Harris, Vice President, Inclusive Solutions, Prudential Financial and President of The Prudential Foundation. "This event conveys the resilience of small businesses and the strength of the Newark community during challenging times." "Our goal is to remind attendees of all that Downtown Newark has to offer," said De'Shawn Wright, Interim CEO of the Newark Alliance. "We are grateful for the collaboration, sponsorship and support of Rutgers University-Newark, Prudential Financial and United Airlines in making the return of Halsey Fest possible. This wonderful celebration offers us an opportunity to come together as a community and support our local small businesses that have persevered through the pandemic." Halsey Fest attendees are invited to reacquaint with their favorite Newark businesses and vendors, while discovering new ones that have joined the community. With over 75 entrepreneurs, artists, organizations, and small businesses expected to attend – including favorites like Black Swan Cafe, Burger Walla and Cool Vines – individuals of all ages will get a taste of Newark's diverse offerings. The celebration will include live DJs and dancing, a fashion show, live artist and mural painting, raffles, games, prizes and swag bags, as well as a look at Hire, Buy, Live Newark, a comprehensive anchor institution-led economic development initiative in the City of Newark. As part of Hire, Buy, Live Newark activations, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the advantages of working, living, spending and recreating in Newark. "Rutgers-Newark is proud to partner with the Newark Alliance, and other anchor institutions, to celebrate the power, resiliency and creativity of Halsey Street and greater Newark. We are especially excited about supporting space for our students, faculty and staff to re-connect with each other and community members while energizing our amazing small business partners," said Amber Randolph, Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Economic Development and Chief Financial Officer. "United's shared purpose drives us to unite the world by connecting people to what matters most, which includes supporting the local business community to help fuel the economic recovery and social vitality of Newark," said Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director Government Affairs Northeast for United Airlines. "Newark is a vibrant city that we are extremely proud to be able to share with our customers who fly in and out of this extraordinary place we call home to our northeast hub." For more information on Halsey Fest, visit www.halseyfest.splashthat.com. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.