MusicFest Circa 2011

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For a number of years this was the official site for the annual MusicFest which brought together the Union County community for a free event consisting of non-stop musical entertainment and fun for the entire family.
Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages providing a glimpse of what the Music Fest in 2011 offered its visitors.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present the 2011 Union County Fair this fall, featuring the 14th annual MusicFest which will once again include three stages which will host an exciting line-up of popular national and local musical acts.

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2011

Friday, Sept 16th
LIVE's Ed Kowalczyk
Collective Soul

Saturday, Sept 17th
Mike Peters w/The School of Rock Allstars
Cy Curnin
Nicole Atkins and The Black Sea
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Neon Trees
Paul Rodgers
Blondie

Sunday, Sept 18th
School of Rock Tribute to Springsteen
The Smithereens
Southside Johnny

 

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LINE UP

Blondie

Blondie has announced a North American Fall tour behind their 9th studio album, Panic of Girls, set for release on September 13th, 2011, via the band’s own imprint. With an impressive new collection of songs and a sound more recognizable than ever, Debbie Harry, Clem Burke and Chris Stein, along with newer band members Leigh Foxx, Tommy Kessler and Matt Katz-Bohen, will kick off the tour on September 4th. The band will bring the incredible new tracks and Blondie hits to crowds from coast to coast before wrapping on October 8th. Tickets go on sale beginning July 8th.

 

First single “Mother,” a nod to the legendary West 14th Street night club of the same name, has been instantly embraced by fans and the video for the song recently set the web abuzz. See it here. Panic of Girls, colored with inspirations from New York City’s roiling melting pot and street-level pop culture, hearkens back to the core of Blondie’s genius while remaining positively fresh. Collaborating with producers Jeff Saltzman (the Killers, Fischerspooner) and Kato Khandwala (Paramore, Papa Roach) for the first time, Blondie has created one of their most astounding albums in their storied 37-year career. New wave dance gems, songs sung in French and Spanish and even a reggae cover are threaded together with a timeless pop sheen giving an irresistible glisten to the album -  simply perfection.

 

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Allowed and Prohibited Items

You are more than welcome to bring the following items to MusicFest 2011:

 

• Blankets
• Umbrellas (small hand-held style)
• Soft-sided coolers &/or picnic baskets
• Baby Strollers
• Portable/collapsible chairs (individual units only; no “double-wide” connecting chairs)
• Regular size/unframed backpacks
• Binoculars
• Personal camera equipment (i.e. small digital cameras or point-and-click 35mm cameras). Cameras with any type of detachable lenses are prohibited.

 

The following items are PROHIBITED
(we apologize, but the MusicFest organizers will not allow and will confiscate the following for safety reasons):

 

• Weapons of any kind
• Illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia
• Framed or large backpacks
• Alcohol (alcohol will be sold in the UC Love Hope Strength Tent ONLY)
• Bicycles inside Festival grounds (bike racks are available near the main lot entrance on Oak Ridge Road)
• Large chains or spiked jewelry
• Fireworks or Explosives
• Large umbrellas
• Non-collapsible chairs
• Hard-sided coolers
• Tents – pop up or canopy
• Pets (except service dogs)
• Video equipment: No video recording will be allowed.
• Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs)
• Audio recording equipment
• Absolutely NO illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed.
• Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, give-aways, etc

 

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2nd Annual Union County Harvest Contest
Sept 14—18, 2011

The Union County Fair
At Oak Ridge Park Oak Ridge Road – Clark
Harvest Contest Brochure 2011
Contests Include:

·         Funny vegetables
·         Vegetable characters
·         Heaviest Tomato
·         Heaviest Zucchini
·         Best pumpkin
·         And introducing our new Healthy Harvest Quick Bread Contest

Deliver your entry on Saturday morning September 17 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Tent.
Your entry will be registered with a member of the RCE staff.
Judging will be Saturday afternoon.

Ribbons to be placed on all entries after judging.
A formal award presentation will be held Sunday at 2 PM for the top prize winners!

For more information on any of our contests please download the brochure here.
Contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension with additional questions
Union County (908) 654-9854.
Contest sponsored by:  Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

 

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Rock On! Walkathon and 5K Run

 

 

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	Safety
	Bulletin from Stageline Mobile Stage, manufacturer of outdoor staging equipment, and This Is It! Stageworks Following the tragic accidents in Indiana and Belgium and other recent incidents that involved constructed roof stages, the outdoor event industry and the public at large are asking and entitled to know if outdoor stage installations are safe. The answer is a definite yes for Stageline mobile staging technology. Stageline heavy duty equipment are specifically designed, engineered and purposely built to be safely transported, safely erected and safely used outdoors. Many times over, they have proven to remain safe while protecting gear and people throughout the most extreme weather conditions.  Stageline mobile stages are now used in over 10,000 events every year in more than 35 countries.  In 25 years, no Stageline stage has fallen or collapsed. Safety is paramount in all Stageline products and in all installation procedures. In order to ensure that Stageline equipment is safely deployed and used for each event, here are points our clients should be aware of: •    Heavy-duty Stageline mobile stages are self standing equipment designed and built to withstand extreme winds and support rigging loads according to the instructions in the operator’s manual. •    There are specific procedures that Stageline suggests in case of heavy wind. •    This Is It! StageWorks maintains all equipment with ongoing visual inspections as well as scheduled service and maintiance. •    All This Is It! StageWorks stages are installed by operators certified to build Stageline mobile stages. •    Operator’s manuals are read on a regular basis by the certified operators. •    All equipment is always installed according to step by step procedures as outlined in the operator’s manual •    Only specified Stageline staging parts and components are used •    In case of heavy wind, This Is It! StageWorks technicians are instructed follow the heavy wind procedures as outlined by Stageline As Stageline owners and users, we understand the importance of providing a very safe staging environment to our fellow workers, musicians, organisers and audiences.   We remind ourselves of our commitment to always raise the awareness for higher standards and responsible practices. We owe this to the outdoor event industry which through our actions, connects us all.

 

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Access Program

Meeting the needs of our fans with disabilities at MusicFest is a never ending commitment. If you know of ways that we can improve our service, we ask that you contact us with your suggestions, questions and comments.

Accessible Parking On-Site: Enter through the main park entrance. Have your state-issued accessible parking license plate, hang-tag, or placard easily visible. Parking attendants will direct you to designated parking. As with all on-site parking, a $10 parking fee will be charged.

ible Parking Off-Site: Please see the shuttle information for the location of free, off-site parking. Once you arrive at that site, notify security and an accessible van will be available to provide transportation to and from the festival site.

Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available throughout the festival site.

Accessible ATMs: Accessible Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available. Please check with the Box Office for locations.

Accessible Viewing and Seating Area:A raised viewing platform will be available, located near the main stage. Patrons who use wheelchairs will be able to use the platform without a pass. Patrons with mobility disabilities who don’t use a wheelchair but who have a disability that substantially limits their ability to stand may stop by the Box Office to request a pass for this area.

n Policy: Each person with a disability may bring one companion into the reserved viewing area. Families, consisting of no more than two adults and any children under the age of 18, may stay together in the reserved area.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the designated accessible areas are non-reservable and offer limited space. All areas noted are designated on festival site maps. Additionally, once on-site please visit our Box Office if you have any further questions or need additional assistance.

 

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More Background On UCMusicFest.com

 

UCMusicFest.com served as the official digital home for one of Union County, New Jersey’s most ambitious and culturally significant public events: Union County MusicFest. At its height, MusicFest was more than a concert series—it was a regional celebration that brought together nationally recognized artists, local performers, families, nonprofits, and civic institutions into a multi-day festival experience centered on music, community, and shared public space.

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, the festival stood out as an example of how county-sponsored arts programming could rival commercial festivals in scale and professionalism while remaining free and accessible to the public. UCMusicFest.com functioned as the festival’s informational hub, outlining programming, policies, safety practices, accessibility features, and community initiatives in a clear and structured way.

The site today represents an important historical snapshot of how large-scale municipal events were organized, promoted, and experienced during a transitional era for live entertainment and public festivals.

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Origins and Purpose of MusicFest

Union County MusicFest emerged from a broader initiative by county leadership to enhance cultural programming and provide high-quality public entertainment accessible to all residents. Rather than relying solely on small community concerts or seasonal fairs, the county envisioned a flagship event capable of drawing regional attention while maintaining a family-friendly identity.

The festival became closely associated with the Union County Fair, expanding its scope beyond rides and food vendors to include major live performances. This integration allowed MusicFest to benefit from existing infrastructure while elevating the fair into a multi-day cultural attraction.

From the outset, the festival emphasized:

• Free public admission

• High-caliber musical talent

• Broad demographic appeal

• Community involvement

• Strong operational oversight

UCMusicFest.com reflected these goals by presenting the festival not as a casual gathering, but as a carefully managed event with professional standards comparable to large commercial festivals.

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Location and Regional Significance

Oak Ridge Park, Clark, New Jersey

MusicFest was primarily hosted at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, a centrally located and spacious county park well suited for large-scale events. The park’s layout allowed organizers to establish multiple stages, vendor areas, accessibility zones, and crowd flow systems while maintaining safety and comfort for attendees.

The location was strategically chosen:

• Easily accessible from major roads

• Centrally located within Union County

• Large enough to support tens of thousands of attendees

• Already established as a community recreation hub

Because of this, MusicFest attracted not only Union County residents but visitors from surrounding counties and nearby metropolitan areas, giving the festival a regional footprint.

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Evolution of the Festival

Early Years

MusicFest began as a modest but growing cultural event tied to county programming. Early iterations focused on regional performers and community participation, gradually building a reputation for strong organization and enjoyable programming.

As attendance grew, the county expanded both the scale and ambition of the event, introducing multiple stages, more nationally recognized artists, and additional programming such as charity walks and educational exhibits.

Expansion and Peak Years

By the late 2000s and early 2010s, MusicFest had matured into a major public festival. The most well-documented years reflect a fully realized production model:

• Multiple performance stages

• Full-day and multi-day scheduling

• Nationally touring headline acts

• Integrated fair and carnival elements

• On-site food, beverage, and merchandise vendors

• Formal safety and accessibility planning

UCMusicFest.com during this period reflected the sophistication of the event, offering clear navigation, detailed policies, and comprehensive visitor information.

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Musical Programming and Lineups

A Broad Musical Spectrum

One of MusicFest’s defining strengths was its diversity of musical programming. Rather than focusing on a single genre, the festival curated lineups designed to appeal to multiple generations and tastes.

Artists represented genres including:

• Rock and alternative

• Pop

• Classic rock

• Americana

• Indie and contemporary pop

• Tribute and legacy acts

This diversity allowed families, longtime music fans, and younger audiences to all find something of interest across the festival weekend.

National and Regional Talent

MusicFest consistently booked well-known national performers alongside regional and emerging acts. Headliners included artists with decades-long careers and significant radio presence, giving the festival credibility and drawing large crowds.

At the same time, regional musicians and youth ensembles were given prominent placement, reinforcing the festival’s community-driven identity and helping develop local talent.

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Festival Layout and Experience

Multi-Stage Design

The festival utilized multiple stages to maintain continuous programming and manage crowd distribution. This allowed:

• Simultaneous performances

• Genre-specific stages

• Smooth transitions between acts

• Reduced congestion

Attendees could move freely between stages, creating a dynamic, festival-style experience rather than a single-stage concert environment.

Food, Vendors, and Activities

MusicFest also featured:

• Food vendors representing local and regional cuisine

• Beverage areas with regulated alcohol service

• Merchandise and sponsor booths

• Community organization displays

• Family-friendly activities

This combination made the event an all-day destination rather than a short concert experience.

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Accessibility and Inclusion

One of the most notable aspects of MusicFest was its emphasis on accessibility. The festival made deliberate efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities could fully participate.

Features included:

• Designated accessible parking areas

• Shuttle services from remote lots

• Wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms

• ADA-compliant restrooms

• Clear policies for companion access

• On-site assistance staff

These measures were clearly communicated on UCMusicFest.com, reflecting an understanding that accessibility is not optional but essential for public events.

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Safety, Operations, and Crowd Management

Event Safety Philosophy

MusicFest organizers placed strong emphasis on safety and risk management, particularly during a time when public awareness of stage safety and crowd control was increasing nationwide.

Key operational elements included:

• Professionally engineered mobile stages

• Certified installation teams

• Weather monitoring protocols

• Emergency response coordination

• Clear prohibited-item policies

The website detailed what attendees could and could not bring, helping reduce confusion and improve gate efficiency.

Prohibited and Allowed Items

To ensure safety and comfort, MusicFest enforced clear rules regarding:

• Bags and coolers

• Chairs and umbrellas

• Alcohol and controlled substances

• Recording equipment

• Weapons and hazardous items

These policies were communicated in advance to minimize delays and conflicts at entry points.

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Community Engagement and Civic Programming

Integration with the Union County Fair

MusicFest was closely tied to the Union County Fair, allowing visitors to experience live music alongside agricultural exhibits, rides, and family attractions. This integration helped broaden the festival’s appeal and strengthened its identity as a countywide celebration.

Charity and Awareness Events

MusicFest also served as a platform for charitable initiatives, including walkathons and fundraisers benefiting health-related causes. These events reinforced the festival’s community-first mission and encouraged civic participation beyond entertainment.

Educational and Cultural Value

By incorporating agricultural exhibits, youth performances, and nonprofit organizations, MusicFest functioned as both an entertainment event and an educational experience. It reflected the county’s desire to showcase not only music but also local values and initiatives.

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Public Reception and Cultural Impact

MusicFest earned a strong reputation as one of Union County’s signature annual events. Its continued operation over multiple years, combined with high-profile performers and strong attendance, indicates sustained public interest and institutional support.

For many residents, the festival became a tradition—an annual gathering that marked the end of summer and celebrated community life. Its free admission model made it especially important as a cultural equalizer, allowing residents of all economic backgrounds to attend major live performances.

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UCMusicFest.com as a Digital Artifact

Today, UCMusicFest.com stands as a digital time capsule of early 2010s festival culture. The site reflects:

• Pre-social-media-dominated event promotion

• Detailed long-form festival information

• Emphasis on planning and logistics

• A balance of marketing and public service communication

Unlike modern festival websites that often prioritize ticketing and social media integration, UCMusicFest.com emphasized clarity, accessibility, and public information.

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Legacy and Historical Significance

While MusicFest is no longer active in its original form, its legacy remains significant within Union County’s cultural history.

The festival demonstrated that:

• Public institutions can successfully host large-scale cultural events

• Free admission does not preclude high-quality programming

• Community-focused festivals can achieve regional recognition

• Accessibility and safety can coexist with entertainment

• Music can serve as a unifying force across demographics

For many attendees, MusicFest represents a defining memory of summer in Union County—an event that combined music, family, and civic pride in a uniquely inclusive way.

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UCMusicFest.com documented far more than a series of concerts. It captured a moment when public arts programming reached an ambitious peak—where county government, community engagement, and professional-grade live music intersected.

Through its thoughtful design, detailed communication, and commitment to inclusivity, MusicFest became a model for how municipalities could host large-scale cultural events without sacrificing accessibility or public trust.

Today, the site stands as a lasting record of that vision: a celebration of music, community, and the enduring value of shared public experiences.

 

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