The Giralda Farms Preserve in Chatham Township is a beautiful 133-acre property in the middle of suburbia. Part of Loantaka Brook Reservation, this preserve features original carriage trails, rolling meadows, and a 1.5-mile loop trail. But on May 22, 2022, the serene property will transform into a high-spirited music festival. Here’s what you need to know if you plan on attending the Great Swamp Great Music Festival in Chatham, New Jersey.
What is the Great Swamp Great Music Festival?
The Great Swamp Watershed Association, a non-profit organization, heads the Great Swamp Great Music Festival. The organization’s mission is to protect and improve the health of the Passaic River. The association achieves its goals through science, education, land preservation and stewardship, and advocacy.
The festival is the non-profit’s second-largest annual fundraiser supporting clean water and land. For its fifth year, family-friendly musicians and local food and merch vendors will take the fields of Giralda Farms Preserve to unite in eco-conscious solidarity.
What to Expect
Atmosphere and Music
The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, you may want to arrive when the gates open at 11 a.m. to secure a spot at the front of the stage with your picnic blanket and chairs. Max Antonucci, a New Jersey comedian, will emcee the event, and Nick Amling & The Lifeline will warm up guests with a pre-show.
The festival’s lineup includes five acts donating their time and talent to support the clean water and healthy environment fundraiser. The Refuge Dogs, The Step Brothers Band, Lenox Underground, Not Enough Jeffs, and The Big Fuss will take the stage. The festival will fill the Giralda Farms Preserve with music from start to finish, as Amling will return in-between stage changes to entertain guests.
Food
Food vendors include classic, gluten-free, and veggie options from Avellino’s Pizza in East Hanover. The Summer Daze food truck will provide classic American fare from cheesesteaks and burgers to hotdogs and fries. Also, the Scoops Ice Cream truck will offer old-fashion frozen treats with a modern flair for dessert.
Drinks
Attendees are encouraged to bring their reusable water bottles. The New Jersey American Water’s “H2O on the Go” van will be on-site to provide free, potable water for all festival-goers. For something sweeter, Summer Daze will provide fresh-squeezed lemonade for purchase.
Additionally, the 21 and over crowd may purchase beer, wine, and hard cider.
Vendors
A handful of vendors will sell their artisan creations to support the association’s environmental goals. Patricia & Paul of Westfield will offer flavor-infused oils and vinegars. For unique decor, visit Crafts by Alice. If seeking a housewarming gift, Daydream Creations sells paintings and birdhouses. Also, visit the It’s All About You stand for wall hangings, coasters, and scarves. Additionally, if you’re looking to surprise a loved one with beautiful hand-crafted jewelry—or maybe you just want to treat yourself—take a look at Love is All You Bead. Whatever you do, you can be sure of two things: your purchase will support a local business and support an environmentally conscious cause.
50-50 Raffle
If you need another push to attend the event, the organization will conduct a 50-50 raffle. For $10, you may purchase 10 raffle tickets, and 25 tickets cost $20. The proceeds will be split evenly between the winning ticket holder and the Great Swamp Water Association.
Ticket Information
Tickets are currently available online. Adult tickets are $30 and students receive a discounted price of $20 per ticket. Children under 13 are free. Online purchases close at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. If you choose to purchase tickets at the gate, there is a $5 price increase. Accepted forms of payment include credit cards, cash, and checks.
Will you enjoy music and support a green cause at the Great Swamp Great Music Festival? Let us know in the comments!
Helen is an editorial intern at The Digest. A senior at Drew University, she enjoys cooking and listening to music. When she's not working in the kitchen, she's typically catching up on pop culture news.
