Volunteers needed for Holmdel festivals

In the rural section of Holmdel Township, there are two Bayonet Farm Festivals each year.

In spring, the Earth Day Festival celebrates Mother Earth’s holiday with live animals and music, a petting zoo, educational family shows and extensive displays, children’s crafts, pet adoptions and guided tours of the historic Harding Farmhouse. Autumn brings the Arts and Music Festival, which features musical performances ranging from salsa to swing, kids’performances and crafts, and house tours. In addition, attendees enjoy live dance performances, a juried gallery art show of nearly 50 artists, and around the grounds are plein air (outdoor) painters, potters, glass artists and more.

Besides sharing the bucolic ambiance of Bayonet Farm’s rolling pastures, historic house and Pennsylvania Dutch barns, the two festivals have something else in common: each is run by a committee of dedicated volunteers. If you are seeking a fun way to give back to Holmdel, you are invited to join.

The Earth Day Festival has been continually growing since its beginning 14 years ago. This year’s event will be held April 29. If you would like to be part of educating children and adults about “The Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!” this may be the committee for you. Meetings are held weekday mornings about once every other month. The first meeting is slated for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23. Email Carol at [email protected] for more information.

On the other hand, if you would like to make culture more abundant in Holmdel, The Arts and Music Festival may be more to your taste. This ninth annual event will be held Sept. 23. Meetings are generally held weekday evenings, but the first meeting of 2012 will be held 3 p.m. Jan. 16. Email Sede at [email protected] to learn more.