(WASHINGTON BOROUGH, NJ – September 16, 2023) The Washington Borough Business Improvement District (WBID) proudly hosted an unforgettable day of family friendly fun, downtown shopping, and one of the largest free musical festivals in the area!

Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla and Commissioner James R. Kern III attended the Festival in the Borough, enjoying the day’s musical acts and joining ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two businesses.

“The Festival in the Borough was a celebration of all Washington Borough has to offer – and that’s a lot!” Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla remarked. “Great job by the Washington BID once again. It’s wonderful to see so many unique shops and restaurants opening and thriving. If you haven’t been by lately, go visit the Borough because you won’t regret it,” she added.

The festival featured 18 musical acts across three different stages with artists ranging from local favorites to national touring, Grammy-nominated artists. Washington Borough’s Main Street and Veterans Park were also lined with vendors, a beer garden, a children’s fun zone, and all the local food and shopping that makes Washington Borough special.

During the festival WBID also hosted ribbon cuttings for two new businesses opening in Washington Borough. The Cellar Door, a Belvidere antiques, vintage finds, and makers market, now has a second location in Washington at 25 E. Washington Ave. Their grand opening was during the festival  weekend and the store is now open six days a week. Visit their Facebook @The Cellar Door for more info.

(Above, Left to right) Commissioner James R. Kern III, Mayor Ethel Conry, Councilman Jerry Brown, Olivia DaSilva, Sheila Varenkamp, Councilwoman Sherri Musick, Nicole Kries, Tucker Kries, Kyle Kries, Deputy Mayor Louann Cox, Councilman Christopher Infinito, WBID Executive Director Melanie Thiel, Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla, and WBID Executive Assistant Colleen O'Neill. 

(at Left, Left to Right) Councilman Jerry Brown, Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla, Tucker Kries, Commissioner James R. Kern III, and Councilman Christopher Infinito.

The Hut, Warren County Habitat for Humanity’s new thrift store location, had a ribbon-cutting as well, although they will officially open next month. The Hut will sell clothes, shoes, coats, accessories, and more. The Hut is located at 30 Belvidere Ave. and hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, starting October 5, 2023.

“It's wonderful that we have these businesses opening and I look forward to supporting them,” Mayor Ethel Conry said, while Deputy Mayor Louann Cox commented, “It is always a pleasure to be a part of welcoming a new business to our borough.”

“Washington is vibrant and growing and the BID is proud to be a part of it,” said WBID Executive Director Melanie Thiel, adding “Our two new stores are great additions to downtown and this was the most successful Festival in the Borough to date! Next year we will be celebrating its 20th anniversary so be ready.”

To stay up to date with business news and events in Washington follow Washington BID at www.facebook.com/DowntownWashingtonNJ or visit their website www.washingtonbid.org.

A third ribbon-cutting is coming to downtown Washington Borough, as the Confidence Builders Learning Center at 24 E. Washington Ave. will be having their grand opening Saturday September 30, 12 p.m., with an open house meet & greet featuring a raffle and a fun craft activity for the whole family. Follow their Facebook @Confidence Builders www.facebook.com/ConfidenceBuildersTutoring or visit their website.