FRI. MAY 3 FILM FESTIVAL SAT MAY 4 STREET FESTIVAL
The Jersey Devil is among the oldest monsters tales told in the United States, yet has only recently become known to the larger population. The stories predate European exploration and colonization, but the primary origin story is set in 1735. The jersey Devil, formerly known as the “Leeds Devil” is still seen yearly and tales of his exploits still intrigue and terrify girl scouts and boy scouts and grown-ass people every day. Why? for one, the Jersey Devil is pretty creepy looking and for another, he resides in the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens is a vast and largely uncharted forest in the wilds of southern New Jersey. This is no exit off the TurnPike. This is 2 million acres of untouched wilderness and 1.1 million acres sit in a reserve to protect it, It is massive. It is pristine. It is not your local park.
The Pine Barrens is home to flora and fauna and to people who have lived off-grid since the formation of the nation. Its isolation is also attractive to ne’erdowells who covet its isolation and privacy. Anyone who wa=tched the Sopranos knows what I am saying.
The Pine Barrens are mysterious, creepy, scary and yes, real. Our festival is all about their favorite son but also about the darkness of the forest and how that sits within mankind. What manner of beasts lurk in the dark and deep forest?
New Jersey has a history of strange and unusual phenomena, including witches, cryptids, UFO and of course, Mr. Leeds. Welcome to the The Jersey Devil Fable Festival,
Bring on the folklore and fables! From the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to the Black Forest of Germany, we have all been raised on the tales of the dark dark forest! Join us as we explore those tales, the myth and reality in a good old fashioned festival! Come dressed in you spooky and creepy Brothers Grimm best to ward of the last of the ghouls and goblins of the year!
The Devil of the Pines is still heard from time to time..his legend is strong and so is his history!
But what of other Fables and stories? Well, where there is a devil, there is likely a witch! The Witch of the Pines, Peggy Clevenger is also spoken of to this day..but she is not the only witch we know of, is she? Witches and Goblins and all manner of sprites and spirits populate our stories and folklore and that is what makes up the Jersey Devil & Fable Festival!
All of these stories are part of the celebration of Walpurgisnacht! The traditional celebration of the return of spring, when the spirits of the earth and forest have their last hurrah and the seasons change to light again!