Great family experience at Appel Farm

I have lived in the South Jersey area for over 8 years and while I had heard of Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, I had never taken the opportunity to attend an event there.  My first experience was Saturday, October 3rd for the Blues and BBQ Picnic event.  My husband and I decided that we would take our 3 children, ages 7 – 14, and my Mom, and make an evening out of it while getting some very precious time to spend together as a family.  We arrived around 6:00pm and were treated to a large spread of delicious barbecue pork, ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, beans and dessert.  There were picnic tables set up, but people also brought their own blankets and chairs to enjoy the food in a relaxed atmosphere.  While eating, we also had the pleasure of listening to the Capitol Pride Symphonic Band, a 65-piece band from Washington,DC.  The food and entertainment were a great way to kick off the evening.

Once stuffed with food and satisfied with the wonderful music, we then moved to another area set up for folks to gather around a campfire while waiting for the next concert to begin.  The moon was shining bright that night and we all set up our chairs near the campfire, sat back and enjoyed the comfort of the fire and the sounds of the night.  It was peaceful – a far cry from the very busy lives we lead with work and running to the different activities and events for the kids and ourselves that take up most of our time both during the week and on weekends.  Sitting and chatting together with nowhere to run off to was an experience in and of itself.

Finally, we topped the night off with the main concert event given by John Hammond in the theater.  It was a cozy, indoor venue that allowed everyone to feel a close connection with John as a performer.  He enthusiastically played guitar, harmonica and sang the blues.  While the kids had never heard his music, they were all impressed with his talent and ability to entertain.  My 11 year old son who plays guitar was fascinated watching him and immediately wanted to get one of his CDs and his autograph after the show.  John graciously accommodated everyone at the event and my son was thrilled!

When we decided to go to the Blues and BBQ Picnic, I honestly wasn’t sure how it would all turn out.  Questions ran through my mind  like, “Would our kids enjoy it?”, “Is it too long?”, “Would they be bored?”, “Would they not appreciate music they are not used to hearing?”  That being said, I am very happy that we did not let these questions prevent us from taking this time out for ourselves.  Appel Farm provided an experience in an environment that really allowed us to enjoy something new together as a family.  Thanks to Appel Farm for a great evening!

Ann Mokris, Mullica Hill