Media Contacts:
Cheryl McCants, cmccants@eimpactconsulting.com, 646-872-2377
Delores Edwards, dedwards@eimpactconsulting.com, 917-439-8446
MEDIA ALERT
The Newark Alliance Announces the Launch of Festivals United Newark (FUN)
A $1.5 Million Grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Makes FUN Possible
WHAT: Festivals United Newark (FUN) News Conference
WHO:
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and first lady Mrs. Linda Baraka – confirmed
- Evan Weiss, CEO & President, Newark Alliance and Ashley Mays, CMO, Newark Alliance | President, Newark Happening – confirmed
- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy – invited
- New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way – invited
- FUN Spokesperson Linda Baraka – confirmed
- FUN Organizations:AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Fest, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, Newark Winter Village, Newark City Parks Foundation and Newark Alliance (NA) – confirmed
- FUN and NA coalition members, Newark City Council members, FUN supporters, community participants, media
WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 2:30 pm
WHERE: Harriet Tubman Square, Harriet Tubman Monument area, 501-551 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
WHY:
- To launch the FUN events for the summer of 2025 (and throughout the rest of 2025/through the fall and winter of 2025)
- Highlight FUN coalition vision, objective, and festival highlights
- Promote Newark as a regional destination for excitement and entertainment for people of all ages
- Money Matters: The Newark Alliance received a $1.5 million Public Space Activation Grant from the NJEDA’s Activation, Revitalization and Transformation (A.R.T.) Program, which supports the resilience of Newark and Atlantic City from negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment helped initiate FUN.
- Event coordinated with the Newark City Parks Foundation’s Juneteenth community cookout: 1,200 free meals, provided by four local vendors, 18 local merchandise vendors, games, and activations.
- Showcase NA and FUN coalition unity, thought leadership, and community engagement
HOW:
- Outdoor news conference followed by photo/interview opportunities
- Media access to coalition members reps post-event
Media Note: Street parking available.
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