By Julia Train
C.R.O.P.S. (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces) is hosting a “Barn Show” fundraiser as part of North to Shore (N2S), a “statewide arts extravaganza of music, comedy, poetry, theater, film and technology” that takes place in North Jersey and at the shore for three weeks during the month of June.
The event will take place at the new C.R.O.P.S. garden at Fisherman’s Park, located on Melrose Avenue. between N. Massachusetts and N. Rhode Island avenues, Friday, June 21, 4-7 p.m.
C.R.O.P.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to “alleviate food insecurity through empowering healthy, interconnected communities by cultivating fresh produce, ensuring access to nutritious food, providing educational programming, and advocating for sustainable food systems and collaborative solutions,” according to its Facebook page.
The nonprofit works to bring local farm sources to multiple gardens located in Atlantic City, Pleasantville and Egg Harbor City. C.R.O.P.S. manages public community gardens and supports local garden sites.
According to the nonprofit’s website, their gardens produce well over 100 pounds of free produce each month for everyone in the community.
Enjoy music by Red Meat Conspiracy, a popular Pennsylvania and South Jersey-based band that dresses up as cows and plays instruments that aren’t normally used in musical groups, like a banjo and synth, while learning about the organization’s mission to bring healthy farm food to the city.
There also will be a life-size art installation of the nostalgic Fisher Price barn toy, which has been in production since the ‘50s, created by local artists. The barn will be used as a backdrop for the band and DJ, Big Body Kito, who’ll be dressed up as a farmer to stay with the theme.
North to Shore was launched in 2023 to celebrate the Garden State’s legacy in arts and innovation. The three-week-long event brings together over 50 stages, theaters, and other indoor and outdoor spaces to show off New Jersey’s excellence in the arts.
During the week of June 10–16, stages in Asbury Park are showcasing entertainers. Following that, Atlantic City will be the host of the event from June 17–23. The month will conclude, along with the extravaganza in Newark, June 23–30.
The event’s goal is to bring community awareness to the nonprofit in Atlantic City and raise funds through a night of music and community engagement. Those who wish to attend should bring picnic blankets or chairs to sit on and bring food to cook on the grills that are available for use on-site.
A donation of $15 is suggested and can be purchased online beforehand or at the door. All proceeds will go directly to support C.R.O.P.S.
