Soulsational: Ocean County festival promotes ‘greater happiness through health’

BAYVILLE — This weekend, a major event that focuses on improving lives through positivity will return to Ocean County for a sixth year.

Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30 at Veterans Park in Bayville for the Soulsational Music and Wellness Festival, which is free and open to all ages. The festival's director, Michelle Leonard, said it is an "interactive event" that has something for everyone.

"It was created to motivate and inspire greater happiness through health and living a positive lifestyle," Leonard said, adding that it is a 100 percent volunteer effort. The Berkeley Township Recreation Department is among the event's many co-sponsors.

Attractions will include a kids' village, free classes for children and adults, all-day yoga instruction, an art gallery and a beer garden. The festival is partnering with food trucks for the first time this year, and those will offer gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

There will also be live music across two stages, comprised entirely of Jersey Shore-area acts.

Last year, the Soulsational Festival drew more than 5,000 people, and Leonard is hoping for about the same turnout, or even a little more, in 2016.

"We are uniting the community and local businesses to celebrate in their beliefs, build a stronger community, and showcase products and services that can lead someone to greater happiness and health," she said.

For more information, visit soulsational.info. The festival is rain-or-shine on the 30th.

Patrick Lavery anchors and produces newscasts across all dayparts for New Jersey 101.5. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.