​Addamsfest 2020 Brings Manhattan Energy To Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Addamsfest is bringing a little taste of New York to Westfield this year.

Returning for its third annual iteration, this year's Addamsfest theme is "Charles Addams: A New York State of Mind." And its goal is to bring a taste of Manhattan to Westfield residents who miss visiting the city.

The monthlong celebration of cartoonist Charles Adams includes a fireside chat with the director of the Tee & Charles Addams foundation; a tour of "The Swamp," Tee and Charles Addams' home in the Hamptons; and a discussion about the book " Addams’ Apple: The New York Cartoons of Charles Addams."

The book, Addamsfest organizers said, includes never-before published illustrations of New York from Addams' perspective.

The festival will also feature the unveiling of a forged bronze bust of Charles Addams to commemorate the Town of Westfield's 300th year. The bust will be accepted by Westfield Mayor Shelly Brindle.

Addamsfest chair and Westfield councilwoman Dawn Mackey said the event honors the cartoonist's connection to his home town.

“At a time when many of us are missing Manhattan, this event will bring Charles Addams’ city influences back here to his hometown,” Mackey said in a statement. “It’s easy to see the connection between Addams’ early days in Westfield and his final residences in the Hamptons and New York City. His love of the city is as relevant today as it was when he created those works.”

In-person VIP tickets are available for $50 and include a copy of "Addams’ Apple: The New York Cartoons of Charles Addams," a signature cocktail and an appetizer. Socially distanced seating will be available at Ward Mansion. The event can also be streamed on Facebook Live for free.

Discussion questions can be submitted in advance to info@addamsfest.com or at addamsfest.com/nystateofmind.

During Addamsfest, a copy of the book can also be purchased at a 13 percent discount by calling The Town Book Store in Westfield at 908-233-3535. The offer extends through Nov. 7.