For Immediate Release:
August 29, 2012
September at the shore is better than ever
Food, music, festivals and even a horse parade
FREEHOLD, NJ – Whoever said Labor Day was the last day of summer, must not have looked at Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events.
The farm markets, outdoor entertainment, festivals and warm weather continue throughout September when you can enjoy summer fun without the summer crowds.
There are a variety of events to choose from in September. Why not start with the 106th Annual Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair? The largest of its kind in New Jersey, the fair features exciting family fun for all ages and serves as an enjoyable memory the kids can share on their first day back to school.
Another great event for the whole family is Asbury Park’s Labor Day Weekend barbecue. Visit Bradley Park for delicious summer food favorites, live music and children’s rides and activities. The barbecue is Sept. 1 and 2 from noon until 10 p.m. and on Sept. 3 from noon to 6 p.m.
If you’re leaving the kids at home, the Jazz It Up Wine and Food Festival is a great event for you. The festival takes place on Sep. 1 and 2, from noon to 5 p.m at Historic Allaire Village in Wall. There is no better way to spend the holiday weekend then soaking up history, listening to great jazz and tasting some of the best wine New Jersey has to offer.
But maybe there is. If horse racing is more appealing, Monmouth Park is hosting its Barbecue and Craft Beer Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 1 and 2.
September 7, 8 and 9 is Asbury Park’s Oysterfest. Quickly becoming one of the most popular events of the September, the festival turns historic Cookman Avenue into one long pedestrian mall. Enjoy food, shopping and live music on Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 9 from noon to 6 p.m.
An exciting new event to this year’s calendar is the Feast of San Gennaro at the Jersey Shore. On Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sept. 9 from noon until 6 p.m., Main Street in Belmar will be filled with Italian food and spirits, games, activities, live music and special guests, including Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas A. Arnone being honored as the Son of San Gennaro.
Other events this weekend are the Ocean Grove Giant Fall Flea Market on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Ocean Pathway and the Belmar Pro Surfing Competition, which runs from Sept. 7 through 16.
The Ocean Grove British Car Show takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15 on Main Avenue. That same day the New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival is at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.
The Asbury Park Classic Car Show, the city’s third event of the month, will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 22. If you prefer crafts, Historic Allaire Village will hold its Annual Crafters’ Market on Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 23 is Red Bank’s famous Oyster Festival, which runs from noon to 7 p.m. Also on Sept. 23 is Poricy Park Conservancy’s 30th Annual 18th Century Colonial Tavern Party. The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Poricy Park’s Murray Farmhouse and Homestead in Middletown.
The last weekend in September holds just as much fun as the first weekend: Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. is Micro-Brew on the Pier at Belmar Marina; Neptune Riverfest, a family event filled with music, food, rides and crafters is also on Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the Manasquan Fall Arts and Crafts Fair contributes to the fun on Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as does the Marlboro Blues and Barbecue Festival at the Municipal Complex from noon to 10 p.m.
Also on Sept. 29, the first Open Space Pace fall festival will bring a unique, exciting day of fun to downtown Freehold and Freehold Raceway. The affair starts with a parade of horses down Main Street in Freehold at 9:30 a.m. and continues to Freehold Raceway. There will be races, demonstrations, food, exhibits, family activities and music. The event will be capped with a concert by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and a fireworks display.
As autumn creeps in, the festivals continue. The 1830s Fall Harvest Festival will take place on Sept. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Allaire Village. That same day is the Harvest Home Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel.
Throughout September, the farm markets, outdoor concerts and theatre continue. For a complete listing, visit our Calendar of Events at www.visitmonmouth.com. Click on the tourism icon and find the calendar, the Monmouth County Tourism Department’s comprehensive source for all such things.
Call 800-523-2587 to have a packet of information mailed to you, or stop by the office at 1 East Main St. in Freehold between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays to browse the extensive literature. The calendar is updated regularly, making it your best source for fun and interesting things to do.
The next time you are on Facebook be sure to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism Page. If you use Twitter, follow us on there as well.
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