For Immediate Release:
June 24, 2014
July in Monmouth County is fun for everyone
Fireworks, festivals, fairs and concerts head the bill
FREEHOLD, NJ – There is no better place to be than in Monmouth County this summer. The weather is hot and so is the entertainment. Outdoor concerts, festivals, fairs, fireworks shows and more are all presented along a beautiful coastline.
Combine this with a diverse July calendar that does not leave even one day with nothing to do. Frankly, it is hard to see why anyone would want to be anywhere else.
Fireworks paint the skies red, white and blue as July kicks off with the celebration of America’s independence. July 4 falls on a Friday this year, so enjoy the many weekend festivities and fireworks shows going on throughout the area.
One of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations is Long Branch’s annual OceanFest. Stop by the Oceanfront Promenade for food, vendors, bands and exhibits during the day, and enjoy one of the state’s largest fireworks displays at night.
The Independence Day celebration begins even before July 4 at Historic Allaire Village on June 29. Go back in time to 1836 and relive the day James Allaire declared Independence Day a holiday for his workers, complete with militia drills and games of the period.
The excitement does not end there. Fireworks and festivities are at Keansburg Amusement Park July 3 and 4; in Asbury Park and Freehold July 4 and Bradley Beach on July 5. In Ocean Grove there is an Independence Day parade on July 4 and a concert on July 5 in the Great Auditorium.
The fun continues at the Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair at Simon Lake Drive from July 1 through July 5, and the popular Downtown Tuesday Night concerts located on Broadway in Long Branch on July 8, 15 and 22.
Bradley Beach’s annual Lobster Festival is July 12 and 13. Be sure not to miss this event, loaded with great food, spirits, crafts and specialty vendors and even a giant waterslide. And let’s not forget about the 40th Annual Monmouth County Fair being held at East Freehold Park from July 23 through July 27. The event boasts animal shows and exhibits, rides and amusements, stage entertainment, a home and garden competition and opening night fireworks.
The 2014 Haskell Invitational comes to Monmouth Park on July 27 so be sure to mark your calendars for the biggest race of the summer. The Red Bank Food and Wine Walk will be held July 20. Also in Red Bank is the 60th Annual Sidewalk Sale July 25 through July 27.
Outdoor activities continue to be the theme of the summer. You can find a farm market, flea market or craft show almost every weekend throughout the County. Activities on the beach and in the sand include the Songwriters on the Beach in Belmar on July 10, 17, 24 and 31 and the Annual NJ Sandcastle Contest on 18th Avenue in Belmar on July 16.
Finally, never disappointing our music and theater enthusiasts, the list of live concerts and shows in July is impressive. Highlights include the Zac Brown Band, O.A.R., Jillian Jensen, Toby Keith, Alanis Morissette and Kiss with Def Leppard. There also are weekly free concert series in Belmar, Keyport, Long Branch, Red Bank and Sandy Hook, as well as weekly free movie series in various locations throughout the area.
As always, Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events will provide you with even more July entertainment. For a complete listing of events, go to www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the Tourism tab to find the Calendar of Events. Compiled by the Monmouth County Department of Public Information and Tourism, it is a comprehensive source for things to do and places to go and is updated regularly. You can also call 1-800-523-2587 to have a packet of information mailed to you, or stop by 1 East Main St., Freehold to browse the extensive literature between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
The next time you are on Facebook be sure to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism Page. If you use Twitter, follow us on there, too.
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