KaBoom Fest and Rock The River July 4th Weekend

Whoa Nelly! Wasn’t it just Memorial Day and I was happily typing along about the “Unofficial Start” of summer??! Well, the calendar doesn’t lie summer has progressed into full-out fun.  There’s so much to do and see for the 4^th of July holiday this weekend. C’mon down the shore and see.

I went to Red Bank this afternoon to get some yummy Surf Taco for lunch and saw this banner.  A little shot from the iPhone camera. It was a beautiful day and the weather this weekend is looking equally lovely.

 KaBoom Fest 2011 starts Friday July 1, 2011 with  KaBoom Amusements there all three days. All-American Amusements include rides, games of chance and carnival food.  Rock the River Concert Saturday evening July 2nd has gates opening at 5:00pm. The first act to take the stage is Matt O’Ree at 6:00pm followed by Quincy Mumford at 7:00pm. Headliner, Human Wheels is on at 8:15pm and they are one of the best John Mellencamp tribute bands around. Rock out to classics like Pink Houses, Authority Song, Small Town, Jack and Diane, Hurt So Good, Need a Lover, Paper in Fire, Lonely Ol’ Night and more. (Jack and Diane is now stuck in my head… you know… the beginning part…)

Sunday afternoon and into the night July 3rd is KaBoom Fireworks launched from two barge locations. The display shoots over 10,000 shells, all choreographed to an eclectic mix of popular and patriotic songs on the Navesink River in Red Bank.

This year KaBoom Fest fireworks are being handled differently.  Event organizers have put together 3 different packages for everyone to enjoy the show.  Budget restraint and growing costs have forced ticket pricing.

Family Fun Fireworks will be in Riverside Gardens Park. The event is limited to 2,000 people and gates open at 2:00pm.  Tickets in advance are $7 for adults and $4 for kids 10 and under and tickets the day of the event are $10 per adult and $5 for kids 10 and under.  Broadcasting Live will be Q104.3 and the band line-up includes 3:00pm The Tor Miller Band, 4:30pm Rock ‘n Music Idol Winner, 5:15pm Michael Bernier and The Uprising and finishing out at 7:00pm will be Tasting Grace.

KaBoom Fest BBQ catered by Branches Catering offers front row seats to the fireworks.   Gates open at 5:00pm and the event is limited to 150 people. The buffet dinner will be served from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.  Tickets prices are $140.00 per adult and $50 kids 10 and under and includes a KaBoom Fest commemorative t-shirt.

Friends of KaBoom will have two locations. East will be in Marine park and seats will be provided for a front row view with reserved parking near the park. Pricing is a four ticket minimum for $100 and additional tickets are $25 each. West will b eon the n Lawn near the end of Maple Avenue along the shores of the Navesink River and includes Park (SOLD OUT).  For tickets and more information visit kaboomfireworks.org

Due to the fact this post had to be written a second time I didn’t have time tonight to get everything else going on into it. Darn you WordPress *shaking fist* but the bright side is I can show Tracy how to use it tomorrow (with strong advice to write in Word, copy and paste into WordPress).  There’s always  a bright side; happy holiday weekend to you. Be safe.

Happppppy Summmmmer!!!!!!!

Summer officially starts at 12:00pm today, even though we’ve been in summer mode since Memorial Day here at the Jersey Shore. Enjoy the longest daylight day of the year!  Cheers!

Beach Front Comedy Returns to Charley’s June 23rd

Time for another round of Beach Front Comedy at Charley’s Ocean Grill, featuring a lineup of NJ & NYC’s best up-and-coming stand-up comics. Come get your laugh on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 starting at 8:00pm. Ten bucks gets you in the door and there’s a one drink minimum.  Discounted admission for Monmouth Park employees & NJ Craft Beer members.I plan to stop in on my way back from EMACC’s Business After Hours event at the Dauphin Grill in Asbury Park. It’s so nice when things work out that way.

Roll Call!

 DERIK BOIK
GORDON BAKER-BONE
JESSICA SAGER
JIM GINTY
JOE PONTILLO
KELLY SIMMERS

Hosted by your ol’ pal Craiggers.

RSVP on Facebook and to keep up with Craig and his antics and activities, by all means follow him on Twitter @CraigMahoney

The Inn Side Story: The Parking Lot Was Re-Striped Today

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“The parking lot was re-striped today. Here’s my lonely parking spot.”

Our First Instagram Photo

Do you have an iPhone? Have the Instagram app?  If you do, give us a follow we’re cimiddletownnj. I just set up our account to further my quest in finding excuses to go outside on nice days and sharing is caring so it should be a fun adventure.  Now I just have to figure out if there is a way to customize how WordPress posts from an email.

Comfort Inn Middletown NJ just shared an Instagram photo with you:

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“Our first Instagram pic! We look much prettier when the sun is out but hello anyway! Follow us for the fun to come…”

 

Check In When You Check Inn “The Pool” is on Foursquare

It’s official, The Pool at Comfort Inn Middletown-Red Bank has it’s ow venue on Foursquare. The idea dawned on me at the beginning of the month when the Phish concert go-ers were in town at the beginning of the month and saying they were at the pool.

I’ve saved this little project for a really nice day so I could create the venue using my iPhone.  I took one for the team and went outside to keep the pool company whilst I added it on Foursquare.  It seemed Foursquare was not cooperating on my phone because it thought it was a duplicate venue. I came back inside and added it using my “real computer”.  As I walked back to my office I subtitled my position with the hotel as the “Creative Director for Excuses to go Outside” and snickered. I was able to add The Pool in my office so we’re live and waiting for our first check in and mayor.  Will it be you?

Which leads me to ponder: What should I offer as a check in special? What tips should I add? (Besides the standard no running, no glass containers, no dogs…)  If you have any ideas drop me a line in the comments below, I’d love to hear them and to talk about summer, the sun and pool. Happy summer everyone!!

Red Bank Guinness Oyster Fest Will be Back In 2011

I don’t have too much information on Red Bank Guinness Oyster Fest at this point but it’s far too exciting not to give a mention on here.  The 2010 event was a smashing success and event planners are expecting an even better 2011…

The 2nd annual Red Bank Guinness Oyster Fest will be held Sunday (Funday), September 25, 2011 from 12:00pm to 7:00pm in the White Street Parking Lot in Red Bank, NJ.  It will happen rain or shine, with or without you (pun intended) with musical headliner 2U the World’s Second Best U2 Show. There will be two stages set up with multiple bands playing a mix of Irish Music, blues, funk and rock n’ roll.

There will be 25 of Red Bank’s best restaurants serving up their favorite menu items festival style. Admission fees benefit the Jane H. Booker Cancer Center at Riverview, the Cancer Institute of NJ Foundation and RiverCenter. Be prepared for tons of oysters, Guinness, and lighter beers and wine will be available too. Hope to see you there!

**Rain Date October 2nd

Jersey Shore Events June 13-20, 2011

**I was at a loss for what “picture theme” to search for in Google Images so for the heck of it I searched for “fun”  and this picture came up. What big cow noses have to do with fun I don’t know, but it’s cute and fun(ny) nonetheless, so be it. Credit.

Despite this past weekends relatively crappy weather (compared to memorial Day weekend at least) I hope everyone got out to do something enjoyable. It’s not even officially summer at the shore yet so there’s plenty more time for sun n’ fun. There is no lack of things to this week either. Enjoy a beach concert or comedy show, run a race, go to the car show…the choice is yours. Here’s what’s up this week:

Asbury Park concerts on the beach start for the summer on June 13th and happen every Monday evening. Concerts on the beach in Asbury Park every Monday from June through September, weather permitting of course on the Beachfront in Asbury Park. I realize this post will go up after this has happened but since it’s weekly, I figured I’d post it anyway.

Sandy Hook 2011 Free Beach Concert Series on Wednesday, June 15th  and each Wednesday during the summer enjoy live entertainment at Sandy Hook’s beach. This week’s performer is Rip Tide. Concerts are held at Beach Area E Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Unit.

Also on Wednesday, June 15th Peter Frampton will be performing at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Evening with Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive 35 Tour starts at 8:00pm.One of rock music’s most celebrated artists and guitarists celebrates the 35th anniversary of his breakthrough release, Frampton Comes Alive!, with a performance of the whole album at opening night of the FCA 35 Tour. For tickets and more information visit Count Basie Theatre website.

Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market Farmer’s Market every Friday from May 6 – October 7, 2011. In Veterans Park across from Borough Hall at 100 First Ave in Atlantic Highlands. Market offers fresh produce, plants, Polish foods, fresh breads, pickled items, gourmet nuts and dried fruits, baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, chowder, fresh mozzarella and fresh-cut Jersey flowers.

Comedian Bobby Collins takes the stage at Count Basie Theatre Friday evening. Bobby Collins blends the physical comedy of Jerry Lewis with the heart of George Burns and the good looks of Dean Martin. Even though he’s more eye candy than Quasimodo (according to Bobby), he is still a born storyteller whose humor engages audiences with universal characterizations and observations. The show starts at 8:00pm; for more information and tickets visit Count Basie Theatre’s website.

Spring Lake Irish Festival is on Saturday, June 18th with a rain date of Sunday, June 19th in Spring Lake, NJ from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.  Most events occur at Morris and Third Avenues.

The George Sheehan 5 Mile Classic is on Saturday, June 18th in Red Bank New Jersey.  Not only is there a 5 mile foot race but there’s also an event for kids and a two-mile family friendly Health and Fitness Walk.  Run with New Jersey’s best on a fast, USATF certified five-mile course. Clocks and water stops at each mile, medals to every finisher and computerized results. Overall and age group awards will be presented. For more information and registration visit the George Sheehan Classic Website.

We wrap up the weekly events post with the 17th Annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore Car Show.  Takes place at Ocean Avenue on the oceanfront in Long Branch, NJ from 9:00am to 4:00pm with street rods,customs,classics,race cars,trophies,dash plaques, food, DJ plus a free rock and roll concert featuring ”RB EXPRESS’. The Auto entry fee is $10.00 spectators free, proceeds benefit the local Ronald Mc Donald House. Rain date is set for June 26th. For an entry form and more information visit cruisetothejerseyshore.com.

Know of anything else going on in the area we missed? Let me know and I’ll gladly post it. Have fun no matter what you do even if it is just Google-ing.

A Fun Weekend Packed with Jersey Shore Events! C’mon Down the Shore…

As I said in my post earlier today, the weather forecast for the weekend, while not beach perfect, is still friendly enough to head on down the shore for some really kick butt events. Get your beach time in if you can and make it a point to check out these out:

The 25th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar  the weekend of June 10th through 12th, 2011 in Silver Lake Park on Ocean Avenue between 5th & 6th Avenues. The New Jersey Seafood Festival spotlights Belmar’s scenic oceanfront and allows people from around the State to sample a wide variety of seafood specialties from their favorite restaurants including: Jake’s Crab Shack, Brandl, Klein’s Waterside Cafe, Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty,Mr Shrimp and many others. Food offerings extend from the traditional shrimp, lobster and calamari, to the more exotic alligator sausage, sushi, conch fritters, and seafood paella. Admission is free, and food is available for purchase. Friday times are 4:00 to 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. 732-681-3700 or belmar.com.  The Belmar Farmer’s Market is also open Saturday, June 11th from 9:00am to 2:00pm in Pyanoe Plaza.

Ocean Grove’s Spring Vintage Car Show is Saturday, June 11th, 2011 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  There will be  over 90 cars on display and live doo wop music from 12:00pm to 4:00pm to enjoy. Presented by the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce, admission is free and the show will be held on Main Avenue in Ocean Grove.

While the Mets are over in Pittsburgh taking on the Pirates the Seastreak is offering their Yankees ticket package on June 11 and 12, 2011. Hop on for a scenic ride to Yankees Stadium aboard the Ocean State and see the Yankees take on the Indians.  Ticket packages are $85.00 and the boat ride only is $60.00. Reservations need to be made in advance; for more information visit Seastreak Yankees event page. I took the Seastreak to Citi Field to see the Mets last weekend and it was so much fun, I’d totally do it again. It was way better than driving, taking the train or bus.  I’m going to write about it in another post. Our seats were awesome, the boat ride was awesome and the ease of travel was awesome. (Not to mention the beer…)

Formerly the Metroman, the Asbury Park Triathlon is Sunday June 12th in Asbury Park, NJ. The race is composed of a 750 meter Atlantic Ocean swim, a 14.5 mile bike ride and ends on the Asbury Park Boardwalk with a 3 mile run.  Starting time is 7:00am with the swim. For further information visit asburyparktri.com. Additionally, waterfront parking is free this weekend in Asbury Park June 10-12, 2011.

The 41st Annual New Jersey Irish Festival moves to Monmouth Park in 2011! On June 12, 2011 from 12:00pm to 6:00 there will be live entertainment on two different stages, Pipe & Drum Band Competition, Catholic Mass, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Irish Step Dancing, Family Activities, 50/50 Raffle and a full day of live Thoroughbred racing. For the entertainment schedule and list of food and craft vendors visit the event page on Monmouth Park’s website.

The Red Bank Food & Wine Walk returns this Sunday, June 12, 2011.  It happens the second and fourth Sunday of each summer month. The cost is $25 per person and there are over 20 locations participating. The Food & Wine Walk has traditionally been a wonderfully successful event. Patrons enjoying a day at the beach or shopping at great Red Bank stores can end their day sampling the varied and splendid foods Red Bank has to offer. As participants stroll from one establishment to another, they can take in the many beautiful sights of this splendid riverside town.

Guests purchase a Food & Wine Walk wristband for $25/person at selected locations on the day of the event. The wristband entitles the purchaser to one wine or one food/wine sample at each of the more than 20 participating locations. The food, the wine, the summer weather, the beauty of Red Bank – it’s the perfect way to end your weekend. To find where to purchase a wrist band on the day of the event and a complete list of participating venues visit onlyoneredbank.com.

There’s a ton to do and see this weekend at the Jersey Shore. I’m personally counting down the minutes to the 6:00 bell so I can get out here and enjoy it. Hope you do too!

Weather Forecast For This Weekend

I never get down on the forecast as long as I see the sun shining through. Maybe it’s the eternal optimist in me, but I refuse to believe thunderstorms will happen until they actually do. Then it’s only about a 45 minutes disturbance in the outside activities of the day.

That’s exactly how I feel about this weekends forecast.  I think it’s going to be a great weekend and even if it’s not beach perfect there will be some sun and there’s a ton of great events going on here at the Jersey Shore. There’s no reason to remain home. I’m working on an events post right now and hope to have it up shortly. Some highlights will include New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar, Irish Festival at Monmouth Park and the long-awaited return of the Red Bank Wine Walk.  Hope to see you down the shore!

*Forecast from Accuweather.com and header image from New York Weather News Jeff’s Weather Blog