Go Green and Be Seen at the Belmar St. Patrick Day Parade

It’s that time of year again for Belmar’s Annual St. Patrick Day Parade. This year it is set for Sunday, March 4. Start time for the parade is 12:30 on Main Street, but it is highly suggested to arrive prior so you can secure an excellent viewing spot as well as a parking spot for your car.
Since 1974 this parade has been hitting the streets and each year the spectators increase. Join the locals and the not-so-locals at the parade of the year! This year the parade’s Grand Marshal is John Carr and the Grand Deputy Marshal is Jane Catherine Guild. Wonderful bios about both of these honored folks can be found on the Belmar Parade Website.
Firetrucks, Marching Bands, Cheerleaders, Bag Pipers and more. You will see it all! Grab your green and be seen, but only at the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Not Irish? Not a problem…. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!
Make it a Family Sunday Funday! After the parade’s conclusion, visit the wonderful eateries in Belmar, then take a trip to Point Pleasant and visit Jenkinson’s Aquarium.

Great News for Foodies!

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is coming back April 13-22, 2012! 

Participating restaurants are gearing up to dish out the deliciousness you are craving.  The participating restaurants will offer a three course menu for $20.12 or $30.12 per meal.  You will be able to choose from three appetizers, three entrees and three desserts.   There is “shore” to be something for everyone.

So far some great restaurants are on board to serve up their dinner specialties.  In Red Bank, which is right around the corner from the Middletown Comfort Inn; Basil T’s, Pazzo and Temple Gourmet Chinese will be available for your dining pleasure.  If you go a bit to the east of us in Rumson, you can enjoy the scrumptious meals served at David Burke Fromagerie, Salt Creek Grille, and Undici Taverna Rustica.  There are plenty more restaurants to choose from along the shore.  I dare you to not cook all that week!

Did you miss Restaurant Week in the past because you couldn’t make it out for dinner?  Great News, this year select restaurants will offer Lunch Menus during this special week!  So mark your calendars, or iPhones or Blackberries – don’t miss out!

Girlfriends’ Valentine Luncheon

Are you looking for a great reason to have lunch with your BFF? The Monmouth County Historical Association is hosting RED, A Girlfriends’ Valentine Luncheon. This event is occurring on Thursday, February 9th at the Rumson Country Club. I did call ahead to double check everything and this is what I found out.

• You do not have to be a member of the Historical Association to attend this luncheon

• You also don’t have to bring a friend (although that is much more fun)

• Men are welcome to attend (it is not just about the ladies)

• You will definitely have to find a sitter if you have children

I checked out the menu and it looks delicious! In fact, my belly starting rumbling thinking about the Butternut Squash Soup and the Chocolate Mousse Cake with Berries. Isn’t it about how you start and end your meal?

The MCHA has kindly posted all information including an RSVP card on their website. For more information you can call 732-462-1466. All proceeds benefit the continuing operation of the Historical Association. We are fortunate to live in an area that is rich with history – help the Historical Association continue their mission of educating us and future generations.

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.

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

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!

Spend Memorial Day 2011 At The Jersey Shore

Memorial Day at the Jersey Shore is the unofficial start to the summer season.  The area explodes into activity and there are events here for everyone.  The Jersey Shore is so much more than miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Family attractions, fabulous restaurants, concerts, festivals, sporting events, arts and culture all await your visit.   Part of the reason I like writing on this blog is that it’s so fun to talk about all of the events that go on around here. It makes me feel very lucky to live in such an awesome place.  Without further ado here’s how you can spend your Memorial Day at our part of the Jersey Shore.

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets will be having their annual Memorial Day Sale Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th. Enjoy extra discounts on top of already low outlet prices. Click on the link to go to their event page to see store specific sales and deals.  If you don’t feel like spending your holiday shopping come back and visit us during the week to take advantage of our Jersey Shore  Shopping Package.

Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market Friday, May 27th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm in Veteran’s Park across from Borough Hall 100 First Ave, 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.

Chicago takes the stage at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank at 8:00pm. Number 13 on Billboard’s Top 100 Artists of All Time, Chicago’s lifetime record sales top 100 million. Join original members Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), James Pankow (trombone) and Walt Parazaider (woodwinds) with Jason Scheff (bass, vocals), Tris Imboden (drums), Keith Howland (guitar), Lou Pardini (keyboards, vocals) and Drew Hester (percussion) for an unforgettable night benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.

Spring Lake 5 Mile Race and Race Day Sidewalk Sale is Saturday,  May 28th. The Spring Lake 5 has been rated one of the country’s top 100 races by Runners World Magazine. Since it was first held in 1977, the Spring Lake Five Mile Run has grown from a small local fun run into New Jersey’s largest road race and a nationally recognized event. On Friday May 27th at 6:00 pm there will be Kids Races. The start line is at Ocean and Atlantic Avenues. From 10:00am to 8:00pm Packet Pickup will be available at the Spring Lake train station. Then Saturday May 28th Packet Pickup starts at 6:00am and at 8:00am the roads on race course will be closed to traffic.  Get there before 8:00am if you want to park close to the start. Race starts at Ocean and Sussex Avenues 8:30am sharp. Following the race will be a  Post Race Party!

“Brats Burgers and Beers” Day at Monmouth Park in Oceanport on Saturday, May 28th.  Munchmobile Hot Dog Showdown & BeerFest on Saturday and Sunday May 28, 2011 Sponsored by the Star-Ledger.  Kick off the summer with our two-day celebration of summer – Brats, Burgers & Beer. No advance tickets required. Enjoy some of the best burgers and dogs on the Jersey Shore.  Last year the Windmill dominated the competition, who will win this year? You can’t go wrong with a grilling competition and horse racing.

Find the Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade at 10:00am starting on Bradley Blvd and Ocean Avenue Saturday, May 28th. The Arts and Crafts on the Boardwalk will feature vendors, food and entertainment on Ocean Avenue. Rain or shine event Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily.

The 11th Annual Seaport Craft Show will take place in Huddy Park in Highlands on Sunday, May 29th.   Unique handmade treasures including jewelry, handbags, art, photography, gems, woodcraft, garden, brass, glass, soaps, candles, and so much more. Shop at Huddy Park from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Highlands are located right near Sandy Hook so the craft show is an easy stop on your way to and from the beach. The Highlands Bridge construction is complete and the bridge has been renamed in honor of Joseph Azzolina, and is now the “Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge.” For all the work that went into building it, I think it turned out great.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, NJ.  The ceremony is held rain or shine.  The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Colonel Bertrand A. Ges of Jackson, NJ.  The ceremony will also include the presentation of two scholarships to New Jersey high school seniors and the induction of two Vietnam Veterans into the Foundation’s “In Memory” program.

Atlantic Highlands Memorial Day Parade will be on Monday, May 30 and starts at the Municipal Harbor at 11:00am and will travel down First Avenue. Atlantic Highlands really is a cute little town and First Avenue is nice place to stroll around.  Stick around for dinner and visit one of our Atlantic Highlands restaurant recommendations.

I’ll be posting a weekly update on the local events throughout the summer season so you’ll always be aware of what’s up.  If you know of anything going on and want me to give the event a shout on here by all means let me know, and I’ll be happy to post it. Leave it in the comments or if you have pictures or flyer or the like you can email me

Jersey Shore CVB Hosts First Annual Tourism Expo

Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Expo and Icon Contest Kick Off

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Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hotels Unlimited will host a  Tourism Expo on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 at Ramada Toms River from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  Free Admission, prizes and food. Come see all the Jersey Shore has to offer with a live WPLJ Broadcast, local vendors, a preview of 2011′s spring and summer events and networking.

The CVB will also be unveiling the new Jersey Shore icon and hosting a press conference to announce the summer long contest that will accompany the use of the icon. It will be a very fun event and I will be representing Comfort Inn  Middletown-Red Bank joining our partners in tourism.

Directions to Ramada Toms River can be found here. There are some exhibition spaces still available, if you are interested contact Dana Lancellotti at 732-905-2626.