For Immediate Release:

April 21, 2014

Enjoy fun for the family outdoors and get ready for summer’s start

“We invite you to get to know all of Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Information and Tourism. “From our Atlantic beaches to sprawling horse farms you are sure to find out why Monmouth County is the place you want to be.”

You can spend the first weekend in May at Spring Lake’s Annual Fashion Weekend Extravaganza on May 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or perusing the Spring Craft Market at Allaire Village on May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  History buffs may choose to participate in “Weekend in Old Monmouth” a self-guided historic tour which includes more than 40 historic sites throughout the County.  The tour takes place May 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 4 from noon to 5 p.m.

For those looking to pump some adrenaline, Keansburg Amusement Park hosts a Cinco de Mayo Festival and it’s Fan Appreciation Day at Wall Stadium on May 3. Spring Lake’s 5-Mile Run begins at 8:30 a.m. on Ocean and Sussex Avenues on May 24 and the Superhero Fun Run is at Dorbrook Recreation Area on May 31 beginning at 9 a.m.

If you have a love of music and theatre there is plenty to consider this May.  You can catch shows and performances all month long at iPlay America in Freehold, Two River Theater and County Basie Theatre in Red Bank, Monmouth University, and Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre. 

Craft festivals, flea markets, sidewalks sales and like the will be popping up throughout the County all month long.  Check the Tourism Calendar of Events for dates and specifics at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Celebrate opening day at Monmouth Park Racetrack on May 10 and receive free grandstand admission all day long!  Be sure to re-visit the track on May 24 through 26 for samples from the most popular Food Trucks in the area at the Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars.  Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

The start of Monmouth County’s summer season begins on Memorial Day Weekend.  Here’s a sampling of items for the weekend, and a taste of what you can expect this summer at the Shore:

• May 24 and 25 at 11 a.m. – The Bradley Beach Arts & Crafts Fair will be on the boardwalk with food and craft vendors and activities;
• May 24 and 25 – The Spring Lake annual sidewalk sale happens throughout the business district;
• May 24 at 8 p.m. – John Legend will perform at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank;
• May 25 at 10 a.m. – The Seaport Craft Show takes place at Huddy Park in Highlands, and
• May 25 at noon – Check out Art in the Park, a judged art show and sale, at West End Park in Long Branch.

Many towns will host services and parades for the men and women in whose honor Memorial Day is dedicated.  Please check our Tourism Calendar of Events to see to find an event close to you.

End the month at Girl’s Night Out at Brookdale with comedian Robin Fox on May 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Red Bank’s Riverfest from May 30 to June 1.

As always, Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events will provide you with even more May 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.

#     #     #