For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2025

Commissioners kick off fall tourism season in Monmouth County with partners at Molly Pitcher Inn

RED BANK, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, local officials and tourism partners welcomed the 2025 fall tourism season during a press conference at the Molly Pitcher Inn this morning, Oct. 7.

“Despite a rainy summer, Monmouth County is still on track for another record-breaking beach season. While final numbers are still coming in, beach revenue is projected to surpass $32 million in 2025 — once again reaffirming the strength of our tourism economy and as a tourism destination,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to Monmouth County Tourism. “The County’s visitor numbers and spending are increasing every year. When we receive the official State Tourism Report in the spring, I’m confident that we will see the same upward trend from last year!”

Local elected officials and tourism partners also discussed the fall season in Monmouth County.

“We are happy to welcome the Commissioners to Red Bank today,” said Red Bank Mayor William Portman. “In Red Bank, we are doing our part to bring tourism dollars into Monmouth County with a variety of events. I am a big fan of bringing in tourism dollars.”

“It is an honor and a pleasure to have the Commissioners and our guests here today,” said Operations Manager for the Molly Pitcher Inn and Oyster Point Hotel, Kevin Barry. “I grew up in Monmouth County and after being out of the area and then returning, I have realized how spectacular Monmouth County is. The County leadership we have had has been spectacular in getting the word out about tourism. I am all in on our tourism efforts and supporting tourism in any way possible.”

“The Monmouth-Ocean Development Council has been celebrating its 60^th anniversary and we have built valuable relationships and lifelong connections,” said Executive Director for Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Dana Lancelotti. “We have a lot of things going on in the area and the big events of 2026 are going to be here soon. We also have the Bruce Springsteen Archives coming in at Monmouth University and that will be a big tourism attraction.”

“Triumph Brewing is celebrating its 30^th anniversary, with the latest location in Red Bank opening in 2018,” said owner of Triumph Brewing Company, Adam Rechnitz. “We pride ourselves on brewing traditional styles. Craft brewers are here to stay. This is not a fad.”

Commissioner Director Arnone reminded everyone that, although the summer is over, there is still much to see and do in Monmouth County.

“I would like to mention a few resources and programs that the Commissioners and I have developed to help residents and visitors find and enjoy fall activities right here in Monmouth County. Under the Grown in Monmouth program, which was developed to retain and grow our county’s agricultural industry, the County created the “Fall Fun on the Farm” directory, available at GrownInMonmouth.com. In this directory, you will find local farms that offer corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin patches and a whole lot more,” said Commissioner Director Arnone.

Commissioner Director Arnone also spoke about the Brewed & Distilled in Monmouth program and the craft beverage industry in Monmouth County.

“Another county initiative that is a perfect resource for the fall season is our Brewed & Distilled in Monmouth craft beverage program. The craft beverage industry has experienced growth, especially right here in our County, with nearly 30 breweries, wineries, distilleries, and a meadery. By going to BrewedAndDistilledInMonmouth.com, you will find all these establishments that are located right here. It’s truly a unique experience. This past weekend, Downtown Freehold held its Oktoberfest, and coming up this weekend is the Red Bank Oktoberfest! Make sure to check out all these fun fall events!”

Commissioner Director Arnone provided an update on the Slice in Monmouth initiative.

“We are finalizing a new web directory on MonmouthCountyTourism.com, which will house information about pizzerias from across the County! So far, this directory includes over 300 establishments,” said Commissioner Director Arnone. “Visiting your favorite pizzeria happens year-round, but October is National Pizza Month, so I encourage everyone to make a special visit to your favorite pizzeria and post a picture on social media shouting them out, tagging Monmouth County Tourism with the hashtag SliceinMonmouth to be featured on our social media pages!”

Looking forward to 2026, exciting tourism events are coming in the next year, including the celebration of America’s 250^th birthday and the FIFA World Cup Finals, which will take place in New Jersey.

“With the World Cup coming, there will be: $3 billion in economic impact, and that’s just from 40 days! Over 1 million visitors are expected to come to the region. This is not just the biggest sports event; it’s the biggest event in the world,” said Commissioner Director Arnone. “We hosted a representative from FIFA who spoke to our municipalities and businesses back in the Spring, and we are already brainstorming ideas on how to help get the word out.

Commissioner Director Arnone continued, “As we look forward to the FIFA World Cup, 2026 will also be a chance to look back at our remarkable history. We began planning for America’s 250th birthday back in the fall of 2022. Monmouth County played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, from the Battle of Monmouth to important skirmishes. My fellow Commissioners, along with Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon and Sheriff Shaun Golden, are meeting monthly to deliver Monmouth County residents and visitors events and experiences for 2026. Some examples of events include Park Stage at East Freehold Showgrounds, a 5K Run at Bell Works and a Gala celebrating Monmouth County's unique role in history during the Revolutionary War.”

The press conference was live-streamed and can be viewed in its entirety on the Monmouth County Government’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.

For more information about Monmouth County happenings, go to MonmouthCountyTourism.com and follow Monmouth County Tourism on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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