FREEHOLD – From hayrides to polo matches and art exhibits to nature walks, Monmouth County has a bountiful list of activities and places to go this fall that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

 

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism has compiled the list and posted it on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com. Anyone wishing to have a listing mailed to them are urged to telephone the department at 800-523-2587.

 

“The Calendar of Events has become the single-best source for Monmouth County touring information,” said Bea Duffy, director of the county’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “It’s a great resource for residents and visitors because it is updated daily.”

 

All events and activities on the list are open to the public and many are free or charge a nominal fee.

 

Current activities include the Shore Memorial Horse Show at the Horse Park of New Jersey; Sandy Hook bird watching; programs at Raceway Park in Englishtown; Colts Neck Art and Craft Show; the Latino Festival in Freehold; “Tackle the Pier II Navy Ball Fishing” at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, a fishing tournament, and the Monmouth Park Polo Classic in Oceanport.

 

“Take a family bike ride on the Belmar boardwalk, explore the eclectic selection of collectibles and restaurants in Asbury Park or take in the classic ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at Allaire State Park,” said Jeanne DeYoung, the county’s tourism representative. “Also, there’s the 11^th Annual Country Jamboree with a chili cook-off in Keyport, the big Historic Allaire Village flea market, the Allentown Annual Harvest Festival and the Fall Jersey Shore Home Show in Lincroft.”

 

Also on the list are some terrific Halloween events:  “Oddities and Horrors of the Garden State” and “All Hallows Eve” at Allaire Village; a scarecrow contest and “Spooktacular 2008” at the Algonquin Arts Theater in Manasquan, and Six Flags Great Adventure events.

 

There are antique car shows, the Eighth Annual Oktoberfest in Highlands, the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Dog Walk and Pet Fair in Eatontown; farm markets in Asbury Park, Freehold, Red Bank and Keyport; the Ninth Annual Lighthouse Challenge at all of the state’s 11 lighthouses, and the Englishtown Street Fair.

 

“Monmouth County has something for everyone this fall,” DeYoung said. “It’s one of the few places where you can stroll the beach in the morning, explore historic places and craft or antiques shows in the afternoon and then enjoy a concert or play in the evening!

 

“Fall is a fabulous time to see Monmouth County,” she added.

 

#     #     #