FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 20, 2009
June is jam-packed with summer activities
Plan ahead by visiting the county Tourism Department’s
calendar of events
FREEHOLD – Summer arrives in June, and what better way to celebrate than at one of the nation’s most prominent blues and jazz festivals, historical tours, a 19th century wedding, outdoor concerts galore, fun runs and plays?
“June is packed with events,” said Jeanne DeYoung the Monmouth County tourism director. “From the Monmouth Park and flea markets to outdoor festivals and a great variety of shopping, Monmouth County residents and visitors will have no shortage of activities for every taste.”
The Monmouth County Department of Economic Development & Tourism has an online Calendar of Events that is updated daily. It’s a valuable resource that lists events throughout the county. Go to www.visitmonmouth.com and navigate to the Tourism section. Or, call 1-800-523-2587 to get a package of tourism information mailed for free. You can also write to the Department at 1 E. Main St., Freehold, NJ 07728. Packets will be mailed within 24 hours.
Among the June highlights are one of the most popular events in the tri-state region, the Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival. This four-day musical extravaganza begins June 5 and is in picturesque Marine Park and Riverside Gardens Park amphitheater. Stores and restaurants will stay open late and there will surely be some pleasant surprises, as is tradition. Admission is free.
Red Bank also debuts its Street Life series of events on June 6. It runs through August.
Thousands of people never miss the Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival in Silver Lake Park, Fifth and Ocean avenues, Belmar, June 13-14. One of the largest seafood festivals in the nation, it also has crafters and live entertainment.
Another popular outing is the June 4 Spring Lake Historical Society House Tour, where a stroll through one of the shore’s most beautiful towns is a highlight. Old Towne Colts Neck is June 6 featuring food, games, fun, a classic car show and much more. And Maria Allaire’s wedding is June 7 at Historic Allaire Village in Allaire State Park, Wall Township. The ceremony is followed by a garden party with free refreshments. An Independence Day Celebration at Allaire State Park is June 28.
Free concerts abound. Keyport continues its Twilight Concert Series in Waterfront Mini Park. “Thursdays by the Sea” begins June 11 at Pier Village, Long Branch. The city also hosts Blues on the Beach in West End Park beginning June 21. Uptown Tuesday Night: The Sandy Hook Beach Concert Series is free every Wednesday beginning June 24. The Allaire Village Concert Series is June 26-27.
Ocean Grove offers its ever-popular doo-wop show featuring the Diamonds, Vito & the Salutations, The Classics and The Drifters on June 27. Red Bank’s legendary Count Basie Theatre features the David Grisman Quintet, June 5; Bowie: Ziggy Stardust Returns, June 13; America plays on June 24, and a Frankie Valli Benefit Concert is June 26. The Fab Faux return June 27.
“There is lots more,” DeYoung said. “From Cruise Nights in Long Branch and Freehold to Art in the Park in Manasquan June 20 to edgy new plays at the Lumia Theatre in Long Branch and farmers’ markets in Highlands and Red Bank. There are flea markets, town-wide yard sales and much more. June is one of our most popular months so come out and enjoy it.”
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