Cape May
Bacon! Chili! Pork Roll and other fabulous food festivals
EVENTS IN APRIL
The Laurita Winery hold a Bacon Festival on April 30 and May 1st. There will be plenty of food trucks with bacon themed food available as well as tastings of Laurita Wineries various wines. There will be lots of entertainment and lots to do including tours of the winery, mechanical pig riding, fireworks Saturday night, vendors and artisans, pottery demonstrations and even camel and pony rides! There is an entry fee as well as a fee for tastings (but you get a commemorative baconfest glass) For all the details visit http://lauritawinery.com/events/laurita-bacon-fest.
Back by popular demand, Tuckerton Seaport hosts their third annual Truckerton Food Truck and Beerfest April 30 and May 1st. Over one dozen different food trucks will be hand dishing out great food including BBQ, wood fired pizza, even famous Cup Cake Wars cupcakes. The beer garden will feature numerous local breweries including Pinelands Brewing Co. and the Laurita Winery. There will be plenty of live music as well to keep you entertained. Held at Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum (120 West Main Street, Tuckerton) event admission allows access to the all the maritime activities, historic and recreated buildings, live animals, boardwalk, miniature golf course, and exhibits. Event admission is $8 for adults, and free for Seaport Members and children under 5. Save $1 on admission by bringing an item to donate to the Tuckerton Food Pantry. For more information, visit them at http://www.tuckertonseaport.org.
The 5th annual Asbury Restaurant Tour will be held from noon-4PM May 1st. Over 25 different bars and restaurants will be particpating. Participants must go the Restaurant Tour check-in tent at Press Plaza (600 Cookman Ave). Ticket price is $35 and is non-refundable and non transferable. Wristbands are valid at participating restaurants for the May 1st, 2016 noon- 4pm event ONLY. For more information visit http://www.asburyparkchamber.com/restaurant_tour.asp
EVENTS IN MAY
The American Legion of Somers Point hosts its 8th annual pig Roast on May 1st. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for $20. Proceeds benefit the American Legion. There will be North Carrolina BBQ, free draft beer and soda as well as hot dogs, hamburgers and of course roast pig. Live Music by “Who Dat Band”. For details visit http://www.americanlegion352.org
There are two Greek festivals held in May. The first is held at the St George Greek Orthodox Church at 1101 River Rd in Piscataway May 12-16th. Proceeds from the festival assist the church in continuing its cultural and community programming. There will be homemade Greek foods and pastries; Greek Folk Dancing and live greek music; Greek specialty items; as well as a number of other Greek traditions. For more information visit http://www.stgeorgepiscataway.org or http://www.facebook.com/StGeorgePwayGreekFest
The 13th annual Heirloom tomatos sale will be held on May 14th in Ramsey and May 28th and 29th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The Ramsey event is always the Saturday after Mothers Day and is held at the Masonic Lodge. The second sale is always held on Memorial Day weekend. For more information on these fantastic tomatoes visit http://jerseygrown.com
Who says NJ doesn’t have great BBQ & awesome Beer? The Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown is New Jersey’s first festival, featuring only New Jersey Beer, coupled with restaurants, gourmet food trucks & Chefs, offering a delectable array of mouth watering BBQ & Bacon creations, all available for purchase. There will be a competition to showcase their culinary skills, with a panel of celebrity judges choosing the best of the best, along with People’s Choice awards for Best Dish & Best Beer. 20 New Jersey Breweries will be in attendance, each bringing 4 styles of Beer. One of these styles will be either a rare Beer or a Brew created specifically for this event. The event will take place outdoors and under tents, with fantastic music to keep you entertained. For details visit http://njbeerbbqfest.com
The 25th annual NJ State Chili & Salsa Cookoff will be held May 21st in Toms River on Washington St. Besides the contest, there will be chili eating contests, rides, vendors and lots of other great food. For more information visit http://www.downtowntomsriver.com.
There are two Irish festivals this month. All of them feature Irish food, clothing and crafts as well as live Irish music. Spring Lake holds its Irish Festival May 21. Visit http://www.springlake.org/irishfestival for more information. Hoboken also hosts its annual Irish Festival on May 21 in Sinatra Park. There will be an Irish soda bread eating contest and a demo by the Irish Hurling Club.
Who would think to combine jazz and pancakes? Find out when the Princeton Rotary Club holds its annual Pancakes, Jazz & Scholarship celebration. This all you can eat pancake breakfast will feature live jazz music and the proceeds benefit PHS 101 Scholarship Fund. Stop by 190 Nassau St, Princeton and support a good cause. For more info visit http://www.princetonrotary.org
Monmouth Park racetrack will host a Food Truck Fair May 28-30th. Over 20 trucks will be competing for the People’s Choice Award including Ahh! La Cart, Amanda Bananas, Bacon on Wheels, Chimney Cake Factory, Chris’s Curbside Deli, Cupcake Carnivale, Dark Side of the Moo, Dellanos Food Service, E&S Original Steak-n-Take, El Lechon de Negron, Empanada Guy, Enzo’s Pizza, Five Sisters Catering, Fork in the Road, Four Boys Concessions, Hoffman’s Ice Cream, Jersey Johnny’s Grill, Kona Ice, Mary Queen of Pork, Max’s Famous Hot Dogs on Wheels, The Morris Truck, Oink and the Moo, Red Hook Lobster, The Cow and the Curd, The Outslider, Taqueria Autentica, Tony Boloney’s Mustache Mobile, Waffle de Lys, Wrap Star and Zinna’s Bistro. For more information visit http://www.monmouthpark.com
I can’t think of anything thats more jersey than the 3rd Annual 2016 Trenton Pork Roll Festival. It’s held May 28th in Mill Hill Park in Trenton, and features lots of food and craft vendors with Pork Roll-themed menus, live music, Trenton Pork Roll History, Art and Children’s Events, a Pork Roll Recipe Contest, and a Pork Roll Queen Competition. For information visit http://www.porkrollfestival.com
Upcoming Floral events in April and May
Spring always brings lots of flower shows and other floral related events to NJ. Here’s a list of some of the annual events coming up in April and May.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum hosts several annual Plant Shows every year. The Hosta show and sale is April 3rd, and their general plant sale is April 30-May 1. Located at 53 E Havenover Ave, Morristown, the arboretum holds several plant sales every spring. Be sure to check their other events. For more details visit http://www.arboretumfriends.org
The 37th annual Spring Flower Festival in Cape May is held April 29th-May 8th in Cape May’s Rotary Park. It features artisans and crafters displaying and selling accents and accessories for you, your home and your gardens as well as eco-friendly resources to help promote a Green Cape May. Rotary Park is located on Lafayette Street between Decatur and Jackson Streets. For more information visit http://www.capemaymac.org/toursevents/capemaysspringfestival.html
The 14th annual Bankbridge horticultural plant sale will begin April 28th and will be held every Thursday and Friday until it concludes Thursday May 26th. Run by the Gloucester County Special Services School District, approximately 45 Horticulture students work in the greenhouse to plant the seeds, care for the plants and sell them. Students learn valuable skills in the area of greenhouse production, maintenance and customer service. Students begin to plant the seedlings and plugs in February through early March. The program recycles by washing all returned pots and trays which will be used the following season. For sale will be herbs, peppers, tomatoes and 21 types of annual flowers. All sales go to the GCSSSD Student Activity Fund. For more informaton visit their website at http://www.gcsssd.org.
The Rutgers Gardens holds an annual Spring Flower Fair May 6-8th. The fair features popular varieties as well as difficult to find selections. Purchases directly benefit the Rutgers Gardens Student Internship Program, which provides hands-on educational experience for over 12 students this coming summer. Rutgers Gardens is entirely self-supporting, and your support is greatly needed and appreciated! For more information visit http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/springflowerfair.html
Ethnic festival in May/June
There are many ethnic festivals and fairs held thruout NJ all year round and May and June are when things really start to heat up. Most of the events feature freshly prepared native food, dancing and singing, some are parades, and some have guest speakers. All of them exist to promote their culture and heritage and to share that with the rest of us.
GREEK
St Anthasinos Church hosts its 40th annual Greek Food Festival from May 15-18. Located at 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, the festival features exquisite Greek cuisine, including Lamb Shish Kebab, Greek salad, Dolmades, Moussaka, and Spanakopita, as well as Greek pastries, including Baklava, Kourabiedes and Loukomades. A Greek band will provide live entertainment Friday and Saturday Evenings. The Festival also will feature performances by its GOYA dance troop wearing authentic Greek costumes.
The St George Greek orthodox Church at 1101 River Rd in Piscataway will run its 41st annual Greek festival on May 16th. Proceeds from the festival assist the church in continuing its cultural and community programming. There will be homemade Greek foods and pastries; Greek Folk Dancing; Greek specialty items; Live Greek Music; Gyro; Souvlakia; Loukoumades; Ouzo; and a number of other Greek traditions.For more information visit their website at http://www.stgeorgepiscataway.org or their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgePwayGreekFest
The St Andrews Big Greek Festival will be held May 30-June 1 at 1447 Sussex Turnpike in Randolph. There will be plenty of Greek food and music, dancers and lots of crafts and vendors. Tickets are $4 but you can get a coupon for free admission at their website http://www.biggreekfestival.com
The NJ Greekfest is held May 29-June 1st at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hills Rd, Westfield. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, greek music, lots of authentic greek food, a kids zone, dance performances and more. Proceeds from the festival go to the Children’s Specialized Hospital, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. For more details visit http://www.njgreekfest.com
IRISH
Spring Lake holds its annual Irish Festival May 17th or 24th. I’ve read conflicting info about the date.
The 44th annual Irish festival will be held June 8th at Monmouth Park. Expect lots of Irish dancers and Irish music as well as food, craft vendors and games for the kids. There will be a Pipe Band Competition as well as a Catholic Mass at 11am. For more information visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/NJ-IRISH-FESTIVAL/ or their website at http://www.nj-irishfestival.com
OTHERS
The 48th annual African American Heritage Parade will be held May 25th but is part of the Memorial day weekend long African American Heritage Cultural Festival, May 23-26th. Each year the special signature attraction is skydivers who parachute directly in front of the reviewing stand on Broad Street. The holiday weekend begins on Friday evening in Weequahic Park with many free family oriented attractions. There are the carnival, vendors, games and pony rides. As always, there will be numerous booths featuring mouth watering ‘soul food.’ Saturday’s events feature local artists and well-known performers. On Sunday, there are pre-parade activities and the first of over one hundred contingents, step off beginning the parade. After the parade, the festival at Weequahic Park opens with a spiritual concert on the main stage. The Heritage Festival will end on Memorial Day Monday. The parade is meant to establish a sense of pride and awareness in African American heritage and sense of unity and mutual cooperation among all people of African heritage. For more details visit http://aahpc.org
The Portugal Day Festival in the Ironbound, Newark, New Jersey is a street festival celebrating the Portuguese people, language, and their culture. First organized in 1979, since 2010 the Festival has been organized by the Union of Portuguese American Clubs of New Jersey. It will be held June 6-8th. For details visit them on facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/ThePortugalDayFestival
The 39th annual Hungarian Festival will be held June 7th on Somerset St in New Brunswick between Division and Bethany. Enjoy fine Hungarian cuisine, listen to Hungarian folk songs and watch and learn Hungarian folk dances! With activities for children, performances throughout the day and plenty of vendors, it is an event you won’t want to miss! For more details visit their website at http://www.hungarianfestival.org.
The Polish Heritage Festival will be held June 8 at the PNC Bank Arts Center. From the time that the NJ Highway Authority first conceived of builfing an arts center, one of the goals was to host ethnic festivals and after the Garden State Art Center (now the PNC Bank Arts Center) was built, the first polish festival was held in 1972. Organized by the Polish American Congress, the goal of the festival is to celebrate Polish culture. To that end, there will be polish food and polish singers, a DJ, soccer will be played as well as a classic car show and the ABBA tribute band, the ABBA Girlz. In addition there will be a scholarship presentation. For more information visit their webpage at http://www.polfest.com/program.shtml
The 19th annual North Wildwood Italian-American Festival is a 3 day celebration of Italian-American heritage held in North Wildwood June 27-29th. It draws nearly 100,000 people and features continuous live Doo-Wop entertainment, Italian Craft & Food vendors, children’s activities and many other exciting events. For details visit them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ItalianAmericanFestivalNorthWildwood
Upcoming music festivals in NJ May/June
The Clifton Community Band is performing their 13th annual Lollipops & Roses Intergenerational Concert on Saturday, May 17 in the Clifton High School auditorium at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $7; children under 12 are free.
There will be three stages of music as well as over 300+ artisans and craftsmen at the Hoboken Arts and Music Fest on May 4th. Performers include Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, the Black Hollies and the Karen Kuhl Band. Fine artists which have many different media for sale including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, etc. Crafters will be selling handmade pottery, metalwork, wood items, furniture, blown & fused glass, quilts, household items made from recycled materials, batik clothing, hand painted furniture, candles, jewelry, dried florals, soaps & lotions and other unique handcrafted items.
The Jersey Shore Festival is held from May 16-18 at the beach at Seaside. Events include numerous musical performances on multiple stages as well as the Jersey Shore Car Show. There will be numerous vendors as well as a beach campout (requires a 4×4 to attend). For more information visit http://www.jerseyshorefestival.com
The Skate & Surf Festival a multi-day, youth culture event that returns to the Asbury Park Convention Hall May 17th and 18th. Skate and Surf started in 2001 and over the following decade grew in The Bamboozle Festival. Now back for the second year after an 8-year hiatus, the festival returns to its roots and traditions. Both days the show lasts till 10PM with after parties until 2AM at Asbury Lanes, Langosta Lounge & Asbury Park Yacht Club. For details visit their webpage at http://www.skateandsurffest.com
The Bourbon Street Blues Fest returns to Lebanon State Park on May 17th. It began in 2006 as an effort to raise money for the construction of the Valley View School Playground. Working with the Lebanon Township Education Foundation, the Blues Fest was responsible for raising over $60,000 for this project. Upon completion of the playground, The Blues Fest Organizers decided to continue with the event, with the goal to benefit many other organizations and projects throughout the community. Bourbon Street Blues Fest Inc. was established as a Not-For-Profit 501(c)3 Organization. Every year the profit from the festival goes back into the community in the form of donations to local community charities, organizations and projects.
To date The Bourbon Street Blues Festival has donated over $160,000 back into the community. For more information visit their website at http://bourbonstreetbluesfest.com
The Cape May Music Festival is a series of musical events held between May 25 and June 14.
Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), the festival offers something for every musical taste. In addition to Irish and brass band music, classical music lovers will welcome the return of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, the New York Chamber Ensemble, and the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Orchestra. Lovers of jazz will enjoy two new events this year, including Jazz at the Estate and A Night in New Orleans, in collaboration with Exit 0 International Jazz Festival, as well as the 3rd annual George Mesterhazy Tribute concert. Note that some events are free and open to the public while others require ticket purchase.
Memorial Day Weekend the festival kicks off with the 35-piece Atlantic Brass Band at the Rotary Bandstand, Lafayette Street and Lyle Lane. On May 27 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 612 Franklin St., enjoy the New York Chamber Ensemble performing a special program celebrating the festival and ensemble’s 25th year in collaboration, entitled, “NYCE Child.” On May 29 head to Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Avenue at Stockton Place, for Bound for Amerikay, the story of the Irish emigrant experience told in music and dance, song and story.
On May 31 is Jazz at the Estate, an open air event featuring live music all afternoon, food, beer, wine, spirits, crafts vendors and more, in collaboration with Exit 0 International Jazz Festival.
Transport yourself to the Crescent City during A Night in New Orleans June 1, with two seatings, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Join this special celebration and help raise funds for future festivals as Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band take to the stage for an evening of Crescent City fun.
June 3rd the New York Chamber Ensemble performs Fandango, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Washington and Franklin streets. June 5th the Bay-Atlantic Symphony performs a program of music with organ accompaniment entitled, “Nocturnes, With All the Stops,” at the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St. June 8 come to Cape May Convention Hall to celebrate with friends and fans for the 3rd Annual George Mesterhazy Tribute concert “With Strings Attached.”
June 10th the New York Chamber Ensemble presents “Silver and Gold” 25 Years of the New York Chamber Ensemble in Cape May, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Washington and Franklin Streets.In addition to these evening concerts, come to the Carriage House Café & Tearoom located on the beautiful grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. for Bach’s Lunches, mini-concerts by members of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, where you can enjoy an elegant Tea Luncheon and intimate afternoon concert under the tent. Admission is $30 per person. Bach’s Lunches are Wednesdays, May 28, June 4 and June 11 at 12:30 p.m.
For more details about all the performances visit http://www.capemaymac.org/
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The Princeton Festival runs from June 7th-29th and encorporates fully-staged operas; musical theater; jazz; chamber and symphonic concerts; piano and organ recitals; dance; world music; and a piano competition for young artists. Nationally-renowned professional artists will partner with local youth and adult ensembles, and there will be extensive free public lecture series prior to each Season which will engage middle and high school students through the Overture Project of participatory educational programs. There will be “Meet the Artists” receptions after most performances and outreach programs extended to a number of under-served groups. The festival received the coveted Citation of Excellence from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 2013. For a full lineup of events visit them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/princetonfestival or their main website at http://www.princetonfestival.org.
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The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival is really three festivals held in Asbury Park, Point Pleasant and Long Branch thruout the summer. All three events feature live free music (jazz and blues obviously) as well as a beer garden, arts and crafts, food, and they’re all right next to (or close to) the beach It begins with the Asbury Park Blues and Brews festival June 7th. It is held at 1300 Ocean Avenue, Bradley Park. July 19th is the Point Pleasant Jazz & Blues Festival, held at Riverside Park, on the corner of Maxson Ave. and River Rd, Point Pleasant. The festival concludes August 23rd with the Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival on the great lawn at the Promenade in Long Branch. The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival has been named Favorite Music Festival in the 6th Annual JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards. For more details visit their website at http://jerseyshorefestival.org
The 5th annual Southern Shore Music Festival will be held June 18th at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. This festival is the spiritual successor to the Bridgeton Folk Festival, which entertained thousands of people for 23 consecutive summers through 2006. Artists who played Bridgeton included: Los Lobos, Arlo Guthrie Leon Redbone, Chris Smither, and Richie Havens. In addition to the music, the festival offers a variety of attractions, great food and craft vendors, and children’s activities. For more details visit http://southernshoremusicfestival.com
The 18th Annual Baymen’s Seafood Music Festival will be held June 21-22 at Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St., Rt. 9. Enjoy delicious Jersey fresh clams, crabs, scallops and shrimp from the finest local seafood purveyors. There will be a micro brew court, crafters, vendors, music, food, refreshments, family activities, demonstrations,boat rides, boat builders and decoy carvers. Speak with commercial fishermen to learn about occupations on the bay or take a clam shucking class. So bring the family and plan to spend the day. Music from local favorites: The Mott’s Creek Pickers & The Billy Walton Band. The festival was selected as one of the best outdoor festivals by NJ Monthly Magazine. For more informastion visit their website at http://www.tuckertonseaport.org
The Ladies Of Country return to Albert Hall on June 28th. Located at 131 Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532) Waretown, the evening will be filled with country and bluegrass music, as performers like Heidi Olsen, Heidi Winzinger, Sharis Shartley, Miriam Stavola, Denise Miller, Mary Lutton, Gail Gilrane, Cindy G. Jeannie O’Neill and Elaine Orzechowski take the stage. For more information visit http://www.alberthall.org
The Tuckerton Seaport hosts the Roots Music Festival (formerly the Red Wine and Blues Festival) on June 28th & 29th. There will be two days of music, wine tasting, food, crafters, vendors, demonstrations & activities. Live roots music from The Billy Walton Band, Ryan & the Blue Hearts, James Day & The Fish Fry, Steve Guyger, The Keystone Swingbillies, Snake Brothers, Home Cookin’, and Zydeco-a-Go-Go. Uncork some fun and enjoy a perfect afternoon of wine tasting from some of NJ’s finest wineries Di Matteo, Tomasello, and Valenzano. Complimentary wine glass included. Try free samples from the barbeques of best local barbeque cooks and vote for your favorite. For more information visit http://www.tuckertonseaport.org
The annual Rock, Ribs and Ridges festival returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds June 28-29th. George Thorogood and Grand Funk Railroad are just two of the nine bands that will be performing at the 2 day festival. There will also be competitions for best ribs, best sauce and a people choice award. For more information visit their webpage at http://rockribsandridges.com
Upcoming events for the weekend of April 26th
The last Saturday of April is Rutgers day at Rutgers University, when the community is invited to learn more about the University through tours, performances, hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and lectures across the G. H. Cook/Douglass, Busch, Livingston, and College Avenue Campuses.
Rutgers Day is a huge open house featuring free performances, exhibits, interactive programs, demonstrations, and more. Visitors will get a clearer sense of the valuable contributions Rutgers makes to the people of New Jersey. With our newly integrated health sciences schools, centers, and institutes, we have even more exciting, health-related programs and activities to share. Rutgers Day isn’t just for prospective students and their families, but is a oppurtunity for all NJ residents to learn more about the important work that goes on at the University.
Part of Rutgers day is Ag Field Day, also celebrated on April 26th on the Cook Campus of the college. The celebration of Ag Field day precedes and was the genesis of the larger celebration. It began in 1906 when the State Board of Agriculture decided there was a need for New Jersey farmers to become better acquainted with the experiments taking place at the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). Over the years attendance has grown from 800 to the thousands and while Ag Field Day no longer caters specifically to farmers, the reporting of scientific findings and demonstrations of science-based solutions important to New Jerseyans continue to take center stage.
For more information visit their website at http://rutgersday.rutgers.edu.
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The 4th annual Knowlton Community 5K Walk/Run will be held April 26th at the Lions Pavillion Club behind Smittys at 89 Route 46 in Columbia. Proceeds from the race will benefit
the Knowlton Elementary School Activities Fund and the Knowlton Athletic Association. Last years race raised over $3,000 for the Fund. Registration begins at 730 and the race begins at 830.
http://www.nj.com/warrenreporter/index.ssf/2013/05/knowlton_community_moving_toge.html
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The ABF Mud Run will be run on April 26th at On Target Paintball, Pemberton (participants should park at Pemberton HS where buses will take you to the course site). A mud run is designed to push runners to their physical and mental limits. This Mud Run will be approximately 5 miles long amongst wooded trails, swamps, and creeks with over 25 unique military style obstacles. Some obstacles require a group effort to overcome and there will be over 60 volunteers on the course to assist, support and motivate runners. For more details or to register, visit their website at http://www.abfmudrun.com
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Hunterdon County Library holds their annual book sale April 26th and 27th. It is held at the South County Park Fairgrounds Route 179, Lambertville. For more information visit their website at http://www.hclibrary.us.
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New Jerseys beaches will get a little bit cleaner after the annual Clean Ocean Action spring beach cleanup. Held in spring and fall, it is one of the longest running annual beach cleanups in the world. Starting with just 75 volunteers at Sandy Hook in 1985 the event now has thousands of volunteers working at virtually every beach in NJ as well as numerous parks and rivers across the state. In 2013 over 7,000 volunteers participated in 200 cleanups in over 70 towns across the state. They collectively over 350,000 pieces of garbage, of which over 67% was plastic. For more details on locations and times visit their website at http://www.cleanoceanaction.org
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The Special Olympics runs three separate races this weekend as part of their Runapalooza. All funds benefits the Special Olympics and are run in coordination with the Jersey Shore Running Club. First is the 18th annual Jersey Shore Relay, a 5 man team run thru Point Pleasant, Manasquan, Belmar and ending in Asbury Park, a total length of 26.2 miles. The Jersey Shore 5K is a race within Asbury Park as is the Asbury park half marathon (which is part of the RRCA Grand Prix). For more details visit their website at http://www.jerseyshorerelay.org.
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The MTA will host their 13th annual Swap Meet and Military vehicle Show at the Sussex County fairgrounds April 26th and 27th. On display will be hundreds of military vehicles from WWI thru the modern day, many of them for sale. Vendors will have military related items for sale as well as military re-enactments thruout the day. For more information visit their website at http://www.mtaswapmeet.us
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Hundreds of volunteers will be helping disabled and senior citizen homeowners in and around Woodbridge to make repairs to their homes. Volunteers will do all manner of repair and home improvement including painting, putting in insulation and dry wall, repairing roofs and more. To help out please contact Sheila Carrozza at 732 634-4500 X6497 or email tooling at twp dot woodbridge dot nj dot us. This flier has more details.
http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=x0gBqw4feMQ%3d&tabid=772
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The 40th annual NJ Folkfest will be held at Rutgers on April 26th. 15-18,000 people typically attend this event, which focuses primarily on traditional indigenous, multicultural folk forms and artists from and residing in and around New Jersey. Traditional indigenous folk artists are carriers of folk tradition that are accurate and respectful in depicting folk culture; carriers of folk tradition are those who grew up in the tradition in which they perform or create and who learned their art within their family or community as part of daily life. Usually, but not exclusively, these tradition bearers do not earn a living from their art. There is an annual heritage theme which focuses on folk music, crafts and other traditions of a specific ethnic, cultural or regional heritage found within our state. For more information visit http://www.njfolkfest.rutgers.edu
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The Somers Point Bayfest was first organized to celebrate Earth Day and the environment. Bayfest continues that tradition 26 years later by hosting a variety of environmental groups that help to educate the public on the many issues that continue to face us. It is now the largest single day event in south jersey with several thousand attendees. The event features music, environmental activities and displays, as well as craft and artisan vendors. Monies raised by the festival are distributed by the Bayfest Committee to help local Somers Point improvements.
For more details visit their website at http://www.somerspointbayfest.org or their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SomersPointBayfest.
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The 35th annual Spring Flower Festival in Cape May is held April 26th from 10-5 in Cape May’s Rotary Park. It features artisans and crafters displaying and selling accents and accessories for you, your home and your gardens as well as eco-friendly resources to help promote a Green Cape May. Rotary Park is located on Lafayette Street between Decatur and Jackson Streets.. For more information visit their website at
http://www.capemaymac.org/toursevents/capemaysspringfestival.html
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The 33rd annual Shadfest will be held in Lambertville April 26 and 27th. Each year the festival h celebrates the City of Lambertville, the Delaware River, the local arts scene and of course, the Shad! The Shad Festival has evolved from a local art show into a nationally recognized award-winning event. Shad Fest features the area’s finest artists and crafters, great food live music and family entertainment, but the two-day extravaganza also serves as a venue for local non-profit organizations to raise necessary operating funds.
There will be face painting, sand art, and other children’s activities not to mention lots of rides! Don’t miss the fun and educational shad seining demonstrations down at Lewis Island where the Delaware River Basin Commission will be teaching us about how to test water quality.
For more details visit http://www.lambertville.org or http://www.shadfest.com
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The 9th annual blessing of the bikes will be held April 26th at St George’s Church, 56 Main Street, Helmetta, followed by a bike ride. Registration is from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and the motorcycles go out at 12:25 pm. The ride fee is $15.00 for the rider, $10.00 for a passenger and passengers under 12 ride for $5.00. The fee includes food at the end of the ride. The ride ends with food vendors and music.
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On April 26 and 27th, historic Longstreet Farm, (Longstreet Road, Holmdel) will host Wool Days/Sheep Shearing. Events include sheep-shearing and demonstrations by sheep-herding dogs. Visitors can also enjoy wagon rides to a neighboring site, the Monmouth County Historical Associations’ Holmes-Hendrickson House, where staff will demonstrate the way wool was used in Colonial America with spinning and weaving activities. Parking and admission are free. For more information, visit http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com
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Every year the Lymphoma Research Foundation has an annual fundraiser and for the fith year, The Irish Whisper Walk of Hope in memory of Danny Kane will be looking for partipants and donations. The walk will be held April 26th at 930 AM at the Pinecliff Lake Clubhouse, 1577 Union Valley Road, West Milford. The group has raised over 200,000 over the last 5 years to help fight lymphoma and this years 5K hopes to add siginifigantly to that that total. For more information visit their support page at
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April 26th is the annual Burlington Township cleanup day. Volunteers turn out across the entire town to help cleanup the neighborhood and parks. Participants receive a t-shirt for their efforts and a hot dog lunch. For information on how to help contact Eileen Liss at 609 239-5845 or email at erliss at twp dot burlington dot nj dot us. For more information here is their flier.
Taking the plunge for charity: upcoming polar bear events in NJ
If the idea of going for an ocean swim in January sounds exhilarating and fun to you, then this post is for you. If it’s not, keep reading because you can still help support some great causes without getting wet. Eight polar bear plunges will be held over the next eight weeks, six of which are charity fundraisers, with one more last event in March. If you aren’t familiar with a polar bear plunge, (in most cases) they exist as a fundraiserfor a charity chosen by the organizers and those who participate solicit pledges (or donate money) to take a swim in the cold ocean waters at the Jersey shore. Typically participants receive a shirt to commemorate the event and in some cases food is provided.
The first event is a non-charity run, the Asbury Park Polar Bear Race, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014. There is a 5 and 10 mile race as well as a 5 mile walk with an optional polar bear swim to follow for those brave enough to take a dip in the Atlantic in December. Registration and the race starting point is at Convention Hall At Ocean Ave and 5th Ave along the beach. For more details visit the race website.
New Years Day has three plunges, the Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge, the Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge and the First Dippers in Ocean City. The Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge is held on the beach in front of Resorts Casino and kicks off promptly at 12 noon. A registration fee of $25 entitles the participant to a shirt and a certificate of participation and is donated to a charity which changes from year to year. The 2013 plunge will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Assn of America. MSAA provides ongoing support and direct services to individuals with MS and the people close to them. MSAA also serves to promote greater understanding of the needs and challenges of those who face physical obstacles. To register or for more information visit the plunge website or their facebook page
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The Sons of Ireland were founded in 2002 with a goal of supporting worthy causes and organizations in Monmouth County. They have raised over 400,000 in the 1o years since they started and this years plunge will benefit several local organizations including 180 Turning Lives Around, Horizons Student Enrichment Program, Parker Family Clinic, Impact Oasis and the Kret Family Foundation. They hope to raise 100,000 for these groups. This years plunge takes place at Convention Hall in Asbury Park at 1PM but registration and pre-event activities begin at 10AM. You can read more about the event at their webpage. There’s a facebook event page as well. If you don’t want to get wet and cold but want to support the cause, visit the fundraiser website
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Ocean City hosts First Day at the beach which features a 5K run/walk on the boardwalk. The run starts at the Music Pier between 8th and 9th Street at 130PM. Prizes are awarded for runners and registration is $25.00. In addition the shops along the main drive are open for the New Years Day Shopping Extraveganza. A polar bear plunge (they call it First Dippers) will be held. Those participating must sign a waiver, but they will get a beach nut certificate certifying that they were crazy enough to go in water on New Year’s day. For more details visit their website at http://www.ocnj.us.
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The Special Olympics has two separate polar bear plunges held each year. The Special Olympics helps provide sports training and sponsors various athletic competitions for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. This non-profit 501(c)3 organization is entirely funded thru donations, both on an individual and a corporate level so fundraisers like this help them accomplish their goal of providing free competitions for those who participate.
On January 18th, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey will be held in Wildwood. Funds collected help support the mission of Special Olympics New Jersey. Particpants must pledge to raise at least $100 with those who get the most donations receiving awards for their efforts. Visit their webpage here.
The second Special Olympics Fundraiser is held in Seaside Heights on February 22. Participants in this event must also pledge to raise a minimum of $100, and with almost 6,000 participants in 2012 it is the largest of the polar bear events held in NJ. Particpants are given a warm meal and a tshirt commemorating the event afterwards. Big Joe Henry of 101.5 will be broadcasting live from the plunge. Learn more about the event at their webpage or visit themon Facebook
Finally, every Sunday of Presidents Day weekend, Mike’s Seafood sponsors an annual Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City. On Sunday, February 16th, this non-competitive 5K walk/run will be held outside La Costa Inn at 4000 Landis Ave, Sea Isle City. Inside a heated tent will be live music, face painters, magicians and the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the event. Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks, Specials Services Schools, Autism Support Groups, and Families with Special Needs Children. For more details visit their website or their Facebook page.
The last event is the NJ Elks annual Miracle Plunge in Asbury Park. This polar bear plunge is a fundraiser with proceeds going to Children’s Specialized Hospital, Cooley’s Anemia and Elk’s Camp Moore. After the plunge, event participants are invited to celebrate their fundraising efforts at Bar Anticipation, which includes live entertainment, food and beverages and gift auction. Coming in costume is encouraged! Plungers can register at their website which provides a way for those who sponsor them to donate directly to the event. Visit http://miracleplunge2013.kintera.org for more details. Last year the date was March 16 and it is expected that this year it will be held March 15.
Need something to do on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a day to be with loved ones and to be thankful for the blessings in our lives. For many, it is a slo a day to help others and there are numerous charity runs held every Thanksgiving. Here are just a few.
<a href=”http://www.raceforum.com/11/ttmorris.pdf”>Morris Township 7th Annual Turkey Trot</a> The Sweetie Pig Foundation hosts this 1 mile walk/run to help benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry, and the Literacy Volunteers of Morris County.
<a href=”http://www.ceaemployment.com/Events/Turkey-Trot.aspx”>21st Annual CEA/Johanna Foods 5K Turkey trot</a> This 5K in Flemington is sponsored by Johanna Foods benefits the Center for Educational Advancement and the Spring Run School. They provide education and employment services to adults and youths with special needs.
<a href=”http://www.kroghsturkeytrot.com”>The Krogh’s Turkey Trot 2013</a> Since 2006, nearly $350,000 has been raised for the Sparta Education project, a non-profit whose goal is to strengthen public schools and support teachers and the educational process.
<a href=”http://www.ashenfelterclassic.com”>Ashenfelter Classic 8K run</a> This annual race has raised over $100,000 since 2005 with most of the proceeds benefiting The Glen Ridge Educational Foundation.
<a href=”http://dickmeighan5krun.org”>Dick Meighan 5K Run</a> Named for a victim of the 9/11 attacks, the Dick Meighan Run has raised over $100,000 since 9/11 for a variety of different causes including DARE, Sheltor Our Sisters, Boy scouts and Girl Scouts as well as the local Ambulance Corp. This year they are trying to set a worlds record for the most participants in a Thanksgiving day run.
Annual Events in NJ 