Celebrate July 4th At The 20TH Annual Oceanfest

Long Branch, NJ ... For a fabulous July 4th celebration that doesn’t cost a fortune, head to Long Branch for the 20th Annual Oceanfest Independence Day celebration. The festival will be held Sunday, July 4th from 10 am to 10 pm, rain or shine. Oceanfest is a free, family-friendly celebration that takes place along the half-mile stretch of the oceanfront Promenade between Seven Presidents Park and the Ocean Place Resort & Spa. Co-hosted by the City of Long Branch and the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, the Oceanfest finale features some of the Jersey Shore’s biggest fireworks display at 9:00 pm.

There’s a lot to keep visitors to Oceanfest entertained, and no trip to the Jersey Shore is complete without spending some time on the beach. Long Branch offers a wide swath of pristine beachfront, and Oceanfest is bounded by Seven President’s Park to the north and the luxurious Ocean Place Resort & Spa and the adjacent Pier Village to the south. Visitors staying at the Ocean Place Resort can use the hotel’s beach facilities, which include lounge chairs and sun shades. The public beach admission is $5 for adults 18 – 61 years, free for children 17 and under. For those on a budget, coolers are welcome, although glass containers and alcohol are not permitted. But you’ll want to budget something for festival food, which offers a vast array of tempting options, from cheesesteaks to kabobs, salads to seafood and lots in between. Stroll down the Promenade and browse the dozens of crafters and vendors that Oceanfest offers. While you’re on the Promenade, make sure to stop by the sand sculpture area and watch the four master sand sculptors at work on their one of a kind temporary masterpieces.

20th Annual Oceanfest Celebration

and enjoy games, face painters and balloon artists. For a small fee, children can also expend some energy in the soft play activity center. And for visitors really looking to shop, Pier Village is right next door, offering an array of shops and eateries. Basketball enthusiasts looking for a little competitive action can register for the Long Branch Department of Recreation annual 3 vs. 3 basketball tournament. The tournament is held in the southern most parking lot at the Ocean Place Resort. It’s limited to 16 teams and starts at 10:00 a.m. If there are any open slots in the tournament, registration will be open that morning at 9:00 a.m. The winning team will receive a trophy, basketballs and a gift certificate to local establishments. Those interested in participating can contact the Recreation Department at 732-571-6545 to register.

Once the sun sets, it’s time for the spectacular finale! One of the largest fireworks displays at the Jersey Shore, you’ll want to plan your seat early; the display starts at 9:00 p.m.. Make reservations for the Ocean Place Resort outdoor BBQ, visit one of the restaurants along the oceanfront, or just grab a spot of sand on the beach to enjoy the show.

Despite still uncertain economic conditions around the state, Long Branch’s annual Oceanfest celebration is still on track to deliver a day full of fun and entertainment. Organizers are working on keeping costs down as they did last year; however, the Chamber of Commerce Oceanfest Committee is again asking the public for financial support. Fireworks Funds collection boxes will be located throughout the city, and donations can also be sent to the Chamber office at PO Box 628, Long Branch, NJ 07740.

Oceanfest is sponsored in part by the City of Long Branch, Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Park Racetrack, Monmouth University, TD Bank, Harley Davidson of Long Branch, New Jersey Monthly magazine, Monmouth Health & Life magazine, the Asbury Park Press, Atlanticville, Allen Consulting, Inc., and radio stations 94.3 The Point, WJLK-FM and 1310 Fox Sports For more information on Oceanfest and available sponsorship opportunities, contact the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce at 732-222-0400 or Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711.

The NJ State Chili Salsa Cook-Off is sponsored by Comcast, First Energy Foundation (JCP&L), New Jersey Natural Gas, United Water of Toms River, Mr. Alan's Florist, Commerce Bank, and radio stations WJRZ and The WRAT. For information on registering to compete, contest rules and entry fees, visit www.chili-nj.com or call 732-946-2711. For additional information on this event or other Downtown Toms River events or to volunteer to assist with them, call 732-341-8738 or visit www.downtowntomsriver.com.

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