With the July 4, 2014, Independence Day weekend fast approaching, we have put together a list of all the big fireworks displays and other fun activities going on in the Jersey Shore area from Toms River to Spring Lake. The early weather forecast is calling for showers in the area for Friday, July 4, but it should clear up nicely for the rest of the weekend.
Mantoloking
9 a.m. Friday, July 4. Mantoloking Yacht Club, 1 Downer Ave. Officials are gearing up for a very festive 4th of July celebration with activities for kids and adults of all ages, culminating in a gala family dinner. Phone (732) 892-6281 for more details.
Point Pleasant Beach
One of the bigger events on the Shore, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach, will stage 2 fireworks displays to celebrate the holiday. They will stage their regular display on Thursday night, July 3, 2014, and another on Friday, July 4, for their special holiday display. The park will stage a fireworks display every Thursday night until August 28, 2014. Jenkinson’s is a mile-long amusement park at the Jersey Shore with a wide variety of attractions. The Boardwalk features an aquarium, amusement park rides, arcades, and games of chance, mini-golf courses, batting cages, a sweet shop, and food stands. Call (732) 899-1659 for more info.
Toms River
A march of veterans at 1 p.m. Friday, followed by a flag-raising ceremony with music by the Shamrock and Thistle Pipe Band, display of fire trucks and free refreshments. Downtown Normandy Beach, Sixth Avenue and Ocean Terrace in Normandy Beach.
Lavalette
On Saturday, July 5, check out the Patriotic Bike Parade from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Lavallette Boardwalk, President Avenue. On July 6, there is a concert by the Jersey Shore Patriotic Band at 8 p.m., concluding with a dazzling fireworks display over the bay; rain date July 13. Gazebo Grounds, Bay Boulevard, (732) 793-7477.
Bradley Beach
The Borough of Bradley Beach will host several events to celebrate the 4th of July. There will be a July 4th dance, a mile-long swim, and a fireworks display. The Dancing Under the Stars event will be held on Friday night, July 4, 2014 with a local DJ playing the tunes. The dance is held at the Gazebo from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. every Friday night all summer long, from July 4th to August 29th. The Jack Wright Mile Swim will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at the Kent Avenue Beach. The annual fireworks display will be staged on the beach at Brinley Avenue on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 9:00 p.m. The rain date for the fireworks is set for July 12, 2014.
Manasquan
Manasquan will celebrate Independence Day in style on Saturday, July 5, 2014. The festivities begin at 5:15 p.m. with a patriotic bicycle decorating contest at the Little League Field. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a 4th of July parade at the Manasquan Coast Guard Station. At 7:30 p.m., check out a concert with Billy Lawlor at the Main Beach. The day concludes with a huge fireworks display at dusk.
Spring Lake
Fourth of July and 90th Birthday celebration with tours, pooch parade, garden club display, bicycle-decorating contest, “Frozen Garden” for ages 12 and younger, antique appraisals, games, dance and theater performances, and watermelon-eating contest, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Spring Lake Community House, 400 Madison Ave. $10; $5 ages 12 and younger. Call (732) 539-6547 for more information.
