James E. McGreevey
Governor

William D. Watley
Secretary of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Wolfe - 609.292.2523
Terri Guess - 609.633.3647

TWO POPULAR GARDEN STATE EVENTS NAMED TO
“TOP 100” BY THE AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION

Trenton, N.J. (July 15, 2004)—The Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival (June 4-5) and the Cape May Food & Wine Festival (September 17-21) were designated by the American Bus Association (ABA) as “Top-100” events for 2005, according to Nancy J. Byrne, Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism.

“This distinction for two of the state’s premier events is further proof of New Jersey’s unique and diverse appeal,” said Byrne. “Regardless of season, the Garden State plays host to countless fabulous and varied events throughout the year that are sure to pique the interest of residents and visitors of all ages.”

The American Bus Association’s “Top-100” events for 2005 will be featured in the September 2004 issue of Destination Magazine.

“Tourism is the state’s second largest industry and the single largest employer in the state, generating $31 billion in revenues annually,” said Governor James E. McGreevey. “The recognition of these two popular shore events remind us that the Jersey Shore is one of our state’s greatest treasures, and must continue to be promoted as such.”

The Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival is an annual celebration of the town’s rich jazz and blues heritage on the beautiful Navesink River featuring arts & crafts, food vendors and highlighted by dozens of national and local acts.

2004 marked the 18th edition of the Festival and marked the celebration of the centennial year of Red Bank's most famous son, the legendary Count Basie, and featured more than 30 national and local acts.

The Cape May Food & Wine Festival, now in its 8th year, is held at various locations throughout the historic and beautiful Victorian paradise. Last year’s gathering featured such diverse and fun-filled activities as a lobster bake, a restaurant relay, a gourmet tasting and restaurant tour, professional wine tasting, the people’s choice chowder contest, seminars, cooking classes and more.

For further information on tourism in the Garden State, or to receive a copy of the 2004 New Jersey Travel Guide, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at 800-VISITNJ (847-4865) or check the website at www.visitnj.org.