James E. McGreevey
Governor

Virginia S. Bauer
Commerce Secretary Designate

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Caffrey -609.984.2888
Karen Wolfe - 609.292.2523

Shore Regions Fall Into Second Season

Trenton (September 27, 2004)—As the fall season rolls in, the Jersey Shore's second season is in full motion.

"While some might call it fall, September through early November is actually an ideal time to visit the Jersey Shore," says Nancy Byrne, executive director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism. “There’s literally something going on every weekend and many visitors like to take advantage of our delightful weather this time of year.”

Many seaside municipalities have recognized the value of extending special events into the fall, which bring more people to the shore and generate revenues for the towns.

Some of this "Second Season's" highlights include:

October 1-3– Wildwood, Thunder on the Beach Monster Truck Race. Watch the Monster truck race for "King of the Beach." Other activities include Monster truck rides and exhibits, food and crafts. October 1: noon & 7pm; October 2, noon. For information, contact www.njhra.com

October 2-3 – RioGrande, Sunset Lake Hydrofest Power Boat Races. Experience this festival of powerboat racing, which starts at 10 am and includes several classes of inboard hydroplanes, Jersey speed skiffs, and ski boats. From 9am to 4pm. For more information, contact (609) 886 - 8156 or www.sunsetlake.us/.

October 2 – Highlands, Oktoberfest. Lots of knockwurst, bratwurst, sauerkraut and even an oompah band! Plus, farmers with beautiful fall flowers, great crafters and a spectacular view of the Sandy Hook Bay. From 2pm to 10pm. Contact (732) 946 - 2711 for more information or www.highlandsnj.com.

October 2-3– Long Beach Island, Chowder Fest Weekend. The 16th Annual Chowderfest Weekend-Chowder Cook-Off Classic. Fun-filled family festival. Come be an official taster and vote for the best as 20 restaurants compete for title of "Chowder Champ." Rain or Shine. For more information, contact (609) 494 - 7211 or www.chowderfest.com.

October 8-10– Seaside Heights, Italian Street Festival. This giant festival includes food, entertainment, exhibits and shows including special performers from Italy plus a Columbus Day Parade on Sunday at 1pm. Contact (732) 477 - 6507 for more information or www.seasideheightstourism.com/single.event.jsp?id=28.

October 8-17–Cape May, Victorian Week. A 10-day celebration of Victorian culture and heritage that features authentic Victorian feasts, murder mystery dinners, antiques and crafts shows, Victorian fashion shows, glass blowing demonstrations, brass band concerts, workshops, tours and lectures. For details, contact (609) 884-5404 or www.capemaymac.org.

October 9-11– Ocean City, Indian Summer Weekend. This Seafood festival includes over 400 crafters and food vendors as well as entertainment and more. For more information, contact (609) 525 - 9300 or www.jerseyseashore.com/events/ocevents.htm.

October 9-November 21– Long Beach Island, LBI Surf Fishing Tournament. Thousands of dollars in daily, weekly, and grand prizes for bluefish and striped bass. Sponsored by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. For information, contact (609) 494 - 7211 or www.lbift.com.

October 15-17– Wildwood, Wildwoods Fabulous 50's Weekend. The first Wildwoods Fabulous '50s Weekend is a musical celebration of Wildwood's role in the birth of Rock and Roll, and the 50th anniversary of 'Rock Around the Clock,' the groundbreaking song by Bill Haley and the Comets. For information, contact (609) 729 - 4000 or www.fabfifties.com

October 16-17–Various Location, NJ Lighthouse Challenge. The NJ Lighthouse Society's Lighthouse Challenge draws thousands annually who visit the state's 11 accessible lighthouses. Join the '11 Points of Light' club, which means visiting all 11 lighthouses during the weekend. For information, contact (856) 546 - 0514 or www.njlhs.burlco.org/brochure2.pdf.

October 16-17– Atlantic City, Atlantique City Holiday Megafair. The largest indoor art, antique and collectibles show in the world with exhibitors from 45 states plus Canada, Great Britain, Europe and the Orient. Saturday 10am - 7pm; Sunday 10am - 5pm. For information, contact (800) 526 - 2724 or www.atlantiquecity.com.

October 31-November 2–Cape May, Cape May Autumn Weekend/The Bird Show. Experience the fall migration with three days of field trips, boat trips, a variety of programs and workshops. Fun for all with live hawks, owls, carvers, crafters, wildlife artists, seabird watching and more. For more information, contact (609) 884 - 2736 or www.worldseriesofbriding.com.

November 5-7 –Cape May, Sherlock Holmes Weekend. Join Sherlock Holmes for a weekend of mystery and intrigue. Includes performances, tour, luncheon and prizes. For more information, contact (609) 884 - 5404 or www.capemaymac.org.

November 12-14– Cape May, Cape May Jazz Festival. Three full days of celebrating jazz in large and small venues. Ongoing and simultaneous performances of headliners and young lions, jams and blues jams and jazz brunch. For more information, contact (609) 884 - 7277 or www.capemayjazzfest.org.

Please note that the events are subject to change.

More information about these fall events and more can be obtained by accessing the website of the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism at www.visitnj or by contacting 609-292-2470.