Oceanfest Returns to Long Branch For 21st Year

The Fourth of July in Long Branch means fun, fireworks and of course, Oceanfest.

Oceanfest is a full day of free activities and events for the entire family. The festival, which is in its 21st year, runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along the promenade between Seven Presidents Park and Pier Village and offers live children’s entertainment, live bands, crafters, vendors and food.

The finale features a fireworks display that begins at 9 p.m. 

One of the highlights of the day is beach sand sculptures that will be built throughout the event.

New Jersey native Matthew Deibert will be creating the sculpture for Monmouth University.  Deibert is the recent winner of the Travel Channel’s Sand Wars. 

Deibert has been carving at Oceanfest for many years and has done the sculpture for Monmouth University for at least the past four years.

Monmouth Park returns for another season as a sponsor of Oceanfest and will also create a sand sculpture along with Chevrolet and Jersey Central Power & Light.

The joint sculpture is being created by artist John Gowdy, a New Jersey native who now resides most of the year in Italy. Gowdy has been professionally sculpting sand for more than 15 years and has been a regular sculptor at Oceanfest.

Numerous musical performances and children's programs will be held throughout the day as well.

Appearing on the Great Lawn Stage and back by popular demand this year will be Ray Rodriguez & Swing Sabrossa (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and the Bob Burger Band (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.). New this year is The fabulous Rock N Roll Chorus, featuring high school students from throughout Monmouth County at 1 p.m., and Rave On!, singing the hits of Buddy Holly and other early rock ‘n roll legends at 4:30 p.m.

Children’s entertainment at the Garfield Memorial site includes the Amazing Arni & Ingrid at 11 a.m. and a juggling/variety show at 1:15 p.m.

Costumed entertainers, a unicyclist, and stilt walker will also be strolling the promenade.

The fireworks spectacular is scheduled for 9 p.m. and listeners can tune in to 95.9 The WRAT FM for a patriotic musical simulcast.

For more information about Oceanfest, visit www.oceanfestnj.com or call the Long Branch Chamber at 732-222-0400.

Sponsors for the event include Monmouth University, Xfinity, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Park, Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Pier Village and TD Bank. All these organizations will be represented at Oceanfest.