County Fall Tourism Season Begins With A Visit To Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ – Monmouth Street - specifically the spot outside the Count Basie Center for the Arts - was the place to be on Tuesday, as county officials paid a visit to kick off the fall 2023 tourism season.

“The fall is one of the best times of year to visit Monmouth County,” said Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners Director Thomas A. Arnone. “From our Grown in Monmouth farms hosting activities to enjoying our beautiful park system, there is always something to do.”

And Red Bank - soon to present its first Oktoberfest - was happy to host the event.

“Red Bank is a great place to talk about tourism because there are so many fun things happening here,” said Red Bank Mayor Billy Portman. “Thank you so much for shining the spotlight on our town. We have plenty of events going on this season, so please come visit us here in Red Bank.”

And Red Bank boosters in attendance had no problem naming some upcoming highlights:

"Exciting attractions are filling Monmouth County this fall,” said Count Basie Center for the Arts President and CEO Adam Philipson. “Right here at Count Basie, more than 150 events are planned from now through December.”

And Bob Zuckerman, Red Bank RiverCenter executive director, put in a word for Oktoberfest:

“We are pleased to debut a new event on Sept. 24, the Red Bank Oktoberfest,” said Zuckerman. “This goes hand in hand with the county’s ‘Brewed and Distilled in Monmouth’ program. Oktoberfest will be a tremendous new addition to what we do in downtown Red Bank.”

And there are going to be fall activities aplenty elsewhere in the county.

“Our county parks are truly a year-round destination, and the fall is no exception,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “The Park System has some incredible upcoming events."

He cited the Harvest Home Festival, this Sunday, Sept. 24, which goes on from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. Then there is Thompson Park Day, which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Thompson Park in Lincroft.

"We also recently hosted the Wind and Sea Festival at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Middletown, and that event is always a crowd favorite," Licitra added.

And officials took time to remark on the summer season.

“Summer in Monmouth County is one of the busiest times of year and this is a testament to the hard work done by our municipalities, tourism partners, chambers of commerce and our businesses,” said Arnone, liaison to the Division of Tourism.

“Despite the rainy weather at the beginning of the summer, the beach revenue numbers we have received so far show some positive results," he said.

Monmouth Beach Mayor David Stickle said beach revenue was up. “Our beach provides jobs for special police officers and beach employees, and that helps put money back into the local economy. We thank the commissioners for supporting our beach replenishment program and for continuing to support Monmouth Beach.”

And Arnone suggested another visit - to the county tourism calendar at MonmouthCountyTourism.com.

The press conference was live-streamed, so you can watch on the Monmouth County government’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.