Councilman: Food Fest Toms River's First 'Major Celebratory Event' Since Sandy

Saturday May 4, 2013 (rain date of May 5) will be the annual Toms River Food Fest. It will be held downtown on Washington Street between Main Street and Hooper Avenue. The festivities will begin at 12 p.m., running throughout the day and ending at 9 p.m.  

The Food Fest’s genesis originated in 1974 when the township decided to celebrate the founding of Toms River on June 24, 1767 with a Founders Day. It was usually held in June near the actual date of the township’s birthday. Founders Day was a joint celebration between the township and the Toms River Chamber of Commerce.  

Ocean County participated, providing the portable stage and sound equipment for the reviewing stand and the bands. The event commenced with a parade down Hooper Avenue ending at the reviewing stand on Washington Street near Town Hall. Founders Day attracted a wide variety of vendors and attendance often approached 50,000 people.  

Three years ago the committee decided to change the name to the Toms River Food Fest and hold the event in early May. There are numerous different types of food vendors available. There will be a beer and wine garden to compliment the food. This year’s event will be hosted by WOBM. There will be four bands providing a variety of music beginning at 12:30 p.m. Pine Belt Automotive is sponsoring children’s rides and games.  

The complete schedule of events for the Food Fest will be listed on the Township’s website: www.tomsrivertownship.com which was ranked as the number one community website in Ocean County.  

This will be the first major celebratory event Toms River will be hosting since the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. We encourage everyone to come out for a day of food and fun as we continue to Restore the Shore.  

Mo Hill

Councilman, Ward 3