By MELISSA BEVERIDGE
Neptune City will host its 23rd Annual Neptune City Day Aug.1 at Memorial Park and Riverview Avenue. Starting off the celebration will be the annual 5K race at 8 a.m. Runners can register at the Neptune City First Aid Building starting at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 or July 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Neptune City Community Center.
After the race, the festivities will begin at 3 p.m. at Memorial Park with rides, entertainment, food, vendors, and demonstrations. Attendees are invited to enjoy food from the Neptune City Committee including hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches and roasted clams. In addition, Louie Linguini, Debbie O’s, Pizza Etc., Weaser’s Ice, and more will be food vendors.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, guests will enjoy a large craft fair and live entertainment including a Budo Way Karate Demo and music from Big Beat Music Studio and Rick Pryor and Friends. Pete & Elda’s Pizza will sponsor the pizza eating contest where contestants 18 years and older can take part at the 6:15 start time. Right after, the Cone Zone will host the ice cream eating contest for all ages.
Attendees can also take part as one of 32 teams in the Annual Summer Doubles Tournament Bocce Tournament. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display over the Shark River at 9 p.m.
Ride bracelets will be available for purchase at the Community Center prior to July 31 for $15. Bracelets will also be available for purchase the day of the event for $20.
“We welcome everyone to come on down, watch the race at 8 a.m. and later on in the afternoon the festivities,” said Mayor Robert Brown.
