The Shark River Cleanup Coalition will host Dredgefest at The Headliner, Neptune on Thurs., June 30 to celebrate its 15-year anniversary and phase one of the Shark River dredging project which begins in July.
The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. with live music, a buffet and happy hour drink prices. Tickets are $20.
“The SRCC has been advocating for Shark River to be dredged for 15 years and we are happy to see the towns, politicians, and state come together to implement the beginning of this plan. Our river is a source of beauty and life for so many humans and wildlife and watching it suffer for over 40 years is tough of on all of us. We are thrilled that this project finally begins and we need to make sure it gets 100% completed,” said John Dempsey, coalition board member.
Local bands including the Joe Baracata Band, Kenny ‘Stringbean’ Sorensen, Sweet Chin Music, Murf McRee and Los Gringos will play throughout the night.
“Shark River is an inspiration for musicians, but also a big part of our local culture’s past and present. It is so very important that we give Shark River a voice and raise awareness of the dredge project plans. This will ensure Shark River has a future too,” said Murf McRee, harmonica talent.
Environmental awards, a few key speakers, and information on how the SRCC is leading the way to a cleaner Shark River will also be featured.
A gift auction will give participants a chance to win interesting prizes donated by local merchants.
“My band is excited to be part of Dredgefest. I grew up on Shark River and we have been limited to the recreational activities we can enjoy. Ensuring Shark River’s dredging will help us enjoy activities on the river, regardless of the tide,” said Josh Shields, drummer for Sweet Chin Music.
“This is a time for the communities unite. We are grateful to have the support of local businesses, musicians and restaurants to offer Dredgefest at The Headliner, as a way to say ‘thank you’ and ‘let’s keep the momentum going’ for continued protection of our Shark River watershed,” said Coalition President James McNamara.
Ken “Stringbean” Sorensen, said, “We’ve been supporting SRCC since the beginning-a good-hearted group.”
All proceeds raised at the event will benefit the Shark River Cleanup Coalition’s Strategic Plan. Learn more about the dredging project and SRCC’s events at www.sharkriver.org. Volunteers are welcome to help and can contact (732) 988-SRCC (7722) for more information.
The SRCC is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that works to protect the Shark River Watershed through water monitoring, river cleanups, advocacy, educational outreach, and community events.
For tickets go to www.sharkriver.org or the Headliner website. www.theheadliner.com.
