By ED SALVAS
It’s time for AsburyFest, the annual three-day event of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce that takes over Bradley Park between Fifth and Sunset Avenues with with food, music, crafts and other attractions.
The 13th AsburyFest is scheduled for Fri., Sept. 23 to Sun. Sept. 25. The festival was not held in 2020 because of the pandemic. Chamber officials are excited to announce a record number of 120 vendors this year and hope to top last year’s record of 20,000 attendees. .
“This is the first year we’ve had to turn people away,” said Executive Director Sylvia Cioffi, “and also the first year we’ve had a Presenting Sponsor.”
KeVita, a leader in probiotic and Kambucha beverages, is headlining the list of sponsors.
The festival was formerly called Oysterfest, but the chamber changed the name to AsburyFest last year and Cioffi said the new name brings more attention to Asbury Park, noting that Asbury Park isn’t known for oysters anyway.
When it comes to food, it’s better to ask what’s not included. Traditional and unique festival fare will be available from dozens of vendors, including many Asbury Park favorites. When it’s time to have a drink, AsburyFest won’t let you down. They will once again feature both craft and domestic beer, as well as some fine wines. Soda, lemonade, and other drinks will also be available. Asbury Park Brewery will have its own tent serving its special brews.
The music never stops at AsburyFest with performances by 10 groups on the stage throughout the weekend. Festival hours are Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11-10 and Sunday 11-6. Admission is free on Friday and $3 on the weekend. Children under 6 also get in free. There is free admission for military and first responders, both active and retired. It’s also a dog friendly festival all weekend.
A portion of the money raised will go to Coastal Habitat for Humanity which is sponsoring the festival’s Carnival Games.
For more information about AsburyFest go to the chamber of Commerce website, www.AsburyParkChamber.com
