| We had some transmission problems this morning, so I am sending this out a second time. Sorry if you already got it.
As promised, last Saturday along with 60 other assorted nuts, I jumped into Mother Atlantic at the Fifth Ave. Beach in support of the Asbury Park Rotary’s Polar Plunge to raise funds for Rotary Eye Rescue. We jumped in the sea so others could see! The temperature was 21? coupled with a wind chill of 2?and the water temperature was 37?. It was very, very cold! I raised enough money for the cause to receive a very cool commemorative bathrobe. Avery special thanks to McLoone’s Asbury Grill who hosted the before and a very welcomed warm after party. Also an extra special thanks to AP Rotary’s Traudy Grande who organized the whole event. Will I be back next year? Stay tuned! Only in Asbury Park!
And it’s the first Saturday of the month so it must be First Saturday in our Downtown. February is our annual Mardi Gras celebration and my favorite. We are calling it “Samedi Gras” which in New Orleanese translates to “let’s get this party started.” Traditionally held on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, Samedi Gras, or Fat Saturday, ignites the revelers. As part of the city’s Haitian Relief efforts we will be collecting goods and donations. Many of the downtown merchants will be running specials and donating part of your purchases to the cause. AP High School students have created an elephants sculpture that will be displayed in the Store at the Shore Toy Store and auctioned off as a fundraiser. To capture the spirit of New Orleans, the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation, the APHS Marching Band and other musicians will bring live music to our shops, restaurants, galleries, and the streets. Free parking will be available in the Bangs Avenue Garage courtesy of TAKA. If you would like to send in a check, make it payable to
APUEZ-Haitian Relief Fund and mail it to me at City of Asbury park, One Municipal Plaza, Asbury park, NJ 07712. Visit www.AsburyParkChamber.com for all the details! Only in Asbury Park!
February is Black History Month. The APHS has created another art exhibit that is being displayed in the AP City Hall Lobby. Under the guidance of Jean Johnson this year’s exhibit is exceptional. Make sure you schedule some time to check this out.
The Gay Pride Business network that usually meets at Moonstruck will hold their monthly meeting at The Harrison on Wednesday, February 10th, 6 to 8 PM.
Hey Girl! New group show at Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Ave. 732.869.0606.
“In the Meantime . . ” works by Despina Statelova at SWAG in the Shoppes at The Arcade. Opening reception , Sat. Feb 6th from 5 to 9 PM.
The Asbury Park Little League will be hosting their 6th Annual Breakfast Buffet and final registration this Sat. Feb. 6th from 8 AM to Noon at the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Call 732.768.6860.
And it’s SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! As we all know there is no better place to watch football than in Asbury Park. The Watermark, Wonder Bar and Brickwall are all hosting special Super Bowl parties with many special offerings. I’ll be rooting for the Saints – as one of my friends told me, they have the best jerseys.
Also This Weekend:
Thurs. Feb. 4th: World’s Largest Bookclub at Watermark – 7 PM.
Eddie Spaghetti at Asbury Lanes – 8 PM.
Basement Generals at The Saint – 8 PM.
Fri. Feb. 5th: Aeria Records Winter Fiesta at the Stone Pony – 7:30 PM- all ages
6 Day Bender at The Saint – 8 PM.
Radio Excile at Asbury Lanes – 8 PM.
Pat Guadagno at McLoone’s Supper Club
Sat. Feb. 6th: First Saturday and AP’s Special Haitian Relief Fundraiser in the Downtown – 6 to 10 PM. Free parking in the Bangs Ave. Garage.
Rock Wilk at The Showroom – 8 PM.
Quincy Mumford and Echo Movement at the Stone Pony – 8 PM.
Rife Surfers at The Saint – 8 PM.
Tim McLoone & The Shirleys at McLoone’s Supper Club
Sun. Feb. 7th: SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! – Go Saints!
First Annual Writers Festival at Restaurant Plan at 4 PM. Contact Provincetown Fringe Festival at 732.807.4052 for details.
Watermark Super bowl Party
Brickwall Super Bowl Party
Carmine’s Supper Bowl Party
Wonder Bar Super Bowl Party
Mon. Feb 8th: Karaoke with DJ Mike at the Wonder Bar.
Joe Harvard’s long Weekend at The Lounge at Synaxis – 9 Pm to 1 AM.
We all know Asbury Park is full of love and a great place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with that very special someone in your life. So start making your plans to spend next weekend in AP. Make it memorable! Make it in Asbury Park!
Now, I just heard the latest weather report and Saturday’s forecast includes some snow? Now, I’m the guy who jumped in the 37? ocean and you might be whimping out cause it might snow? Seriously, show us your “Good Time” spirit and support First Saturday and the AP Haitian Relief effort. Patti and I will meet you on Cookman. Have a great weekend!
Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times
If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.
Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events and film permitting. |
