Oceanfest on the Boardwalk - Long Branch

Yesterdays preparations for todays Oceanfest 2012 in Long Branch

Long Branch:   Oceanfest which started at 10am today is looking to be the biggest one yet as many towns forego  fireworks and other festivities.   Merchants have lined up their stands on the boardwalk offering food and drink, crafts, jewelry, home décor, and everything you can imagine for everyone of all ages.

This year there will be 4 huge sand sculptures, the added sand art being provided by Monmouth Medical Center, a new addition. The sand mountains carvings are always a marvel of skill and imagination.

The Rock and Roll Chorus kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn with some top notch music. It will be followed by Ray Rodriguez and the Swing Sabroso. Ray and company will keep things swinging and swaying until 4pm when the Rave On! Group takes the stage and Bib Burger Band closes out the musical day with a 7 to 9 finale.

Then it’s the fireworks at the beach front. It is a splendid display that people have raved about each and every Independence Day!

Continuing during the day on the Promenade youngsters and Oldsters will delight in the fun characters who will be mixing among the crowds. At 11:00 it’s the Costume Character, then the Stilt Walker. Super Hero does his thing and excites the walkway with his daring-do. Look for the Juggling Unicyclist also, and the Clowns who always wear similes and carry lots of balloons for the sharing.

The Garfield at 11:00 will host the Amazing Arni and Ingrid who will dazzle passers-bye. At Noon it’s the Second Baptist Youth Ministries with great music. A little after 1:00, watch the Juggling and Variety Show. But remember that the Afro Brazilian Martial Arts Demonstration will immediately follow and leave you with your eyes wide open.

Transportation is readily available. Take advantage of the new Shuttle Service that runs all day in 25 minute loops around town. It picks up at the train station too, so try it. You’ll like it!

And don't miss a brush with celebrity.  The Long Branch Chamber of Commerce has announced that  LFE SPORTS is hosting an autograph signing today.  Here's the lineup:

 John "The Count" Montefusco 11 am to 12 noon

 Roy White (Yankees) 11:30 to 1 PM

 Sean Landeta, (New York Giants) 1 PM to 2:30 PM

 "Doc Gooden" (New York Mets) 2:30 to 4:30 PM

 They will be located on the Promenade at Madison Avenue.  Enjoy a great day in Fun City at Oceanfest 2012!