Bricktoberfest Returns -- With Some Tweaks

Brick Township officials are gearing up for Bricktoberfest, with changes to make the event more family friendly and to draw more residents out for the day, officials have said.

The festivities, set for Saturday, Oct. 3 at Windward Beach Park, begin with the Bricktoberfest 5K, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Mayor John Ducey will be offering his Mayor’s Challenge in the race again this year, making a donation to Meals on Wheels for every runner who beats him across the finish line.

Last year, Ducey donated $200 to the organization Parents Of Autistic Children as a result of the challenge.

Responding to complaints and concerns from last year’s event, there have been some changes, with the biggest one being that all-you-can-ride wristbands will be available for the children’s amusement rides (last year parents and grandparents complained about the high price of the ride tickets).

There also will be music this year by live bands who are performing at no cost to the township, Ducey said. Instead, the bands are taking the opportunity to perform and let audiences see what they can do.

Food trucks and the beer and wine garden return.

Township officials also will honor the sports teams from the township’s two high schools, and the night will end with a bonfire on the beach, Ducey said.