Some Hopeful Upcoming Labor Day, Post Labor Day Activities Will Keep Businesses Busy

As the unofficial end of summer draws near, local business owners are eyeing at least one post-Labor Day event to at least keep tourists coming back on the weekends through the official end of summer, if not staying in the region.

Many are hoping that events like the upcoming "Dog Fest"  will keep people heading back to the area, and help keep businesses and fundraising dollars flowing, in what some have described as a slow summer for tourism dollars, post Sandy.

"I don't have a business, I'm retired, but at the Brick Rotary, we have felt the effects," Elizabeth Ackerman, who is a Rotary Club member told Patch. "We do fundraising, and it's way off this year. But we also understand that, because everyone is concentrating on getting back on their feet. My home itself was destroyed, so I understand people's reluctance to want to do fundraising right now."

Ackerman said that she and other Rotary members are hoping that the coming Labor Day weekend, and an event planned the week afterward, will help combat the slump.

The Club is sponsoring the fourth annual “Dog Fest,” on Sunday, September 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Windward Beach on Princeton Avenue in Brick.

The day’s festivities will include canine demonstrations, contests, prizes, and food.  There will be contests for the dogs in costume and in various categories.

Right now, there are 20 vendors signed up, but Ackerman said even that is down this year.  "It has been a lot more work, a lot more phone calls to reach people [this year]," she said.

Program sponsorships are available as well as space for food vendors and service-supply vendors. The fee for exhibitor space is $100 for each 10’x10’ space; non-profit (501c3) is only $50.

Last year, more than 2000 people and 1000 dogs attended.  Additionally, print and radio public service announcements will publicize the event.

General admission is $5 and children under 13 free.  There will be an additional registration fee for competing canines. For additional information, please call 732-451-1185.