Manalapan Day With Jay And The Americans Returns Saturday

MANALAPAN, N.J.— The township's signature event, Manalapan Day, makes its return Saturday, June 18, after a two-year suspension because of the COVID pandemic.

The day-long celebration rivals the size and scope of many county fairs, the township said in a news release.

The event will be at the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522 and Taylors Mill Road, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. with rides for younger children opening at 2 p.m. The Manalapan Day tradition of free parking and free admission continues for all, the township said.

The event includes music from local bands, performances by local dance groups, and additional performers on two stages, culminating with a concert by Jay and the Americans and a fireworks show lighting up the Manalapan skies.

The Manalapan Arts Council (MAC) and Manalapan Township said Jay and the Americans will headline the event. Six high school classmates from Long Island joined together to form a group called the Harbor Lites, and soon after, Jay and the Americans were born. They’re known for classics including “She Cried,” “This Is It,” and “Cara Mia,” and were mainstays in the rock & roll world for decades, the news release said.

“Our goal to bring to Manalapan living legends of music from the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties continues with Jay and the Americans, following previous amazing outdoor shows with something for everyone," said Arts Council Chairman Marty Gelfond.

Fun and games, delicious food and exhibits from a midway full of vendors are just a part of Manalapan Day, which also includes carnival rides, a petting zoo for kids, non-stop entertainment on two large stages, including popular Manalapan music groups and the steel pan ensemble, “The ManalaPANS.”

“Thanks to our truly dedicated and phenomenal MAC volunteers and sponsors, on Manalapan Day our town gives back to our Manalapan residents, and this is why Manalapan is such a great place to live,” Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen said in the news release. “Manalapan Day entertainment is brought to the residents without using any taxpayer money!”

The master of ceremonies for Manalapan Day since 2008 is longtime New York & New Jersey radio personality Tommy G, who will also host “Trivia with Tommy G” with radio news reporter Jeff McKay at the Main Stage, providing participants chances to win prizes.