Toms River Celebrates 250th Anniversary At Saturday's Food Fest

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The seventh annual Toms River Food Fest will fill the downtown on Saturday with savory treats, music and this year, a special celebration marking Toms River's 250th anniversary.

The festival again will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Washington Street in downtown Toms River. While food certainly is one of the main points of the festival, there is much more, from children's rides to live entertainment to vendors selling a variety of goods.

The centerpiece event will be the celebration, scheduled for 12:30 p.m., of Toms River's 250th anniversary. The commemmoration will include participation by township officials, a display of the Township Charter, the legal document that created Toms River in 1767, and other surprises, organizers said.

Kid-friendly rides are provided as a free attraction, sponsored by Pine Belt Automotive, Toms River officials said, and there will be a rock-climbing wall and face-painting as well. The event also will feature DJs from Greater Media, 100.1 WJRZ and 95.9 WRAT, who will be emcees on the stage throughout the day. They will have prizes and giveaways at their booth.

"Toms River Food Fest offers something for everyone; live music, gourmet food from great food trucks, free kids rides and shopping," said Jared Tate, Toms River's recreation director. "The event grows bigger every year. We are hoping for nice weather and a great turnout.”

Admission is free and open to the public, but no animals are allowed except for properly authorized service animals. Those 21 and older are invited to the beer and wine garden, sponsored by Toms River Fire Company No. 1.

Parking is free behind the municipal building or at the Ocean County parking garage, located at 129 Hooper Avenue, about 1½ blocks. Free parking is also available on lot at West Water and Irons streets.

Photo provided by Toms River Township