ASBURY PARK SUMMER FESTIVAL AND EVENTS DREW RECORD CROWDS

Asbury Partners Expects to Expand the Schedule for Next Year

ASBURY PARK, N.J., Oct. 31, 2005 – A full schedule of outdoor concerts, festivals and sporting events drew record crowds to Asbury Park this summer, and plans are already underway to make next summer’s entertainment season even bigger and better.

“We had thousands of visitors on the beaches and boardwalk, more than we’ve seen in many years,” noted Larry Fishman, chief operating officer of Asbury Partners, which launched the special events to celebrate their ongoing $1.25 billion Oceanfront Asbury redevelopment that is revitalizing this shore community. “Many of those visitors were families with children who came to enjoy the wonderful events and free entertainment.”

In fact, one of the most popular programs was the Children’s Festival, an entire weekend of free activities for kids, featuring a kite festival, puppet theatre, a children’s concert, performers from the Big Apple Circus and the famous Asbury Park Baby Parade.

“We gave away over $1,000 worth of toys and prizes,” said Joni Forte, events director for Asbury Partners. “We also guaranteed the 12 Baby Parade winners a contract with New Talent Management of Brick, N.J. and five of those children have already landed professional modeling jobs. Christine Findlay Photo Graphic Arts of Red Bank sponsored professional photo sessions to the overall boy and girl winner, plus offered discount coupons and official Asbury Park Baby Parade photos onsite.”

The second annual Guitarbeque proved to be another great experience. “We had 26 barbecue teams, some coming from as far away as Maine and Alabama,” said Forte. “We also had non-stop music from world-class guitarists, some of whom offered hands-on clinics for the local enthusiasts.”

Other notable events included a pro-volleyball tournament, Asbury Park’s first-ever Frisbee tournament, and a Caribbean Beach Party featuring a 9-piece steel drum band and island foods provided by Branches Catering of West Long Branch.

“In between these special events, we presented 42 jazz and blues concerts sponsored by WBGO radio with performers from all over the country, including musicians from the bands of David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Les Paul and The Blues Brothers,” Forte added.

Of course, the spectacular summer weather played a role in the season’s success. “Nature was kind to us,” said Fishman. “It was a season in which everything fell together—the rebirth of the City, the sunshine, and the wonderful events. We expect to build on this success and fill next summer’s season with an expanded, more exciting lineup. The word is spreading. Asbury Park is the place to be for summertime fun in the sun.”