Wow! Can you believe that 2018 is just about over? The time surely did go by quick, but we can attest that it was a memorable year for us covering Red Bank, Monmouth County, and the greater Jersey Shore area. As we anticipate the onset of 2019, we’d love to look back at all the moments and events that made 2018 so memorable!
We’re extremely proud to have covered all of the events below, which shows the kind of unity that our local communities exhibit. From food tasting events, to fundraisers for special causes, and even new business grand openings, it was no doubt a fun-filled year. With that in mind, let’s begin this list and go in order!
What were some of your favorite memories from 2018?
The Great Red Bank Egg Hunt 2018
Events were rather light during the early portion of 2018, but things finally started to come around by the time early spring came around with the Great Red Bank Egg Hunt taking place on March 31st – offering participants the chance to uncover eggs scattered throughout various businesses in Red Bank.
Catsbury Park Convention
The first ever Catsbury Park Cat Convention happened on April 7th & 8th at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, which gathered cat owners and lovers under one roof to celebrate their favorite felines.
Super Pet Expo 2018
The Super Pet Expo been an annual event in New Jersey, drawing in pet lovers of all kind throughout the state to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ.
Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps
Clean Ocean Action held its annual beach sweeps all across the Jersey Shore on April 21st. In most places, such as that at the Sandy Hook beach cleanup, hundreds of people, activists, and volunteers arrived to help clean up the beaches.
Red Bank International Beer, Wine, & Food Festival
Another year, another fabulous International Beer, Wine, and Food Festival. The day couldn’t have been any more perfect, as the sun was out, a subtle breeze in the air, and the temperature cooperating for a very spring-like day on April 22nd!
Crystal Reign Fashion Show
Red Bank was the place to be on May 3rd, as the town hosted yet another one of itsamazing fashion shows – courtesy of the Red Bank Business Alliance, who previously organized the town’s last two fashion shows as well!
Brew by the Bay Craft Beer Festival
The first ever Brew by the Bay Craft Beer Festival has come and gone, bringing together a community with the love of craft beers! It all went down this past Saturday, May 12th, over at The Seafarer Bar on 1 Atlantic Street in the Highlands, NJ.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival 2018
The weather forecast prior to Memorial Day weekend was questionable for the Jersey Shore. Thunderstorms were always threatening to drench the weekend, but luckily that didn’t pan out. The Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival kicked off the Memorial Day weekend in style with its 3-day festival devoted to all-things food trucks!
Red Bank Classic 5K Run
The Red Bank Classic drew in a massive crowd for the inaugural event, which saw runners trekking throughout town for this 5K run. It’s been a while since a 5K run was held in Red Bank, so this is breathing new life into the possibility of being a yearly tradition.
Taste of Highlands 2018
It might’ve been misting out for most of the day on Saturday, June 23rd, but rain or shine, the Taste of Highlands food tasting event went on with plenty of participants in attendance, an assortment of light bites, and some refreshing drinks as well. Even better, it provided newcomers to the area an enticing look at the downtown business district of Highlands, NJ.
Red Bank Food & Wine Walk 2018
One of the town’s annual events, the Food & Wine Walk allowed participants to walk through downtown Red Bank, sampling many delicious lite bites and refreshing beverages from the participating businesses. From sweet treats such as croissants and cupcakes, to savory samples like lobster mac and cheese, and even some cocktails, there was a healthy sample of various offerings.
3rd annual community mural project
If you’ve cruised down the entire length of Broad Street on the north bound side, then you’ve probably seen a colorful looking masterpiece at some point. Situated at 97 Broad Street, the latest community mural has been painted, adding yet another colorful scenery to Red Bank’s sprawling downtown district – supplementing the two others created from previous years.
Indie Street Film Festival 2018
For the third year in a row, Red Bank plays host to the ever-growing Indie Street Film Festival, which spans five days of indie films, panel discussions, happy hour events, awards ceremonies, and much more! In tradition, it all kicked off with an opening night reception event, which was held at Detour Gallery this time around.
Vulgarthon 2018
To celebrate his 48th birthday, local New Jersey native Kevin Smith returned to Red Bank to kick off Vulgarthon 2018, a film festival consisting of Smith’s most notable flicks. We stopped by the scene over at Bow Tie Cinemas in Red Bank, where Smith himself arrived to greet the fans waiting outside on line.
Red Bank Dog Days 2018
Closing out the year with its second and final event, Red Bank Dog Days was filled with plenty of fun and excitement for the dogs. Even though the humidity and warmer temperatures made it seem a little bit unbearable, it eventually became more pleasant as the sun began to set.
Two River Theater’s 4th annual block party
How do you get the community together? If you’re Two River Theater, then it means throwing one memorable block party, which in this case, turned out to be an indoor party instead.
18th annual Oktoberfest in Highlands
The 18th annual Highlands Oktoberfest was held on October 6th, courtesy of the Highlands Business Partnership, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth as well as preserving the area’s historic past.
Red Tank Brewing Grand Opening
And just like that people, a brewery is open for business in Red Bank, bringing local brews straight to its customers. Red Tank Brewing officially opened its doors for business Thursday night, October 18th, signaling the start of a brewery renaissance in Red Bank.
Dance for Kindness 2018
If you were in downtown Red Bank on Sunday, November 11th, you might’ve noticed that a part of Broad Street was closed down – with a bunch of people dancing on the street.
Members from the non-profit, Life Vest Inside, were spreading acts of kindness to help celebrate World Kindness Day, which is on November 13th. Not only were there various fun activities held for it in Red Bank, but the organization also worked in collaboration with another local non-profit, Kick Cancer Overboard, by offering them a portion of the proceeds generated by the event.
Ross Brewing Company tasting event
Ross Brewing Company and All Sorts Brewing held a private tasting event on Saturday, November 17th, where a slew of new beers were introduced – giving attendees a first look and taste at some of these extraordinary brews!
Pictures with Santa at Home Free Animal Rescue’s event
Santa Paws had more than he could handle during Home Free Animal Rescue’s pups, pints, and pawtraits event at Bradley Brew Project on Sunday, December 2nd.
The brewery was overflowing with dog owners waiting for the opportunity to take snap shots with their beloved pooches, which ranged in all sizes and breeds. And while waiting, many others enjoying tasting some of the various brews that Bradley Brew Project offers!
Holiday Express Concert
What a night it was in Red Bank! Despite the frigid temperatures, crowds arrived in Red Bank to partake in the holiday tradition of Santa’s arrival, the town’s holiday lighting, and subsequently the Holiday Express Concert.
Winter on Broad Street
The first inaugural event for Winter on Broad Street has come and gone! The weather was a pretty pleasant one for December, allowing families to come into town to enjoy this winter wonderland of sorts.
