Good morning Monmouth County! Check out our piece today on the 200 Club of Monmouth County Awards Ceremony. Pretty incredible stories of heroism right in our own backyard. And that’s just the cherry on top this weekend.

🚓 200 Club of Monmouth County Awards

🎣 Father’s Day Fun

🎉 Juneteenth Celebrations

🥙 NUMA Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar

🍷 Crossroads of the American Revolution Wine Trail

🥃 DIY Whiskey Class

🎸 Sublime

🎙 Jack Johnson

🕯 Candlelight Concerts

👯‍♀ Stray Cats Burlesque

🥁 Battle of Monmouth Reenactment

🎙 Chris Gethard Comedy

🏎 Country Night at Wall Stadium

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

The 200 Club of Monmouth County hosts its prestigious Annual Valor Awards Luncheon each June at the Spring Lake Golf Club to honor the extraordinary heroism of local law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency dispatchers. This event celebrates first responders who routinely place themselves in harm’s way, distributing honors across four distinct categories: Certificates of Recognition, Commendation Awards, Merit Awards, and the top-tier Valor Award. From tackling armed suspects in crowded convenience stores to entering burning, smoke-filled homes for civilian rescues, the ceremony highlights the quick-thinking and profound selflessness that define our public safety agencies.

Among the individuals honored with the Valor Award are public servants whose swift actions saved lives during critical emergencies. This year’s recipients include Asbury Park Detective Anthony Troublefield, who single-handedly pursued and apprehended an armed homicide suspect during a violent struggle, and fellow Asbury Park Officers Alexander Parisi, Marc Caldwell, and Lorenzo Pettway, who successfully disarmed a resisting suspect inside a crowded convenience store. The highest honor was also bestowed upon Long Branch Patrolman Ivan Guzman for repeatedly braving heavy smoke to pull a trapped resident from a burning home, as well as a courageous team from the Keansburg Police Department—including Patrolman Tyler Manges, Sergeants John Swartz and George Neckles, Patrolman Athena Neckles, and SLEO II Andrew Valle—who successfully neutralized a highly volatile threat involving an individual wielding a running chainsaw.

Local agencies from towns across the region—including Wall Township, Howell, Asbury Park, Middletown, and Neptune—are consistently well-represented among the annual honorees. Beyond providing a formal platform to recognize these acts of remarkable bravery, the luncheon underscores the 200 Club’s broader, enduring mission to stand by first responders and their loved ones. Since its founding in 1971, the organization has leveraged the community support galvanized by these awards to provide immediate financial lifelines to the families of fallen or severely injured personnel, while simultaneously investing well over $3 million in college scholarships for their children.

Monmouth County families have an action-packed weekend of outdoor recreation and traditional celebrations ahead, starting with the Monmouth County Park System’s annual Freshwater Fishing Derbies on June 20 and 21, 2026. Anglers of all experience levels can kick off the fun on Saturday, June 20, at the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell, or head to Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold on Sunday, June 21; both locations feature an expert-led casting and rigging clinic from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, followed by the main tournament from 2pm to 5pm, where prizes are awarded for the longest fish across three distinct categories.

On Sunday, June 21, the festivities shift toward Oceanport for the Father's Day at the Track celebration at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Gates open at 12pm with free general admission for all gentlemen, offering a full afternoon of live thoroughbred racing, dedicated Family Fun Day activities from 12pm to 4pm, and a vibrant picnic area perfect for creating lasting family traditions.

Storytime & Craft | 6/19 11am-11:30am | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Paint Your Dad | 6/19 & 6/20 5pm-7:30pm | Inspired Minds (Colts Neck) | info

Free Dinosaur Storytime & Craft | 6/20 11am | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Freshwater Fishing Derby | 6/20 2pm-5pm | Manasquan Reservoir (Howell) | info

Manalapan Day 2026! | 6/20 3pm-10pm | Manalapan Recreation Center (Manalapan) | info

Free Weekend Workshop | 6/20 & 6/21 11am-2pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Raise a Pint for Dad | 6/20 & 6/21 Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-7pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Father's Day at the Shore | 6/21 9am-3pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Fossil Hunt at Ramanessin Brook | 6/21 10am-2pm | Ramanessin Brook (Holmdel) | info

Guided Fossil Hunts | 6/21 11am-12pm | Poricy Brook Fossil Beds (Middletown) | info

Father's Day at the Track | 6/21 12pm-5pm | Monmouth Park Racetrack (Oceanport) | info

Pops, Picnics, and Patriot | 6/21 12pm-5pm | 4 JG's Orchard & Vineyard (Colts Neck) | info

Father's Day BBQ Fest | 6/21 12pm-6pm | Beach Haus Brewery (Belmar) | info

Father's Day Brunch Buffet | 6/21 12pm-4pm | Triumph Brewery (Red Bank) | info

Rev250 Encampment: Spend Father's Day Like a Founding Father | 6/21 1pm-4pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Father's Day: Jamming with the Jug Band | 6/21 2pm-3pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Juneteenth Celebration | 6/20 10am-1pm | Two River Theater Plaza (Red Bank) | info

Graffiti Jam | 6/20 12pm-5pm | Riverside Gardens Park (Red Bank) | info

Red Bank Juneteenth Celebration | 6/21 12pm-3pm | Johnny Jazz Park (Red Bank) | info

Private Group Tour of the Paranormal Museum | 6/19 12pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm, 3:45pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Asbury Park’s Ghosts of the Boardwalk Tour {dog friendly) | 6/19 6pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Singles Night at Wave Resort | 6/19 7pm-10pm | Wave Resort- Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Original Asbury Park Ghost Tour Ghosts & Legends Downtown Tour | 6/19 & 6/20 8pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

6th Annual Frank Thomas Memorial Fluke Tournament | 6/20 6am-4pm | Baker's Marina on the Bay (Highlands) | info

Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce Car Show | 6/20 10am-2pm | 68 1st Ave (Atlantic Highlands) | info

Arts & Crafts Festival | 6/20 10am-4pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals | 6/20 & 6/21 10am-3pm | Thompson Park (Lincroft) | info

High Tide Makers & Artisan Market | 6/20 11am-6pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

North To Shore Festival Bazaar 2026 | 6/20 & 6/21 12pm-5pm | Asbury Park Convention Hall (Asbury Park) | info

Homecoming Fashion Show | 6/20 7:30pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

Cruise the Jersey Shore Car Show | 6/21 9am-3pm | Long Branch Promenade- Ocean Blvd. & Madison Ave (Long Branch) | info

NUMA Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar has officially arrived at The Grove West in Shrewsbury, bringing an upscale and highly anticipated dining concept to the prominent Broad Street retail destination. Moving into the sleek, design-forward space formerly occupied by Albarino Tapas & Wine Bar, the new venture from the Arora Hospitality Group is led culinary-wise by Chefs Jiten Singh and Jack Cunningham, with an ambitious menu that draws rich inspiration from the coastal regions of Southern Europe and the Middle East, including the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Athens, and Tel Aviv. Foodies can expect an ingredient-driven, shareable experience centered around fresh seafood, seasonal produce, vibrant mezze plates, and expertly grilled meats, all complemented by a carefully curated program of eight to twelve signature craft cocktails. Combining contemporary aesthetics with warm hospitality and an inviting outdoor patio space, NUMA is positioning itself as a premier Monmouth County destination for both upscale date nights and energetic group gatherings.

Cooking in Arendelle WAITLIST | 6/19 9am-11am | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Allenhurst Farmers Market | 6/19 10am-2pm | 201 Main Street (Allenhurst) | info

World Cup: USA vs Australia | 6/19 3pm-5pm | Bakes Brewing Co (Wall) | info

Summer Kickoff at Bakes! | 6/19 4pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co (Wall) | info

Chick-Fil-A Food Truck at Tall Oaks | 6/19 4pm-8pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Cork & Explore Wine Tasting Experience | 6/19 6pm-9pm | Avenue- Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Pizza & Pasta Making WAITLIST | 6/19 6:30pm-9pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Highlands Farmers Market | 6/20 8:30am | Huddy Park (Highlands) | info

Belmar Farmer's Market | 6/20 9am-1pm | Pyanoe Plaza (Belmar) | info

Hazlet Farmers Market | 6/20 9:30am-1:30pm | 1776 Union Ave (Hazlet) | info

What the Fork Food Truck at Tall Oaks | 6/20 12pm-7pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Crossroads of the American Revolution Wine Trail | 6/20-7/27 12pm-5pm | 4 JG's Orchard & Vineyard (Colts Neck) | info

Bakes Gone Wild FOOD TRUCK | 6/20 & 6/21 1pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co (Wall) | info

Locale Pizza Pop-Up | 6/20 2pm-8pm | Skinny Flowers Brewing (Oceanport) | info

Distillery Tours | 6/20 3pm-7pm | Asbury Park Distillery (Asbury Park) | info

Summerfest Party | 6/20 5pm-9pm | Beach Bee Meadery (Long Branch) | info

Citrus & Sunshine | 6/20 6:30pm-9pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Marlboro Farmers Market | 6/21 9am-1pm | 444 Route 520 (Marlboro) | info

Asbury Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 6/21 9am-2pm | Press Plaza (Asbury Park) | info

Howell Farmers Market | 6/21 10am-2pm | Echo Lake Park (Howell) | info

Father's Day Brunch Buffet | 6/21 10am-3pm | The Bistro- iPlay America (Freehold) | info

Donuts with Dad! | 6/21 10am-6pm | Doggie Sweets (Long Branch) | info

Nantucket Summer Kitchen | 6/21 3:30pm-6pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

DIY Whiskey Class | 6/21 5pm | 3BR Distillery (Keyport) | info

The Annual Battle of Monmouth Reenactment returns to Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, 2026, offering local families an immersive, weekend-long journey back to the American Revolution. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield and the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, this massive living history event commemorates the 248th anniversary of the 1778 clash, which served as a major turning point for General George Washington’s retrained Continental Army. Gates open at 9am both days with a full schedule of interactive programming, including authentic military encampment tours, musket and cannon-firing demonstrations, colonial music, and historian Stacy Roth's acclaimed portrayal of legendary heroine Molly Pitcher.Designed to engage all ages, the weekend features hands-on children’s infantry drills and a bustling sutler area filled with period vendors, all culminating in a spectacular, full-scale battle reenactment on the hillsides below the Visitor Center each afternoon.

ASMC Ruth Crown 2026 Memorial Art Exhibit | 6/19-6/27 Fri 11am-4pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Crash Course Art Exhibit | 6/19-7/6 F/S 12pm-9pm, Su 11am-7pm | Parlor Gallery (Asbury Park) | info

“Vibrant” – A Colorful Art Exhibit | 6/19-6/21 Varies | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

Then and Now: Sandy Hook's Golden Age Resort | 6/15-7/14 Mon-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri/Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth | 6/20 & 6/21 Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm | Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Manalapan) | info

Showcasing Shrewsbury's Centennial Exhibit | 6/20 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Traditional Basketmaking Demonstration | 6/20 11am-3pm | Holmes-Hendrickson House (Holmdel) | info

Author Event with Wendy Lynn Decker | 6/20 1pm-3pm | The Book House (Long Branch) | info

Author Event: We Are Gathered Here Today by Bobby Finger | 6/20 5pm | Asbury Book Cooperative (Asbury Park) | info

First Day of Summer Bird Walk | 6/20 6pm-8pm | The Lawn at Ocean Pathway (Ocean Grove) | info

Say Our Names: Talk by Historian Sue Kozel | 6/20 6:30pm-8pm | Allentown Methodist Church (Allentown) | info

Jack Johnson Surfilmusic Screening | 6/20 8pm | Asbury Hotel- Baronet Theater (Asbury Park) | info

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford | 6/20 & 6/21 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm | Historic Walnford (Upper Freehold) | info

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir | 6/20 & 6/21 Sat/Sun 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm | Manasquan Reservoir (Howell) | info

Jack Johnson Photo Gallery Opening | 6/21 12pm | Transparent Clinch Gallery (Asbury Park) | info

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration | 6/21 12pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

Acclaimed comedian, actor, and author Chris Gethard is bringing his raw, introspective, and famously conversational brand of stand-up comedy to Monmouth County this Friday, June 19, 2026. Taking the stage at 7:00 PM at The Vogel—the sleek, intimate 350-seat performance venue nestled inside the Count Basie Center for the Arts complex in Red Bank—the proud New Jersey native is known for a deeply personal, confessional style that masterfully blends sharp wit with heartfelt storytelling. Widely recognized for his critically praised HBO special Career Suicide, his long-running cult favorite The Chris Gethard Show, and memorable television appearances on The Office and Broad City, Gethard builds a remarkably authentic connection with his audiences by finding humor in anxiety, family life, and the chaotic absurdities of everyday modern living. Given the venue's excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art layout, local comedy fans can expect an engaging, up-close evening of laugh-out-loud funny comedy from one of the most original and sincere voices in the genre.

Stray Cats Burlesque | 6/19 7pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

Chris Gethard | 6/19 7pm | Count Basie- The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

The Watermelon Woman | 6/19 7:30pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

The Rocky Horror Picture Show | 6/19 10pm | Count Basie- Cinema House (Red Bank) | info

The Vagina Monologues | 6/19 & 6/20 Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm, 7:30pm | Navesink Library Theater (Middletown) | info

The Vienna Lessons (check ahead at future dates) | 6/19-6/28 Fri/Sat 2pm, 7pm SOLD OUT, Sun 2pm AVAILABLE | New Jersey Repertory Company (Long Branch) | info

We'll Meet Again | 6/19-6/28 Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm, 7pm, Sun 3pm | Bell Theater- Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Elephant Shoes | 6/19-6/21 F 8pm, S 3pm, 8pm, Su 3pm | Two River Theater (Red Bank) | info

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure | 6/19-6/21 F/S 7:30pm, Su 2:30pm | First Ave Playhouse (Atlantic Highlands) | info

Tony Nominee Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer | 6/20 8pm | Holmdel Theatre Company- Duncan Smith Theatre (Holmdel) | info

Glennda and Friends: Drag Activist Video's from the 90's | 6/20 8pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

Friday Night Concert Series- Angelo & John | 6/19 8pm | Pyanoe Plaza (Belmar) | info

Yellowcard | 6/19 5:30pm | The Stone Pony- Summer Stage (Asbury Park) | info

George Lamond | 6/19 7pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Ashanti & Trey Songz | 6/19 7pm | PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel) | info

Sublime | 6/19 7pm | ParkStage (Freehold) | info

The Weeklings | 6/19 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

StevieMac | 6/19 7:30pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Dark Star Orchestra | 6/20 6pm | ParkStage (Freehold) | info

Tanner Grigoli | 6/20 6pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Mihali | 6/20 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

The War and Treaty | 6/20 7:30pm | Count Basie- The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

Bernie Williams & His Band of Friends | 6/20 8pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

EMO Night Brooklyn | 6/20 10pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Umphrey’s McGee, moe., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong & Lotus | 6/21 4pm | ParkStage (Freehold) | info

MAC Music Café | 6/21 4pm-6pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Candlelight Concerts: Vivaldi's Four Seasons | 6/21 6pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Kurt Vile and The Violators | 6/21 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Jack Johnson | 6/21 7:30pm | PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel) | info

The Breeders | 6/21 7:30pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Candlelight Concerts: 90's Hip-Hop on Strings | 6/21 8:30pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Open Swim at The Fort | 6/19-6/21 Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat/Sun 10am-6pm | Fort Monmouth Rec Center (Tinton Falls) | info

Red Bank Classic 5K | 6/20 8:30am | 86 Broad Street (Red Bank) | info

22nd Annual SGT Nutter 5K | 6/20 9:30am | 100 Camp Drive (Sea Girt) | info

International Day of Yoga | 6/20 10am-11:30am | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Summer Solstice Golf Challenge | 6/19 5:30am | Charleston Springs Golf Course (Millstone) | info

Red Bank Watch Party | 6/19 Pre-party 1pm, Game starts 3pm | Count Basie Park (Red Bank) | info

World Cup Watch Party | 6/19 2pm event start, 3pm game start | Cambridge Park (Aberdeen) | info

Middletown World Cup Watch Party: USA vs. Australia | 6/19 2:30pm event start, 3pm game start | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Game On! Summer of Soccer at Bell Works | 6/19-7/19 Various times | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

FIFA World Cup at Pier Village: Summer of Soccer | 6/19-7/19 Various times | The Wave Resort- Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

BlueClaws vs Greenville | 6/19-6/21 Fri/Sat 7:05pm, Sun 1:05pm | Shoretown Ballpark (Lakewood) | info

Summer Slam Basketball | 6/20 9am-1pm | Indian Hill, Curtis Park, Mallard Park (Manasquan) | info

FC Monmouth Women vs Philadelphia Ukrainians | 6/20 4:30pm | Count Basie Park (Red Bank) | info

NASCAR Weekly Series: "Country Night" | 6/20 6pm | Wall Stadium (Wall) | info

FC Monmouth Men vs First State FC | 6/20 7:30pm | Count Basie Park (Red Bank) | info

Fri 6/19: Low 5:28am | High 11:52am | Low 5:36pm | Sunrise 5:27am | Sunset 8:29pm

Sat 6/20: High 12:01am | Low 6:19am | High 12:47pm | Low 6:36pm | Sunrise 5:27am | Sunset 8:29pm

Sun 6/21: High 12:55am | Low 7:13am | High 1:40pm | Low 7:40pm | Sunrise 5:27am | Sunset 8:30pm