Today at 4pm kicks off LBI Thank You Fest.

If you missed my first post, this event is to thank those first responders, local and across the country, who helped Long Beach Island in the wake of Sandy. These people were away from their families for weeks if not months to keep us safe during and after Sandy. These people, had homes here that were damaged, but they put helping others above their own home and family. This is a celebration of LBI’s resurgence thanks to these brave men and women who were here on LBI.

Today, Friday June 14th, the party begins in Ship Bottom at the waterfront park on 10th street at the bay, right at the foot of the Causeway. At 4pm Roustabouts, After the Reign as well as Shorty Long & the Jersey Horns will be serenading us with 6 hours of live music. There will also be food, soft drinks and wine. For the kids, and those young at heart, there will be a bounce house, face painting, laser tag and fun on the bay, including paddle boarding, sand sculptures and windsurfing. There will also be members from ReClam the Bay, ALO and the townships with exhibits.

Saturday, June 15th, will be a day full of fun and events in Brant Beach at 68th Street in Bayview Park and the Long Beach Township Municipal Area. Food and drinks will be available all day as well. The fun begins at 10:45 with the Star Spangled Banner and Ted Hammock with Jason Booth. Celebrity Chef Amanda Freitag will be in attendance as well and you can see her at 1pm. Guy Smiley Band will be rocking at 1:15 and Nashville Star, Jimmy White will be signing CD’s at 1:30. From 2:15 until just before 6 will be non stop music from AJ Stone & The Karma Robbers, Facedown and Last Minute featuring Kim Travers. Then Sean Kingston will be on at 6pm. Katy Tiz will playing at 7:15, then the Nick Clemons Band will be closing the night of music before everyone heads up to the beach for a bonfire.

Sunday, June 16th, will be Sidewalk Sales galore in Beach Haven. There will be local vendors and a flea market with gifts and crafts. There will be live music and Elvis at 11:30. From noon to 3 will be a Fantasy Island Celebration. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Chegg from 12:30-1:30 to cheer on the Wing Eating Contestants. There will also be a BBQ at the Beach Haven Fire Dept on Amber Street.

Wondering how to get around this weekend with all these great events going on? Don’t worry, there will be a bus running all Saturday and Sunday. All this information can also be found on LBIThankYouFest.org and if you have purchases any LBI is Alive apparel, please wear it with pride this weekend. While at the Fest this weekend, please personally thank any first responders you see.

Thank you, to everyone, LBI is Alive because of YOU!