Tom’s River There are two upcoming downtown events that were postponed because to bad weather.
On Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Toms River Pride Committee, Exit 82 Theatre Company, and Toms River Artist Community (TRAC) will hold the 7th Annual Pride Festival on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River.
In the event of severe weather, there is a provisional rain date: August 17, 2025, Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to the organizers, this is a family-friendly festival that includes cuisine, shopping, performances, vendors, community resources, and celebrations.
The Ocean County Library, Free Mom Hugs Ocean County, New Jersey Library Association Librarian of the Year, and TR Pride Advocate Awardee Diane Musella will be honored with introductory comments at 11 a.m.
Among the performances are (all mainstage performances will have ASL interpreters present):
11:15 a.m. Redbird Flying Alone
12 p.m. The Jon Kindred Band
1 p.m. Dan Stinger
Drag Show featuring E. LicksHer, Milani, and Cherri Leigh Sundae at 2:00 p.m.
3 p.m. Devi Madhavi
4 p.m. Music/DJ
Dan Stinger’s Pride After Party at Garden State Distillery, featuring Barnegat Pride and Jersey Shore Roller Derby, from 5-8 p.m.
A Jersey Shore Roller Derby matchup with Strong Island Derby Revolution will take place off-site at Winding River Skating Rink at 2:00 p.m.
According to the organizers, they hope that this inclusive tradition will lead to meaningful collaboration that furthers their goal of creating a safe and welcome environment for LGBTQIA2S+ members and allies in Ocean County and throughout the area.
Visit exit82theatre.com/tr-pride or follow @TomsRiverPride on Facebook and Instagram for additional details.
Founder’s Day
After many years, Founder’s Day eventually became part of a downtown culinary festival. Because of that and the prohibition on big parties in the early years of COVID-19, Founder’s Day was forgotten.
It was scheduled to return on May 17 of this year. Mayor Daniel Rodrick postponed it due to the forecasted bad weather.
When contacted for comment, Rodrick stated that the date for Founder’s Day has not yet been decided, but it will take place in the fall.
