New Jersey Seafood Festival 2010

Seafood festival attracts tens of thousands

The annual New Jersey Seafood Festival, taking place Friday through Sunday, June 13, in Belmar.

From lobster and crab cakes to conch fritters and alligator sausage, the offerings at the 24th event are designed to please exotic palates and Shore-fare purists alike.

As they have in the past, tens of thousands of hungry seafood lovers from all over the state and beyond will descend on this small Monmouth County town’s Silver Lake Park, Ocean Avenue, where chefs from 45 restaurants will serve up fish, shellfish and more.

The festival’s expansion to Friday is new, as is the addition of wine experts, who will be available to chat about pairings and vintages under Long Branch catering company Branches’ tent.

Throughout the long weekend, Jersey rock, R&B, jazz and blues bands will provide free entertainment, and craft and commercial vendors and kids’ activities will mean fun for all.

Admission is free,
Festival hours are 4-7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.