| Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow - enough. Actually, I love the snow as it adds another cover of beauty to this wonderful city. I took a walk on the boardwalk Monday morning and just gave thanks for the gift that Asbury Park continues to be. The wintery scene reminded me how extraordinary this city is. It awakes the senses and stirs the emotions. It is an amazing, astonishing and just a magical city. There is no better place to spend the holidays. Make sure you give your loved ones a “Taste of Asbury Park” this holiday season.
I want to get this out early because I’m going to guess that most of you have not finished, or are just getting started with your holiday shopping. We need your help. It’s time to do a little preaching about how you can support all that’s going on in the city. The local businesses help you help. We all know the economy is in the toilet, but each one of you can make a difference. We have built a very cool and unique business community. Please consider investing many of your holiday dollars in Asbury Park. Our first First Saturday Holiday celebration got rained out and the second rescheduled First Saturday Holiday celebration got snowed out. We are full of extraordinary shops and of course, the best restaurants. This is the best place for those hard to shop for friends and relatives. How about gift certificates? The city is selling gift certificates for 2010 Beach Badges. Check out www.boughtinap.com for many holiday special offerings in the city. While you are there, sign up to subscribe to monthly emails that highlight all our retail offerings and events. Wrap it up! HUGE!
Sunday, Dec. 27th brings The Shore Athletic Club’s 46th Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Race to the Asbury Park Boardwalk. Yes, the 46th! This has to be one of the oldest and literally “coolest” races in the country. The five mile run starts at 1 PM. and a 10-mile race-walk (fitness walkers invited to walk five miles) starts at 10 AM. Entrants receive Polar Bear T-shirts and post race hot soup and are eligible for special awards. The races are staged by the Shore Athletic Club and supported by McLoone’s restaurants. For more info, visit www.shoreac.org or call 732.222.9080.
Home For The Holidays 2009 welcomes The Bouncing Souls to the Stone Pony. Four nights of great music, December 26th, 27th, 28th & the 29th. The concerts are open to all ages and starts at 7 PM. Each night they will be joined with other great bands. Go to www.stoneponyonline.com or call 732.502.0600. HUGE!
Name change: The Salt Water Beach Café has changed its name to McLoone’s Asbury Grill.
Also this weekend:
Tues, 12-22: Unfailing Love Ministries Christmas Spectacular in Convention Hall at 2 PM.
Wed., 12-23: LaPlaca Pottery Works Holiday Party 1 to 9 PM. Food, drink and lots of merchandise specials.
The Palor Mob at the Stone Pony starting at 7:30 PM.
Paperback Radio at The Saint - 7:45 PM.
It’s A Wonderful Life at the Paramount theatre - 8 PM.
Matt Noffsinger at Brickwall 9 PM.
Thurs., 12-24: Some restaurants will be open for dinner, please check ahead.
Fri., 12-25: RELAX!
Sat., 12-26: Kwanza
Old No. 7 at Brickwall - 9 PM.
The Soul Project at Old Man Rafferty’s - 9:30 PM.
Bob Burger’s Tribute to Tom Petty at McLoone’s.
E Street Shuffle at the Wonder Bar.
Sun., 12-27: The Showroom: The documentary: Do You Remember? 15 Years Of The Bouncing Souls at 7 PM.
NFL Ticket at the Wonder Bar.
Mon., 12-29: Joe Harvard’s Long Weekend in The Lounge at Synaxis - 9 PM to 1 AM.
Wed., 12-30: Across The Universe at The Showroom -part of Dinner & A Movie special.
I don’t want to push it but it’s not too soon to be making your New Year’s Eve plans. All our restaurants are planning a great evening. Book early cause the best place to welcome in the New Year with that very special person is Only in Asbury Park! Celebrate!
Patti and I will be celebrating Christmas this year first on Christmas Eve with my mom , Florence, and my children Tom, Linnea and Daniel. On Christmas day, it’s off to my in-laws, Gig and Bob, for some more cheer and dinner. My mom will celebrate her 87th year on Dec. 29th which also happens to Patti and my 8th wedding anniversary. Should be one fun week!
I hope you had/have a great holiday. Shop the Park! Wishes for plenty of comfort and significant joy!
Peace,
Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times
If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.
Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events, and the city’s employment initiative; “Asbury Works.” |
