An October celebration

Monroe community to come together at recreation center

By: Stephanie Brown
   MONROE — The Monroe Township Department of Recreation invites residents to take pride in their community by participating in the 13th annual Octoberfest on Sunday.
   The free event, which will run from noon to 4 p.m. at the Monroe Township Community Center, marks the 13th anniversary of the recreation facility and will help provide Thanksgiving baskets for families in need.
   "It’s just a nice way to bring the community together," said organizer Jeanne Crawley.
   The celebration will feature horse-drawn hayrides, musical entertainment by Noble Production of Morganville, various craft and food vendors, and plenty of fun for all ages.
   Children can enjoy the Goofy Gator obstacle course, inflatable jungle bounce and slide funhouse, and a magic show at 1:30 p.m. by Bray Bruce, a children’s magician from Lakewood.
   Other activities include a gladiator joust, basketball dunk pit, animal petting zoo and face-painting.
   Monroe Township cheerleaders and twirlers are also set to give a spirited performance.
   About 60 to 70 vendors will be set up along Monmouth Road and in the Community Center parking lot.
   Vendors do not pay a fee for the space, but rather give non-perishable food or a monetary donation, which the recreation department will use to create special Thanksgiving food baskets. The baskets will be distributed to needy families around the holiday.
   "We’re hoping that it’s bigger and better than last year," said Ms. Crawley, noting the event is usually well-attended.
   "It’s a nice day to bring the kids out. They come here for all the things that we have — the rides, the DJ, the food, the fun."
   For more information on Octoberfest, which is being held rain or shine, contact Ms. Crawley at the Monroe Township Department of Recreation at (732) 723-5000.