By Clare Marie Celano
Correspondent
The second annual Central Jersey Irish Festival will take place at Lake Topanemus Park, Pond Road, Freehold Township, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 14.
This festival celebrates Irish culture and is presented by the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Division 16, Freehold Borough, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Michael Davitt Division 11, Jackson.
The event is being co-chaired by Patrick Jockel of Toms River, representing Division 11, who serves as division president, and John Keane of Manalapan, a past president of Division 16.
Jockel said the Lake Topanemus Commission, which oversees the park, has once again graciously offered the park and lake for the festival. He said the Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish fraternal organization.
Jockel said the organization has been active in Freehold and Jackson, and throughout central New Jersey.
“We are very proud of our Irish heritage and we want to share our heritage with the people of Monmouth and Ocean counties and surrounding counties. The best way we know how to share the traditions and culture of the Irish people with their traditional Irish music, food, camaraderie and Irish wares is to have an Irish festival,” he said.
An opening invocation at 10 a.m. will be followed by the national anthems of the United States and Ireland.
The event will feature a variety of activities, including some for children, such as bouncy rides and face painting. There will be Irish cuisine, including corned beef, fish and chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepherd’s pie. For those who prefer American fare, there will be chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs.
Paddleboats will be available for rides on the lake and vendors will sell Irish wares such as sweaters, shirts, kilts, jewelry and Irish décor.
The event is being sponsored by Rinn Duin Brewery, Toms River, a craft beer establishment specializing in Irish style brews, and American Highlander Kilt, Toms River, which is owned by Jockel.
“The brewery will be bringing back Hibernian Stout, which was specifically crafted for last year’s festival. The brewery will introduce a sparkling mead, and Lawnmower, a pale ale, a light and refreshing beer,” Jockel said.
All beers will be $5. Guests may purchase a commemorative mug.
Entertainment will be provided by Sean Hennessey of Rumson; Na Bodach, an Irish band from Philadelphia; a demonstration of Irish Hurling (described as a cross between field hockey and lacrosse) by Jersey Shore GAA ; Irish step dancers from the Devrin Academy of Irish Dance, Brielle; and members of the Shamrock and Thistle pipe band, Toms River.
Two men will be honored by the Central Jersey Irish Festival Committee. Freehold Borough Mayor Nolan Higgins will be honored as Irishman of the Year and a Hibernian of the Year will be announced, according to Jockel.
Admission is $5 per person with half the proceeds from admission going to Lake Topanemus and half going to the order for various charities. Children under 12 are free. Free parking will be available on the Robertsville Road side of the park (a wagon will transport guests to the Pond Road side of the park). Individuals who have a handicapped license plate or sticker may park at the Pond Road entrance. For further information about the festival, call 732-279-6488.