OCEANPORT — Monmouth Park’s events schedule will feature a family-friendly mix of fan favorites and a number of new festivals as live racing returns to the Jersey Shore for the 2016 season.
The headliner Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival will take place from May 28-30. Admission gates open 11 a.m. This year, there will be an additional 15 trucks, bringing the total to 50.
“With the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival as our centerpiece, Monmouth Park fans will be treated this summer to a diverse and family-friendly events schedule that’s bigger than ever,” said Brian Skirka, marketing manager for Monmouth Park.
“We’ve listened to suggestions from our patrons to make changes to our festivals where necessary, and we’ve used the off-season to create fun, exciting and economical new events for all ages.
“Additionally, we’re making it our focus this year to help educate our festivalgoers and newcomers about some of the basics of wagering. A free ‘How to Bet/What to Bet’ postcard will be available at all program stands and guest service locations, a new video series will appear on our homepage and social media and we’ll have an ‘Ask Me How to Bet’ tent staffed with racing ambassadors each Saturday and Sunday in the picnic area,” he said.
Monmouth Park will also host the following events.
• The 46th annual New Jersey Irish Festival June 12;
• Wine & Chocolate Festival June 25 and 26;
• Classic Car Show & Oldies Day July 10;
• Ladies’ Day July 30;
• Fantasy Football Weekend Aug. 27 and 28;
• New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival Aug. 28;
• BBQ & Craft Beer Festival Sept. 3-5;
• Food Trucktoberfest Sept. 17.
The 2016 season will also see the birth of a number of new or enhanced events. On June 11, Monmouth Park will celebrate Rutgers University with Scarlet Knights Saturday, featuring the Rutgers marching band, cheer and dance squad and Athletic Director Pat Hobbs.
The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales return to Monmouth Park July 9 as headliners of Stars and Stripes Celebration Day.
The 23rd annual Classic Car Show will see a new twist this year with live music from The Cameos, swing dancing and free dance lessons.
Monmouth Park will host the inaugural Surf & Turf Seafood Festival July 16 and 17, which will feature seafood, beer and wine and fun for the whole family.
A new Italian Festival will take place Aug. 6 followed by a Latin Fiesta Aug. 20 and 21.
To celebrate the 2015 Haskell winner and the first Triple Crown champion since 1978, Monmouth Park will give away a commemorative American Pharoah canvas print on July 3. Fans will also receive a free long-sleeved T-shirt on New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival Day Aug. 28.
For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com.