KEANSBURG – The borough will celebrate its centennial Oct. 6 to 8, with dozens of events at four different venues, culminating in a fireworks display on the beach Sunday night.
Keansburg will be commemorating its past, as well as its spirit and resilience after the devastation of Super Storm Sandy in 2012.
“The most important part of Keansburg is our community spirit, especially during emergencies,” said Edward Balyk, president of the Keansburg Historical Society, who moved to town 23 years ago from Matawan. “No matter what is thrown at us, we bounce back and rebuild.”
John Swartz, vice president of the Historical Society, is working with the Centennial Parade Committee for the big weekend. He moved to town in 1947. “Growing up in the 1950s here it was such a small, quaint town. Seventy percent of the homes were summer bungalows.”
Swartz is referring to the still-operating New Point Comfort Beach Company organized by William A. Gehlhaus in 1908. Gehlhaus bought steamboats and bayfront land, built streets, and opened the amusement park. A third generation descendent, Hank Gehlhaus, still operates the amusement park along the beachfront.
Friday, Oct. 6
Craft beer garden and food trucks from 5 to 9 p.m. with a concert from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring Jimmy Shoez & The Magooz at Baywalk East, Main Street and Beachway.
Saturday, Oct. 7
Father Time Free Family Fishing Derby from 8 to 11 a.m. at Keansburg Beach at Baywalk East.
Old Truax Burial Ground Ecumenical Memorial Service at 9 a.m. at Leroy and Frederick Place. Forest Park Mini Carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Forest Avenue, featuring a petting zoo, pony rides, carnival games, a watermelon eating contest and music.
Photos, arts and craft pop-ups from 1 to 8 p.m. at Friendship Park, located at Main Street and Frances Place.
Keansburg Fire Department beer garden and concert at 5 p.m. featuring RB Express. Food will be available from local restaurants.
Historical Museum Gifts and Souvenirs open from 1 to 7 p.m. at 59 Carr Ave.
Sunday, Oct. 8
St. John’s Field activities at St John’s Place will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with an Old Timers Baseball Game Show, activities in the outfield and a hot dog eating contest hosted by Kazia Rae’s Restaurant.
A parade will take place at 3 p.m. starting at the Municipal Building where paraders will march across Church Street and down Main Street, ending at the 9/11 Memorial.
Another mini carnival from 4 to 8 p.m. at Baywalk East located at Main Street and Beachway, along with a concert featuring the White Wedding Band and beer garden starting at 5 p.m.
A Super 50/50 raffle drawing will be held at 6 p.m. Food will be available from local restaurants, and the Historical Museum Gift and Souvenirs will be open from 1 to 5 p.m.
Get updates on social media @centennialkeansburg, #keansburg100 #hbdkeansburg
This article was first published in Sept. 28 – Oct. 5, 2017 print edition of The Two River Times.