Fall at it's finest in the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore

Aug. 31, 2010 - PRLog -- Back to school blues no more, from September through Halloween there is plenty to look forward to for a quick getaway. Starting with Pirate's Day in Historic Downtown Barnegat on September 11 this free event begins at 9am and features live pirates marauding, looting and carousing in the streets of this salty bayside town. Entertainment, live music, food and vendors line the streets as the Jolly Rodger stakes its claim in this annual one of a kind event. The evening ends with fireworks on the town’s dock and pavilion.

Chowderfest Weekend October 2 & 3, Taylor Avenue Ball field in Beach Haven, Beginning with October 2 Merchant Mart The greatest end of season shopping experience at the Jersey Shore, this free event includes children’s entertainment, costumed characters, local food specialties, live music and hundreds of vendors to choose from as this award winning festival kicks off its 22nd year. October 3 brings on the champions at the Chowder Cook off Classic 11am-5pm Winner of the NJ Governor’s Award for Tourism Excellence Chowderfest is the event that keeps LBI open way past Labor Day. Thousands descend to welcome in fall as 20 local restaurants compete for the best red or white chowder. Every ticket holder gets a vote, unlimited sampling, live music, radio station promotions, children’s activities and plenty of action. This year join special guest Russell Newberry from the hit show of The Deadliest Catch, at the Merchant Mart on Saturday and in the Sea Oaks booth on Sunday. Tickets are available on www.chowderfest.com or at the Chamber office 265 West Ninth Ship Bottom 609 494 7211.

Also beginning that weekend is the LBI Region Decorated Scarecrow Contest, the largest scarecrow contest at the shore and beyond. featuring hundreds of unique scarecrows on display in front of local businesses. Pick up or download our Scarecrow Sightings flyer that lists all locations for scarecrow displays. Last year thousands voted online for their favorite scarecrow at visitLBIregion.com

October 11, kicks off the LBI Surf Fishing Classic, with a free Surf Fishing Clinic at the Southern Ocean County Chamber from 9am-1pm.Everything you ever wanted to know about surf fishing, and the 56th annual LBI Surf Fishing Tournament that features prizes through December.  October 16-17 try the New Jersey Lighthouse Weekend to tour and discover the lighthouses of New Jersey and help raise funds for their preservation. Barnegat Lighthouse and Tucker’s Lighthouse are in the center of this memorable event. Special programs, attractions and exhibits will be part of the day;Fees, night climbs and souvenir pamphlets are for sale at each lighthouse location. Feel like a scare? October 22-23 is theHaunted Seaport 6-9pm  General admission $8.00 Hayrides $2,00
Pirates and sea captains come back from a watery grave and stroll the board walk for a night of screams. Hayrides, phragmites maze, food, refreshments and a non scary pumpkin patch for the little ones or Ocotber 29 for the Murder Mystery Dinner Show “HAUNTED HALLOWEEN” at the Engleside Inn, Beach Haven and the Surflight Theatre. Dinner and overnight packages available contact Surflight Box office 609 492 9477.

# # #

Providing the business and tourism community with information regarding the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore for 95 years.
The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce maintains a visitors center and the region's premiere travel website.