The Asbury Park Boardwalk Announces The First Tree Lighting of the Season on The Jersey Shore

Nov. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Asbury Park, NJ: The Asbury Park Boardwalk is rolling out the red carpet for the community this year! Despite the damage from Sandy and the ongoing restoration to the Asbury Park Boardwalk, all shows and events for the Holiday Season will resume as scheduled based in Convention Hall. Madison Marquette's Director of Marketing and Events, Pasqualina DeLucia, states, "The Asbury Park Boardwalk is moving forward with our holiday programming. We still want to provide a shorefront destination surrounding the holidays that will allow for some levity and holiday cheer during what are some trying times for so many. It's a holiday retreat and it was important for us to make it happen". The Annual APBoardwalk Tree Lighting event, a fun and joyous free family night out for all ages, will be held on Saturday, November 24th at 5:00 PM in the Grand Arcade. The Billy Lawlor Band will be performing and Santa himself will meet and greet all of the guests. Not only is the tree lighting an exciting holiday kick-off gathering, it is the first tree lighting on the Jersey Shore which symbolizes perseverance and hope for the entire state of New Jersey. There is limited capacity in the Grand Arcade. First come, first admitted. More special guests will be announced soon. There will also be FREE PARKING UNTIL JANUARY 1st.

Following the tree lighting that evening, the Jersey Shore Roller Girls Roller Derby Championship Final Bout will be taking place in Convention Hall with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the First Round at 8:00 PM (For tickets and info please visit JerseyShoreRollerGirls.net). The Holiday Bazaar featuring booths from the AP Boardwalk shops will be open that afternoon at 12:00 PM (and every weekend throughout the season). The Grand Arcade will transform into a magical holiday marketplace where buyers and browsers will be able to shop for unique gifts while enjoying seasonal music, sipping on warm winter drinks, and of course rocking around the 30 foot tall lit and decorated tree. A complete Gift Guide can be found online at APHolidayWishBook.com. We'll also be collecting toys for the Asbury Park Police Department/Mayor's Ball Foundation Annual Toy and Coat Drive for those in need.

"härTH" Holiday Bar, located in the Grand Arcade, will be open starting on Black Friday, November 23rd and will be open on the weekends. Stop in and have a toast with friends and family.

Superstar bands will also be performing this holiday season including Daughtry and 3 Doors Down on Friday, November 30th at Convention Hall.

The 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party in the Grand Arcade will be held on Saturday, December 1st at 7:30 PM. This annual kitschy holiday mixer gives you the chance to wear that holiday sweater you wore in 1985 and dance to a music playlist curated by DJ Values. Wear your worst!

"Scrooge", the classic holiday musical for everyone, returns to The Paramount Theatre on Saturday and Sunday December 8th and 9th, and Saturday and Sunday December 15th and 16th. Visit www.premiertheatre.com (http://www.premiertheatre.com/?utm_source=Copy+of+AP+and+...) for tickets.

The Grand Arcade will also host Children's Toy Making events, taking place December 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th from 12 Noon to 3:00 PM. To participate, bring an unwrapped toy or make a $2 donation and be part of the holiday gift giving spirit supporting the Asbury Park Police Department/Mayor's Ball Foundation Annual Toy and Coat Drive.

The Grand Arcade Holiday Bazaar Hours are Fridays 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturdays 12 Noon to 10:00 PM and Sundays 12 Noon to 6:00 PM. This year more than ever, we hope to see everyone come out and enjoy these holiday events.

ABOUT THE ASBURY PARK BOARDWALK: The Asbury Park Boardwalk has been undergoing a remarkable transformation. It is a mix of modern amenities and soulful authenticity that transcends today's perception of the Jersey shore. The New York Times describes it as a place where "the past stands vigil over the present" and declared that "Black and white, gay and straight, child-ridden and child-free: there's a little of everything and everyone seems to feel at home." This unique atmosphere has been nurtured carefully by developer Madison Marquette, a Washington, DC based retail real estate owner and operator that assumed control over the boardwalk's redevelopment in 2006. A legendary vibrant music scene as well as award winning restaurants, shops, lounges and beaches is just a part of what has recently made the Asbury Park Boardwalk one of the most critically acclaimed destinations in the U.S. For more information, please visit http://apboardwalk.com/ (http://apboardwalk.com/?utm_source=Copy+of+AP+and+MM+pres...)

There is no off-season - Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, The energy on the Asbury Park Boardwalk is high-octane year-round.

For interviews and other media inquiries, please contact Susan Belfer

at 732-239-1559 or sbelfer@belfercom.com.