1,000 Strong: Long Branch Day Unites Families and Local Businesses

LONG BRANCH, NJ - It was an afternoon with something for everyone to enjoy as more than 1,000 people came out to celebrate the annual Long Branch Day this past Saturday. Fall and fun were in the air as children rushed to pick a pumpkin from the free pumpkin patch, and families entered the scarecrow contest hoping to win a prize. Food trucks, local vendors, lively music, and kid-friendly activities such as a rock climbing wall and bounce houses were some of the highlights of the three-hour event "geared towards the entirety of the Long Branch community," according to Lindsay DeAngelis, Assistant Business Administrator with the City of Long Branch.

"This is our 5th Annual Long Branch Day. It is organized by the Long Branch Library and City of Long Branch and was created as a community event to bring our diverse populations together to celebrate the pride we have in our city," she said. "The Free Public Library and the City Administration envisioned a day when the entire community comes together to 'paint the town green' and display their love of the city."

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The origins of Long Branch Day date back to 2019 when the Long Branch Library and city officials first envisioned an event that would serve as a platform to unite the community. The goal was to highlight the rich cultural diversity of Long Branch while providing a day of fun activities for people of all ages. Over the years, the event has grown in both size and scope, evolving from a modest gathering into a major annual celebration for the community. Each year, more families and local businesses participate, turning the day into a hallmark of fall festivities in Long Branch.

Mayor John Pallone added, "This is our fifth year and it continues to grow. We always look forward to everyone coming together to have fun and celebrate the diversity of our city."

Sponsors of the event included Wellpoint, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Family Health Center, Lezama's Restaurant and Pizzeria, and Walmart Neptune.

Held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. outside The Main Library on Broadway, the day also featured a DJ as well as performances from the Long Branch Middle School's choir and dance team. Dancing Through Life's dance team also performed.

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Tonya Garcia, Library Director, cited the library's involvement with the day as important and added, "At the heart of the library's missions lies a deep commitment to engaging with our community, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of all our patrons."

Michal DiMiceli, Community Outreach Manager for the city, said that Long Branch Day unites the community through a day of free activities, local vendors, lively music, and family-friendly fun.

"It has grown over the years with an expected attendance of 1,000 locals visiting throughout the event," she said. "They stop by to take part in the free activities and shop local businesses."

DeAngelis called Long Branch Day a way for the library and the administration to show their love for the Friendly City by the Sea.

"The city and the library collaborated on various events throughout the year, enriching our community and fostering connections. The diversity of Long Branch is something to be cultivated and embraced," she said.

Long Branch Day has firmly established itself as a beloved tradition, where neighbors come together to celebrate their city, its unique character, and the sense of togetherness that makes Long Branch special. With each passing year, the event continues to grow, providing a welcoming space for families, businesses, and organizations to connect and build a stronger community.

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