"June 2 is a special day in Toms River, the county seat of Ocean
County," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly.
The Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Toms River Township
and Ocean County have joined forces to celebrate the founding of the town
and the day, more than 225 years ago when an attack on the Toms River
Blockhouse provoked an international incident which brought Revolutionary
War peace talks to a grinding halt while an English mother pleaded for the
life of her son.
The day will begin with a 9 am parade, traveling south on Hooper
Avenue from Hadley and then west onto Washington Street, but it will have a
different appearance from past years. The Old Barracks Fifes and Drums
Corps will make a guest appearance, to be followed by one set of grand
marshals, descendents of the men who fought in the historic blockhouse
attack, who will be followed by Revolutionary War re-enactors in uniforms
and colonial dress.
Lucy Green, president of the Toms River - Ocean County Chamber of
Commerce has announced their marshals will be Harvey L. York, Esq., Michael
J. Ritacco and Lakewood BlueClaws Baseball Club.
At 10 a.m. there will be opening ceremonies, followed by
entertainment and prize drawings throughout the day on the stage in front
of the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library. About 100 festive
booths sponsored by nonprofit organizations and crafters will open at 10 am
as well. At 11 am and 2 pm, the military reenactors, drawn from units in
four states, will depict the attack on the Toms River Blockhouse in modern
day Huddy Park at the intersection of Rt. 166 and W. Water Street.
Throughout the day, soldiers from both sides of the attack will be
available to talk to the public. There also will be a cannon on display.
At 11:30 am the Fife & Drum Corps will perform in a brief concert at that
location. Noon, outside the library, "History on the Hoof" will lead
youngsters in colonial games.
"This will be a special day - paying tribute to our role in
Revolutionary War, remembering those who defended our freedom then and
honoring those who defend it today," said Freeholder John C. Bartlett, the
county’s "history freeholder."
Mayor Paul C. Brush encouraged attendees to use the newly designated
"Huddy Walk" between the library and town hall as the safest route between
the Washington Street festivities and the events at Huddy Park.
"It is much safer for pedestrians to cross Water Street where there
is a traffic light," Mayor Brush said.
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