Visitors Get A Taste of Bradley Beach

The Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with The Passion Group of Asbury Park, presented the first “Taste of Bradley Beach” on a glorious sunny day May 21 at Riley Park, Main Street.

The eight-hour event featured various foods from 12 restaurateurs – most from Bradley Beach – several craft vendors, beer and wine, live music, face painting, clowns and various children’s activities.

The Bradley Chamber – which will receive a percentage of the proceeds – was quite pleased with the festival, which had a turnout of 1,800 by mid-afternoon. 

“I think this is a nice event.  I think it’s a great way to introduce something else to the community for families – it’s something for everybody,” stated Colleen Harrington, chamber president and owner of Flowers by Colleen, Bradley Beach, who continued, “We’ve gotten nothing but great reception from people in attendance.”

Chamber treasurer Shirley Ayres, Bradley Beach, agreed.

“It’s a wonderful day, beautiful weather, plenty of families,” she said.

Bill and Tara Chevdar of Brielle were one of these families who came with their two toddlers, and mother Tara commented: “It’s fun for the kids – good times, good food!”

Vendors at the event offered a variety of items such as glassware, jewelry, T-shirts, clothing, scarves and other items, and several attendees were milling about the crafters’ booths.

“It’s a beautiful day, it’s a well-received event, the turnout was incredible,” claimed event coordinator Mike Hollemans, Belmar, of the national management company, The Passion Group.  “It’s a fundraiser for the chamber of commerce – we believe in doing stuff for the local community.

Not only vendors, but a psychic reader and face painters were at the event, with live music provided all day by the Jazz Lobsters, Eryn Shewell and other local talent.  Also helping out at the event, which had a meager $5 admission fee with extra prices for various foods, were local restaurants such as Giamano’s, Ragin’ Cajun, Portuguese Shamrock, D.L. Barbecue & Caribbean Grill, and 10th Avenue Burrito Company.

Taking advantage of the delectable foods offered were John Creekman and his son, Kenny, 11, of Brielle, and John kindly took time out from his jambalaya to comment “We love the food – we come to food events like this in Bradley and the boardwalk events as well every year.”

Rhonda Manno, Bradley Beach, co-owner with her son, Steffan and daughter Adriana of Giamano’s Ristorante, Bradley Beach, was one of the several local restaurants selling their foods.

“We’ve been in Bradley Beach 28 years, and taking part in events like this in Bradley Beach at least 10 years,” she stated, also adding the restaurant does community dinners for homeless and needy in Asbury Park.

People came from far and wide to attend the event, such as Alexa Kowalski, 12, of East Brunswick, who said: “I’m having fun.  I got the face painting and I’m waiting to get the psychic reading.”

The Passion Group president, Richie Tarzian, summed up the popular event: “It’s a great opportunity for residents of Bradley and surrounding towns to come out and see what Bradley restaurateurs have to offer – what a nice way to start the upcoming Memorial Day and summer season!”