Many of our towns and boroughs provide wonderful outdoor concerts including the. Ocean County Department of Parks and Re
Greetings from Freeholder John C. Bartlett, Jr. On behalf of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, I welcome you to the Summer 2011 issue of Out & About Ocean County, A Free Newsguide to Arts & Heritage Events. Summer is a special time of year in Ocean County. Each summer, our residents and welcomed guests have the opportunity to enjoy the treasures of our beaches and natural resources. At the same time, Ocean County joins our nation in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War (1861-1865). On May 12th, as part of our effort to honor all Ocean County veterans, we were able to make a special note of the brave young men who answered President Lincoln’s call for volunteers following the set backs of Fort Sumter and First Bull Run. These patriots were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the Republic that their ancestors had fought to establish. With a strong Quaker influence, Ocean County residents abhorred the institution of slavery. Ocean County’s arts and history organizations provide a rich tapestry of programs, events, and classes for your summer enjoyment. Many of our towns and boroughs provide wonderful outdoor concerts including the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation’s The Carousel of Music Concert Series to be held at various locations throughout the summer. You should take special note of our exciting palette of summer opportunities including the Jersey Shore Fine Arts Festival in Ship Bottom and the third annual Long Beach Island Film Festival. For those who enjoy the performing arts, the following organizations provide exciting musical theatre opportunities: Surflight Theatre, Our Gang Players, Ocean County Theatre Company, Little Egg Theatre Company, Imperial Theatre Arts Association, Exit 82, Brick Children’s Community Theatre, the Guild Theatreworks and the Strand Theater in Lakewood. These and many other cultural opportunities promise an exciting summer season. I hope you are able to join me as we get out and about and enjoy the arts and history offerings for the summer of 2011. Sincerely,
