Downtown Toms River Launches First Harvest Fest Saturday

Is fall the best time of year? There's plenty to celebrate about the season, in a special festival this Saturday in downtown Toms River.

The first Harvest Fest, hosted by the Toms River Business Improvement District, is an all-day downtown event Oct. 20. Free and open to the public, the event will focus on the art, food and holidays of the season, with a variety of activities and vendors.

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run until 5 p.m.  Admission and parking are both free but Washington Street between Hooper Avenue and Main Street will be closed for the festival.

Whether you're a kid bouncing on an inflatable ride or looking to get lost in the haystack maze, the day's worth of events will also feature live band Tidal Wave, street performers, a scarecrow decorating contest, fall desserts and more.

If you need some adult beverages after competiting in the apple cide doughnut eating contest, head to the beer garden sponsored by Toms River Fire Co. No. 1.

The street will be lined with local businesses, civic groups and food vendors, and Comcast will be on hand showing college football games on big screen televisions.

Details on both the Scarecrow Decorating and Fall Dessert contests can be found on the Downtown Toms River website, here.