Castles and Cones

As if you didn’t have enough reasons to eNJoy summer, here are two events that make it easy. What’s your pleasure? Building sand castles of eating ice cream?
Let’s start out with the latter…

July 21: The New Jersey Ice Cream Festival arrives in Toms River for its 10th year. The last word in ice cream, the festival will feature nonstop ice cream–eating contests, live music, carnival rides, crafts and games for kids and a visit from the New Jersey Dairy Princess. 11:30 am; $7. Washington St, Tom’s River.
I’m not sure who or what the New Jersey Dairy Princess will be but next year I’d like to know how to audition. There will be live music by the Kootz Band, the Tidal Wave Band and the Oceanaire’s Barbershop Chorus. There will be inflatable rides and colorful characters. Or inflatable characters and colorful rides. There will be ice cream eating contests for both children and adults. There will be a case or two of brain freeze. Most of all, there will be fun.

www.downtowntomsriver.com/icecream/festival.htm

July 18: The 26th Annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest returns to Belmar’s 18th Avenue Beach once again. Registration begins at 8:00AM and building will run until noon. Sandsculpting has become an art form and the “castles” range from a Medieval Tudor fortress to a life-sized replica of Sofia Veraga.
The competition is free and open to participants of all ages. 
Three prize places are awarded in six individual categories:
7 and under
8 to 11
12 to 15
16 and up
Family

Day Camps

There is also the “Best of the Beach” award along with free giveaways, snacks and music. Bring your own sculpting tools (I usually use a spackle knife and a toothbrush). Sand will be provided. DO NOT bring your own sand. That’s cheating.

www.njsandcastle.com