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In honor of Earth Day and the political threat facing funding of protective and sustainable programs, a group of environmentally minded organizers have organized a Peaceful Protest and Community Beach Sweep for 11 a.m. Saturday at North Beach.

Held in support of the Clean Ocean Action Jersey Shore wide Saturday Beach Sweep, the local event is a collaboration between Women’s March Asbury Park organizers and the Asbury Park Environmental Tree and Shade Commission.

“We will be starting at 11 a.m. on the North Beach of Asbury Park for a creative ‘people protest’ as we gather together on the beach and form letters to spell out an important message that will be sent directly to the White House,” organizers said in a written statement. “Every person who attends will be asked to remove five pieces of trash from the beach in addition to everything they carry on.”

For photography purposes, which are being captured by drone photographer Gary Mastriano, organizers are requesting that participants wear blue, green or black. Earth Day themed posters are welcomed.

The amount of attendees will determine the spell out message.

RSVP is critical and can be done via the eventbrite page here.

Following the peaceful protest and beach cleanup, Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten will host a noon to 5 p.m. Earth Day Rally on the Roof in conjunction with Surfrider Foundation, the Jersey Shore Chapter.

“We are teaming up with local non-profits, vendors and various sponsors to raise awareness and rally for the environment,” organizers said in a written statement. “All money raised this year will go towards purchasing seasonal beach badges for families in need in furtherance of our beach access campaign.”

Local band, the Black Flamingos headline, with political speakers, a voter registration table, and used wet suit recycling collection in cooperation with East Coasters round out the event.  There will be a host of local nonprofits, environmentally friendly organizations on hand, and chances to win an array of sponsored prizes and gifts.

The Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten is located at 527 Lake Avenue.

Below is a list of event FAQ’s for the Beach Sweep/Peaceful Protest:

IS THIS A PROTEST? This is a PEACEFUL gathering being organized to unite, lift each other up, and raise awareness.   

WHO IS INVITED? This event is for anyone and everyone who supports Earth Day and loves this planet. Please be sure to account for every person in your party when registering.

IS THERE A RAIN DATE? The drone cannot be flown if winds exceed 15 mph. April 23rd is our rain or high wind date.

HOW CAN I SPREAD THE WORD? Please be sure to register for this free event through our Eventbrite page here. Follow us on Instagram for inspiration and information: WomensMarchAP hashtags: #womensmarchAP #GetInFormationAP #EarthDayAP #RiseUP #AsburyPark #SurfRiderJSC.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Please keep an eye on the weather and keep in mind that we will be getting information on the beach. Please wear a green, blue or black top or jacket. Please be prepared to stand in the sand (shoes on or off is your choice). Lots of photos will be taken.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Flags and Earth Day themed posters are welcome. All posters must have a white background and include an image of the planet earth. [See example poster on our Facebook page and/ or download it]. We ask that everyone be environmentally responsible and be sure to keep track your personal belongings. Any items, posters or flags that you carry on, please be sure to carry out.

CAN I BRING MY DOG? Asbury is a very dog friendly town, however please bear in mind that when we get in formation, that applies to everyone including dogs. To make the most clear photo, we can not have stragglers or dogs wandering the beach area. All dogs should be leashed and cleaned up after.

WHERE SHOULD I PARK? Asbury Park parking rules apply. Parking in Asbury is on the street, numbered space, metered parking. Remember your space number and pay at the pay stations or download the app MPay2Park. Please visit NJ TRANSIT at http://www.njtransit.com/ to plan your best route to Asbury Park by train or by bus.

[Photos courtesy of event organizers]

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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