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The Annual Asbury Park Oysterfest kicks off Friday at a new location and an array of new offerings.

Now located at Bradley Park, the three day Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce signature festival brings together music, fare and games.

New this year is their challenge, asking politicians to take a plunge in support of the Roy Werts Scholarship Fund, named for the former president who died unexpectedly last year. Scholarship are given to Asbury Park High School students.  

“The scholarship is a renewable way to honor Roy’s entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to support his beloved Asbury Park,” Chamber President Nikki Ouellette said in a written statement. “The inaugural award was funded by the Chamber for $1000 and presented to a graduating senior from Asbury Park High School this past June. The scholarship program was well received by our members. The merchants in Asbury Park are deeply invested in our community and would love to see the program grow. The better we do, the more scholarships we can offer to support the leaders of tomorrow.”  

The Chamber’s Executive director Sylvia Sylvia said the plunge is actually more of a plunge. Any elected official that ultimately serves Asbury Park can take a turn in the Dunk A Politician tank. And, for those who might be a little hydrophobic, feel free to bring along a dunk designee, she said.

“With the November elections coming up, this seemed like the perfect time to give this a try,” Sylvia said. “We’ve already gotten one good sport to commit, and who better to get the ball rolling than our own leader, Mayor John Moor.”

Also new this year is the addition of a charitable partner – Community Affairs and Resource Center.  Established in 1980, the social service organization provides a host of support programs for economically disadvantaged individuals and families. A portion of Saturday and Sunday’s ticket sales will go toward supporting the Sewall Avenue nonprofit.

This year Oysterfest will spotlight local breweries at its wine and beer garden, Assistant Director Matt Whelan said. The Local Craft Beer tent features The Asbury Park Brewery, Dark City Brewing Company, Jughandle Brewing Company and Ironbound Hard Cider.  

Local favorites performing include the Lakehouse Music Academy Pro Bands, Pair of Shoez, Kate and the Melonheads, The Unknowns, High Cotton, Misfit Johnny, Chris Brown & Charlie Brown, Littlebear, Karen Lee Jazz Duo, Ashley McKinley, Run for Cover, and Funktion 11.

Oysterfest opens with the 5 to 10 p.m. free community night and runs 11 a.m .to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Bradley Park, located at Fifth and Ocean avenues. Admission to Oysterfest is $3, free for children ages 6 and under.The event also is dog friendly and a special bicycle parking area will be available on site. For more information, visit asburyparkchamber.com.

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