Seafood fest set for fifth year on the bay
BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer

SAYREVILLE - Thousands of people are expected to fill their bellies while taking in some live music Sunday during the fifth annual Raritan Bay Seafood Festival.

All types of vendors, entertainment and rides can be found at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park Sunday for the festival, which starts at 11 a.m. and concludes at 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the city of South Amboy, the festival is coordinated each year by Camille Tooker, a resident and assistant business administrator for the city.

"We always wanted to have something like this to sponsor," Tooker said. "The community can come together for a family event, and the park is a beautiful venue."

The festival is mostly the work of volunteers.

"All of the hands-on help the day of the festival are all citizen workers who volunteer their time," Tooker said. "They are there at 6 a.m., placing vendors or as liaisons in the food court. They work for the city as a labor of love."

Southern rock group the Marshall Tucker Band are headlining the show, which Tooker said has not had such a nationally known act perform in prior years.

"We have had some great bands, the Nerds, the Party Dolls, the Characters," Tooker said, "basically Jersey bands. This is the first time we have reached out for a nationally known headline band. The festival just gets bigger and better every year."

The Landmark Tavern, of South Amboy, will be at the festival as a food vendor, along with other local businesses and community organizations.

"It is a good way for them to get their services out to the community," Tooker said.

A free shuttle bus is available to take patrons from the NJ Transit parking lot at the South Amboy train station to the festival venue.

A 9/11 memorial service is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. The service will include a tribute by 12-year-old Sayreville resident and violinist Taylor Bernosky and several vocalists as well.

The first festival was going to be in 2001, but Tooker said organizers decided not to go forward with it in light of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"It was too much," Tooker said, "being at a location right on the water, you can look out on a clear day and see New York City."

Interfaith memorial services have been held at the festival every year, since the festival is held around the same time as the anniversary of the terrorist attacks, Tooker said, adding that this year's service will be extended in honor of the fifth anniversary.

An annual community talent show will start at noon, giving patrons a chance to showcase their talents, and the Rock Daddys will open the musical part of the festival.

"We always get very excited about this great event," Tooker said. "We take pride that we started it. Like anything else, the first year it was hard to get vendors, but the festival has grown and all of our food vendors come back. The crowd is great."

She added that with the performance by the Marshall Tucker Band, fans from Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York are expected to attend. The festival typically draws over 10,000, but she expects even more this year.

"It is a win-win," Tooker said. "Free admission, free entertainment. People can come and enjoy themselves on the water."

A rain date is set for Sept. 17. Those interested are advised to bring a blanket, chair or tent, and can call (732) 525-5969 for more information.