It’s time for that week-plus-long slice of Americana known as the Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair, still billed as the largest firemen’s fair in New Jersey. And how about them tomatoes, below, at the Red Bank Farmers Market? (Photo above by Stacie Fanelli; below, by Jim Willis. Click to enlarge)
Friday, August 23:
RED BANK: It’s the last chance to get your hands dirty at the “Dig Into Reading Wrap-Up Party” at the Red Bank Library. The children of the Summer Reading Club get to create some deliciously earthy treats such as pudding “dirt” and pretzels sticks “in mud.” Featuring games, crafts and more, the party starts at 3 p.m. 84 West Front Street.
MIDDLETOWN: Catch up on “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card, a thrilling science fiction novel about an alien attack on planet Earth. “Ender’s Game” is the book of the month for the Middletown Main Library Teen Book Club. The discussion begins at 3 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
FAIR HAVEN: Things heat up at the River Road Fire House for the opening night of the Fair Haven Fireman’s Fair. The firehouse grounds are transformed into a carnival complete with a Ferris wheel and fire truck rides. The “Out Back” snack bar and seafood kitchen will take care of your culinary needs. The fair runs from 6 to 11 p.m. 645 River Road.
RED BANK: The Count Basie 365 Cultural Series presents some cool Friday night jazz in the pocket park at Shrewsbury Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
FAIR HAVEN: Stroll for deals and “steals” at the Fair Haven Sidewalk Sale. The two-day sale runs all day as a precedent to the Fireman’s Fair. Locations Vary.
RED BANK: Prep your taste buds for Taste This, appearing at the Walt Street Pub for a delicious Friday Night set. The music begins at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.
Saturday, August 24:
FAIR HAVEN: The second day of the weekend-long sidewalk sale continues in Fair Haven.
MIDDLETOWN: American Sign Language instructors Sarah and Phoebe host a morning workshop to teach you the dexterous language at the Middletown Main Library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required. The session starts at 10 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
MIDDLETOWN: Brush up on your conversational French at a study group held at the Middletown Main Library. No registration is necessary and the session begins at 11 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: Librarian Elizabeth McDermott hosts a free monthly session, “Collage Klatch” at the Red Bank Public Library for all those interested in the art of collage. The session runs 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 84 West Front Street.
SHREWSBURY: Bill Kozemchak speaks about prepping roses in preparation for the Jersey Shore Rose Society Rose show, to be held in September. Beginner’s clinic at 12:30 p.m. 864 Shrewsbury Avenue.
MIDDLETOWN: Aspiring authors, artists, photographers, and bloggers are invited to learn self-publishing tricks of the trade and print-on-demand services at the Middletown Main Library. The session begins at 2 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RED BANK: Red Bank StreetLife returns to town for the 13th season of musical sidewalk showcases. Performers and locations to be announced. StreetLife runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
RED BANK: After years of playing the Shore music scene, the legendary Sonny Kenn hits the Walt Street Pub for a Saturday night set. The show begins at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: Lorna Luft appears at Two River Theatre for a concert presented by Music Works. VIP tickets include a post show meet-and-greet with the singer. Tickets are $45, $65, $75, and $105 and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.
Sunday, August 25:
RED BANK: The Galleria Red Bank Farmers Market presents fresh produce from local farms and highlights area farms, eateries and unique crafts. Support the community and gain knowledge about local business development. The market runs every Sunday through November form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Corner of Bridge Avenue and West Front Street.
MIDDLETOWN: Creativity floods the Summer Showdown Contest and Arts Sale at the Middletown Arts Center. Presented by the nonprofit Ministry of Artistic Intent, the showdown consists of live music provided by three local bands, an open mic show combined with an art sale and performances by the top 5 contestants in each creative contest category. The Summer Showdown runs from 3 to 8 p.m. 36 Church Street.
RED BANK: Test out your pipes at Open Mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan. Jamian’s Food & Drink is the place to find musicians, new ideas, classic covers, and a relaxed hangout spot. Open Mic runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 79 Monmouth Street.