By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone
Freeholders Tom Arnone and Serena DiMaso with County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon and Sheriff Shaun Golden at the Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade
What an incredible Memorial Day weekend! It was the perfect setting to remember and honor those that have served our country, and those that continue to protect us today. We recognize those individuals who sacrificed to provide us with the freedoms we enjoy every day – we are the land of the free, because of the brave.
I would have loved to have attended all of the parades throughout the county, but unfortunately I could not do so as several of them are at the same time, so I attended as many as I could. I had the honor of walking in the Bradley Beach and Union Beach parades on Saturday, as well as the Matawan parade on Sunday. Monday was a very busy day, as I attended the memorial ceremonies for the Freehold, Oceanport, and Ocean Township; and then walked in the jammed packed Farmingdale parade. The attendance and welcome received this weekend at all the events was overwhelming.
I hope you were able to catch a parade in your area this weekend or visit one of our beautiful beaches or parks. According to records, the beaches and parks throughout the county were jammed packed over the weekend, as the weather cooperated and provided a wonderful setting for outdoor activities. This is great for the local economy, as tourism is a huge part of our economic stability here in Monmouth County. Residents and tourists visit our parks and beaches, shop at our businesses, and dine in our restaurants. As the weather begins to improve, we know that the summer months bring an increased population within many of our municipalities. Tourism in Monmouth County supports large and small businesses, and it plays a vital role in building and sustaining our economic vibrancy. Monmouth County sees about 5 million visitors each year. The Tourism industry helps to enhance the quality of life throughout Monmouth County as nearly 32,000 people are employed in tourism related jobs.
Just in time for the 2016 summer beach season, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has published the annual Monmouth County Accessible Beach Guide. The Accessible Beach Guide has fantastic information for all beachgoers, families interested in accessible walkways for strollers and easier access for children will find the booklet useful. Municipal telephone numbers and websites are included in the guide to help beachgoers contact towns or beaches directly for specific information. Download your copy of the Monmouth County Accessible Beach Guide from the tourism section of the Monmouth County website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Thank you as always for your support and your commitment to making Monmouth County a great place to work and live.
-Freeholder Director Tom Arnone can be reached at thomas.arnone@co.monmouth.nj.us
