When one conjures an image of Independence Day, they gravitate to thoughts of beautiful weather, hot dogs, family friends, bar-b-cues, and FIREWORKS. As the annual celebration of America, grilling, and pyrotechnics descends upon us one would be wise to celebrate in Monmouth County, NJ. Here in the quintessential shore community towns are gearing up for their salute to America, everyday this weekend one can sample something from the veritable smorgasboard of all things Americana. My first stop of the weekend will actually begin tomorrow night In Atlantic Highlands. The Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair is this week; running from Tuesday to Saturday. The highlights are Wednesday night's Fire Fighter night and Friday Nights Fireworks. All festivities are located at the Atlantic Highlands harbor found at the end of First Ave. KaBoom Fest in Red Bank will encompass the 1-3rd culminating is undoubtedly the finest fireworks spectacle in New Jersey. I love these fireworks, it gets crowded so get there early. I recommend taking the train in, parking gets to be an issue (price/availability/traffic). Contact the rivercenter for dining and shopping specials. Finally we have Oceanfest in Long Branch, this celebration of America and the Atlantic is celebrating its 21st year of existence. For those who prefer fireworks actually happening on the 4th, this is the place to go. I would stop in Sea Bright this evening and catch both the Long Branch and the Sea Bright Fireworks simultaneously. Sea Bright provides the musical stylings of the Tim McLoone Band, plus great beachfront restaurants and moderately better parking that the beach at Long Branch. Come on down the shore and celebrate your independence!

Poker This weekend

If any one is free this Saturday night, May 14th, please stop in the Lincroft Fire Company for a night of Texas Hold 'Em. We are bringing in dealers and hosting a multi-table No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em tournament. Buy-in is a $100 donation, with plenty of chances for re-buys and bonus buy opportunities. Please E-mail either Mark SanPietro @ welby803@yahoo.com or Anthony Russo @ russo57@verizon.net. Checks, Credit/Debit Cards, and Cash are all accepted