Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County. Depending on where you live and what you were doing, Hurricane Erin was either your best friend if you got out to surf or a menace if you were trying to get to work via beach roads.

I’m typically looking to chase the waves, but had a sick kid at home so ended up just living vicariously through surf cams. Hope everyone stayed safe!

On the docket:

• Hurricane Erin’s Impact on Monmouth County

• Farm to Fork Festival

• Rutgers Kicks off Their Football Season

• Live Music Lowdown

Hurricane Erin’s Impact

Hurricane Erin may not have made a direct hit, but Monmouth County definitely felt her presence. Beaches from Asbury Park to Belmar were shut down as lifeguards waved the red flags high—swimming was off-limits thanks to dangerous rip currents and monster surf.

And the waves? Absolutely wild. Forecasts called for breakers in the 7–12 foot range, with some swells topping out at a jaw-dropping 17 feet along parts of the Shore. Great for dramatic photos, not so much for your beach day swim.

Despite the churn, Monmouth dodged the worst of it. There were no major damage reports locally, but coastal flooding and a few road closures popped up in other parts of the Shore. State officials kept a close eye on the tides while reminding everyone: those waters may look inviting, but the currents are nothing to mess with.

MCHA Hosts 3rd Annual Farm to Fork!

October 4th, The Barn at Laird in Colts Neck will once again play host to one of Monmouth County Historical Association’s most beloved events—the 3rd Annual Farm to Fork.

Hosted by the Monmouth County Historical Association, the event is all about celebrating the people, businesses, and culture that make our county unique, helping support the preservation of Monmouth County history.

Guests can look forward to locally sourced cuisine, craft cocktails, an awesome dance band, and an amazing silent auction. It’s the perfect setting to sample what our homegrown talent has to offer.

Designed for residents across Monmouth County, Farm to Fork is more than just a big night out—it’s a showcase of local pride. The Barn at Laird’s rustic backdrop provides the perfect stage for a celebration that blends our agricultural roots with today’s vibrant creative scene.

So, have a date night or round up your friends and mark your calendar as this event sells out quickly. Early bird tickets available through September 15th!   Purchase tickets or become a sponsor at the link below.

Rutgers Football Kicks Off 2025 Season

Scarlet Knights fans, the wait is over—Rutgers opens its 2025 season this Thursday at 6 p.m. against Ohio University at SHI Stadium, airing on the Big Ten Network. Expect all the fanfare: Youth Sports Day, a parade down the Rutgers Boardwalk, food trucks, pep bands, and even postgame fireworks to light up the sky.

Head coach Greg Schiano has built a strong opening-day tradition, boasting a 12–4 record in season openers. Rutgers enters as a 14.5-point favorite but faces a real test in Ohio’s dual-threat QB Parker Navarro, who’s dangerous both through the air and on the run. On the Knights’ side, all eyes will be on the offensive line shuffle, where Tyler Needham and Dontae Chin are battling to anchor left tackle.

It’s under the lights, it’s prime time, and it’s the perfect way to kick off fall. Go Knights!

Live Music Lowdown

• Aug 27 (Wed): Simple Plan @ Stone Pony • Guns for Hire @ Proving Ground

• Aug 28 (Thu): Battle of the Bands @ Stone Pony • RipTide @ Proving Ground

• Aug 29 (Fri): Red Clay Strays @ Stone Pony • Gregg Sherman & Jeanne Ryan @ Robinson Ale House • Coheed & Cambria @ PNC

• Aug 30 (Sat): Rilo Kiley @ Stone Pony • Quincy Mumford @ Robinson Ale House • Dan Jo’s & Big Hix Band @ Proving Ground • James Taylor @ PNC

• Aug 31 (Sun): Dogs in a Pile @ Stone Pony • Steven Delopoulos @ Robinson Ale House • Thom White Trio & Nine Deez Nite @ Proving Ground