Manalapan Under the Stars has full evening of activities

MANALAPAN - It may not get dark until 8:30 p.m., but on June 14 the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522, will be "under the stars" from 4 to 10 p.m. The annual event that has brought the town's residents together for years asManalapan Day will once again be held under its new name, Manalapan Under the Stars.

The event promises exhibits, displays, food, shopping, entertainment and demonstrations by the Manalapan Police Department's K-9 Unit. There will also be pony rides, children's rides, amusements and games, all followed by a fireworks finale.

Entertainment at Manalapan Under the Stars will feature local dance troupe Iconic, which recently appeared on MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew," and performers from Rising Stars School of Dance and Performing Arts, and live music from the Strictly 60's band. Taking on the master of ceremonies duties will be Tommy G of radio station NJ 101.5.

According to Marty Gelfond, who has co-chaired the event for five years, the committee has been "raising the bar over the past few years in terms of headline entertainment and we are proud of that."

This year's headliner will be Al Jardine, one of the founding members of the Beach Boys. Jardine will be performing the Beach Boys' greatest hits with the Surf City Allstars at 8 p.m.

The Awakenings TheatreWorkshoppe, Manalapan High School Steppers, Gallery of Dance, Master Park's Black Belt America, Cheer University's All-Star Cheerleaders and more will provide entertainment throughout the event.

Co-chair Hank Grassi, involved with Manalapan Under the Stars since 2001, emphasized the broad appeal of the event.

"There are rides and character appearances for the kids and great entertainment for the adults."

SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer are expected to attend, among others. An expanded food court, another popular aspect, will include 30 vendors this year.

"The food," said Grassi, "features many different ethnic backgrounds. We really try to cater to all."

Those planning to attend Manalapan Under the Stars are being asked to bring donations of nonperishable food and supplies that will be given to the Samaritan Center, a local food pantry.

A rain date of June 21 has been set for the event.

In case of rain on June 14, Al Jardine and the Surf City Allstars will perform at Manalapan High School, Church Lane, at 8 p.m. Admittance will be limited to the capacity of the auditorium and will be cut off when capacity has been reached. Residents are encouraged to check the municipal Web site or MTTN Cable TV channel 77 in case of rain for details.

Parking for Manalapan Under the Stars will be available at the municipal complex directly across from the recreation center; at Manalapan High School; and at Temple Beth Shalom, Route 522.

Parking will also be available at the Symmes Drive commuter parking lot and at the Wemrock Brook School, Millhurst Road. Shuttle buses from the Symmes Drive commuter parking lot and theWemrock Brook School will start running at 4 p.m. and continue all evening with the last departure from the recreation center 30 minutes after conclusion of the fireworks.

Guests may bring chairs and blankets to the concert site.

Before Manalapan Under the Stars found a home at the Manalapan Recreation Center, previous years' Manalapan Day festivities were held at the Village Green on Route 522 and then at Monmouth Battlefield State Park on Route 33.