Oceanport lauded for summer wrap-up
BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer

Mayor Lucille Chaump and Mike Tober of the Summer's End Festival Committee.

OCEANPORT - - The borough of Oceanport was recognized by the county last week for its 2006 end-of-summer event.

On April 30, the borough received a community event award from the Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners for the 30th annual Oceanport Summer's End Festival.

The festival, held Sept. 9, attracted nearly 1,500 residents and included several events including a 2K walk and run to benefit "Caring for Kortney," a local Oceanport organization, a softball game between Oceanport emergency services, live music, a fireworks display, rides, art activities and food vendors.

"The festival was put together in just four months," said Mayor Lucille Chaump in an interview last week. "All the money for the festival was donated," she said, adding, "The rides were free and face painting was free. The only thing people had to pay for was food."

The Summer's End Festival Committee consisted of three members, each contributing to the planning of the event in many ways, according to Chaump.

Committee members included: Mike Tober, who coordinated all electrical issues and oversaw the logistics for the event; Lee Poole, who was responsible for the softball game; and Mike Minervini who handled all the sponsorships for the event and coordinated the fireworks display.