Weekend Events at the Jersey Shore

From Lou and Liz harness racing (!) to Chowderfest...there is so much to do this weekend!

Friday Night is Casino Night at The Columns in Avon (7:30 - 11:30 pm). Tickets can be purchased at the door ($70 each). Over 125 baskets for raffle, 20 silent auction items, a mystery prize, 50/50, gaming, and more (adults only). Proceeds benefit Manasquan Elementary School students. For more information, contact squantrish@optonline.net ,(201) 259-1714, or check out MES Casino Night on Facebook or www.squanpto.com .

Saturday it's the Open Space Pace Event at Freehold Raceway. It begins with a parade of 50 horses down Main Street in Freehold. Then, at Freehold Raceway, there is a Medieval Times Demonstration at 10:45, Lou and Liz harness race at 11:15, followed by more racing, a petting zoo starting at noon, and live music and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day...including Southside Johhny and The Asbury Jukes at 5:00 p.m. (The days' events are all free, but you must buy concert tickets for Southside Johnny). www.openspacepace.org

Sunday it's Chowderfest on Long Beach Island (with a free merchant mart Saturday). Chowderfest includes a chowder cookoff contest, lots and lots of food, entertainment, and so much more. The Sunday event, with a Jimmy Buffet theme, requires a ticket purchase for admission, and runs rain or shine from 11 am - 4 pm Sunday.

Sunday it's Allaire Village's 1830's Fall Harvest Festival, from 1 pm - 4 pm. (Admission is $5). Events include cider pressing, apple toss, militia demonstrations, horse and wagon rides (additional fee), children's games, building tours, hearth cooking, and more. www.allairevillage.org

Saturday is Neptune Riverfest (free). It's Neptune Day meets OktoberFest. Food, craft vendors, local artists, free children's activities and rides, a basketball tournament, and a great new location on the Shark River with plenty of free parking. South Concourse, between Sunsets and the Headliner in Neptune.

Sunday is the Harvest Home Festival (free) at the historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. It's an old-fashioned country fair reminiscent of the 1890's with exhibits, wagon rides, games, craft demonstrations, a home and garden competition and entertainment for the whole family. Free parking, too.

Saturday and Sunday it's the Colts Neck Arts & Crafts Fall Harvest Festival on Rt. 537  (noon - 4 pm) at the Colts Neck Fairgrounds. Quality artists and craftsmen from all over the U.S., food, music, 94.3 The Point prizes, and more!

Sunday is the Little Rockers CD Release Party at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park (12:20 pm - 2 pm). The Playing in the Band CD release party and concert includes bowling, face painting, custom balloons, food and drinks. Doors open at 12:30 pm, showtime is at 1 pm. General admission tickets are $15. Kids VIP Goodie Bag tickets are $30 (which include a cd, backstage pass, t-shirt, and stickers). www.hulafrog.com for more information.