River View Observer’s  Best Bets for a Great Time this Summer 

Bob Dylan will appear at Pier A in Hoboken on July 26th

 

 

 

By Sally Deering

 Its official – summer has arrived! And that means it’s time to check out fun happenings here in Hudson and beyond the county line. This jaunty little list of things to do is just a drop in the ice bucket, a sampling of sorts to get you thinking outside the box you call your apartment.

Get out, get wet, have fun!

SHAKE, PADDLE AND ROLL

Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Kayak Eco Tours invites Liberty State Park visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary by kayak. Tours embark from the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the park office and highlight the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point. Trips run approximately two hours and include safety and paddle instruction. No prior paddling experience is required, but participants should be comfortable navigating in relatively deep water. Life Jackets (PFDs) are provided and required. This program is appropriate for adults and children 16 years and older; kids 16-18 need to be accompanied by an adult. For registration and payment information, or any other questions, contact Liberty State Park at (201) 915-3402. Program fee: $15/person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Thurs-Sun through Aug. 30. For more info: www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html.

A BRIDGE NOT FAR

Al Slootsky Playground, 4^th St, Bayonne

On Sat, July 20, PealCollection of Bayonne conducts “A Walk across the Bridge” a

free and informative walking tour about the Bayonne Bridge. “This walk may be something you have always wanted to do,” says Peal partner Priscilla Ege, “and now with the raising of the bridge to commence, it may be the best time.” The tour begins at 10 am at the Al Slootsky Playground on 4th Street between Kennedy Boulevard and Avenue “A”.  PealCollection will discuss the history of the bridge as well as the raising-of-the-roadway project before progressing with the one mile walk to and from the arch of the bridge. This leisurely walk will include spectacular views of New York and the Hudson River and discussions on points of interest. The rain date will be Saturday July 27 at 10 am. To register for this free walking tour, call (201) 339-4093, leave your name and contact number.

FORE HCCC STUDENT AID

Forest Hill Field Club, Bloomfield, NJ

The Hudson County Community College Foundation invites area residents and businesses to participate in its Tenth Annual Golf Outing on Mon, July 8, at Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield. The Annual Golf Outing — one of four major fundraisers sponsored by the Foundation — has activities for golfers and non-golfers with a limited number of tickets available. The Foundation generates financial support to benefit deserving HCCC students by providing them with scholarships. Complete information on the July 8^th Golf Outing including registration and dress code details may be obtained by phoning the College’s Office for Development at 201-360-4006 or [email protected].

RACKING TWO-WHEELERS

Jersey City Hall, Grove St, Jersey City

Bike enthusiasts and those who love them are invited to join in the Bike Rack Design Competition hosted by the City of Jersey City. In its mission to leave a greener imprint, Jersey City is looking for bike rack design submissions which will be accepted from July 29 to Aug. 2. So get on your bike, cruise around and get inspired! For more info, contact www.jerseycitynj.gov. Sponsored by Bike JC, the Jersey City Art School and the City of Jersey City.

 AS ‘YOUSE’ LIKE IT

The Greek Theatre at Convent Station, Convent Station, NJ

This summer, the Shakespeare Theatre’s Outdoor Stage will transform into the Forest of Arden for its production of AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare at the beautiful and family-friendly amphitheater on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth. Shakespeare’s sweet comedy features some of greatest characters who will delight all ages. It runs through July 28^th. Order tickets online at www.shakespearenj.org.

FIDDLER ON THE BARN ROOF

New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, Augusta, NJ

There will be contests galore at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show in Augusta including Home-Brewed Beer; Lawnmower Racing, Turkey Calling, Cow Milking, and Fiddler-playing. There’s Polka Dancing and a New Jersey Best Cheesecake competition, too.  And don’t forget the Horse Show. The New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show features agricultural events and education, animals, exhibits, horse shows, carnival, petting zoo, crafts and vendors, flower and vegetable shows, art and photography and a chainsaw artist. It runs Aug. 2-11. For more info call 973-948-5500, or visit www.newjerseystatefair.org.

 

JAMMIN’ IN JULY

Bellview Winery, Landisville, NJ

Located on land that the Quarella family has been farming for close to a century sits Bellview Winery, one of New Jersey’s premier wineries. Every Saturday in July, from 4-8 pm, Bellview hosts live music, with sangria, and food vendors. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to lie on.  Leashed pets welcome.  July 6: Chapter Three, soft rock and smooth oldies sounds; July 13:  Ten Eddy Drive plays rock & roll covers; July 20: SunDog plays 80’s rock and pop covers;   July 27: Local musician Frank Compari plays acoustic guitar. Bellview Winery, 150 Atlantic St, Landisville, NJ. For more info call (856) 697-7172 or visit www.bellviewwinery.com.

CAN YOU SPELL H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S?

THE PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (the Broadway musical) at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre, 400 Cedar Ave. West Long Branch

What happens when six kids in the throes of puberty compete in a spelling bee? Laughs and lots of them. This Tony-winning Broadway musical is a laugh riot as kids, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that losing and winning can be very subjective as they try to win the spelling championship of a lifetime.  The show runs June 27-July 21, Wed-Sat., 8 pm; Sun at7 pm. NO SHOW July 4th. For tickets and info: (732) 263-6889; www.monmouth.edu/woodstheatre.

 

FRONT PORCH BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Gazebo Park, Chester, NJ

Put on your jeans and head out to Chester for  the 5th annual Front Porch Bluegrass Festival which features 13 live bands from 10 am-8 pm. Admission is FREE  and there will be lots of vendors and activities for the kids. All donations benefit BYG Work Camp’s mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. Sit under the tent for rain or shine entertainment! Bands include: Honky Tonk Scoundrels, Keith Wilson, Americana Troupe, Catbirds, Omar Mendez, Monday Night Pickers & more! Great food includes pulled pork, burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, hush puppies, homemade waffles & ice cream & more! BYG Work Camp is a mission group that rebuilds homes every summer.  This year 88 volunteers — high school, college students and adults – will travel to Kentucky to make home repairs. [email protected] or call (908)443-1294.

SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE IN HOBOKEN

Pier “A” Park, Hoboken

Let’s hope a hard rain doesn’t fall when Bob Dylan takes the stage at Pier “A” Park on First Street and Frank Sinatra Drive in Hoboken on Fri, July 26^th for a concert sponsored by Americanarama Festival of Music tour. Joining Dylan are Wilco and My Morning Jacket.  For tickets go to www.stubhub.com.