Long Branch Block Party and Pooch Parade Returns this Weekend

The Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce' Fourth Annual Long Branch Block Party and Pooch Parade will return tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 29.

The festivities will all take place on Brighton Avenue, which will be closed between Ocean Boulevard and Second Avenue, and adjoining streets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The event is co-sponsored by the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, the City of Long Branch Office of Community and Economic Development, Monmouth Medical Center, Staybridge Suites, Central Jersey Bank and 95.9 FM the WRAT.

This event will feature local food, crafters and children’s activities including Bounce houses and fire truck rides courtesy of the Long Branch Fire Department. Also returning this year is Touch The Truck, the build a scarecrow-building contest and pumpkin painting.

One of the major highlights of the event is the Pooch Parade, where residents can walk their costumed dogs down Brighton Avenue.

The dogs will be judged based on Best Overall Costume (1st, 2nd and 3rd place), and first place will include a cash award.   

The chamber said a "celebrity judge" will be on this year's panel, but has not revealed who it will be.

If you would still like your dog to participate in this year's parade, contact the chamber office for an application by calling 732-222-0400. There is a $5 fee for the each registered dog, and all the proceeds will be donated to Wag On Inn Rescue.

Wag on Inn Rescue is a recognized 501(C) 3 organization, located in Monmouth County, which is comprised of a small group of volunteers trying to find new homes for dogs and cats.

The Pooch Parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. in West End Park and dogs should be lined up at 12:30 p.m. on Brighton Court. All dogs must be registered for the event. 

Registration forms are available at the chamber office at 228 Broadway, and forms will also be available the day of the event until noon at the chamber's kiosk

Central Jersey Bank will be conducting the scarecrow-building contest and judging for that event will be held at 3 p.m.

The Long Branch Fire Department will be manning the fire truck rides and soft play bounce houses will be available with a $10 bracelet.