Ice Cream Festival Returns

More than a dozen ice cream vendors will be in downtown Toms River this Saturday for the 11th annual New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival.

Admission to the festival, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Washington Street, is free. Ice cream tasting kits can be purchased for $7 at the event.

Among the local participants are Two Sisters of Beachwood, Sprinkle Shack of Bayville, and Cherry's of Toms River. Challengers from across the state include Nasto's of Newark, Clyde's of Garfield, and Cookman Creamery of Asbury Park. National brands including Haagen Dazs, Friendly's, and Gifford's will also be on hand.

Winners will be formally announced between 4:30 and 5 p.m., according to organizers.

In addition to sampling a variety of ice creams, the expected 12,000 attendees can visit the more than 100 food, craft and merchandise vendors at the event. Games and rides will be available for children, and The Koontz Band will provide musical entertainment.

"What better way to welcome back the summer and celebrate the restoration of the Jersey Shore than an ice cream festival?" said Comcast Government Affairs Director Robert Clifton, whose company is an event sponsor. "Supporting this festival is part of our ongoing commitment to the shore communities since Hurricane Sandy.

More information, including an event schedule, is available through the festival’s website.