TOMS RIVER, NJ – It was once an eclectic celebration of the history of Toms River that dates back to the early 1970s, but under Mayor Maurice Hill, the event ceased. The event, which started as Founder’s Day, eventually evolved into the Toms River Food Festival but was canceled in 2020 during COVID-19.
The event was again canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns, but J. Mark Mutter, the former Toms River clerk and a local historian, said he would like to see the event return in 2024. Under Mayor Maurice Hill, the event has been canceled yearly since COVID-19.
Mutter called upon Mayor-Elect Dan Rodrick to bring back Food Fest in 2024.
“Some of the naysayers in town hall said it’s not worth the time and energy,” Mutter said. “I say it is. It’s the day of the year when Toms River can celebrate Toms River and our town’s history.”
“I’ll bring it back,” Rodrick said. “I think we should also call it Founder’s Day.”
Rodrick later said that along with Food Fest, he wants the town to host multiple public events in Downtown Toms River during the spring and summer and also said he has plans for an outdoor public ice skating rink in the town’s downtown center.
During the annual Food Fest celebration, dozens of local culinary vendors line Washington Street and the event is focused on the town’s rich cultural community and history.