The Wag rock band (shown here) will perform along with many other local and national performers.

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Friends of Clearwater (NJFC) has announced that they are returning to Asbury Park on Labor Day Weekend August 31 and September 1, 2024 for their 49th Annual NJ Clearwater Festival. The celebration of the environment with music, song and information about how to protect it is the state's largest eco-festival.  Hours are 1:00pm to 8:00pm on Saturday and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday.

 “Asbury Park is a perfect location - it’s a beautiful seaside city and a certified Green City, committed to sustainability, and with a great music tradition.” said Chrissie Goedkoop of Howell, President of NJFC.   “Our Festival goal for 49 years has been to combine family-friendly fun with a variety of outstanding music, and lots of information about how to protect our environment.”

“Asbury Park is excited to celebrate its New Jersey Sustainable certification since 2018 with the Clearwater Festival this summer,." said Michele Alonso, City Planner and Chair of the city Green Team.

Tom Pivinsky of the Asbury Park Environmental Shade Tree Commission will be among the many environment groups at the Festival   "The ESTC is inviting all Clearwater guests to show the children how to feed the birds and their parents how plant new trees in their front or back yards," he said.

The two-day, bring your own chair event in beautiful Sunset Park near the ocean will be filled with: the sounds of music -rock, pop, gospel, jazz and more - on stage by local and national performers, spontaneous dancing, a children’s area, and useful information from environmental groups focused on protecting  Mother Earth along with vendors, crafters, and  food. As he has for many years,  Brian Ostering of the popular band The Wag is assembling an impressive line up of professional performers  for the Festival stage,

The NJFC  Circle of Song, a group of folk singers and musicians  who traditionally invite others to join in, will also have a stage.

The Festival began in 1975 on Sandy Hook, and was inspired by a visit from environmentalist and folk singer Pete Seeger.  The event was in Asbury Park from 2002 to 20012 and has since been to Long Branch, Middletown and Red Bank.

NJFC is inviting  environmental groups, vendors, including food vendors, crafters,sponsors and donors to be part of this event.  For more information go to: www.njclearwater.org or email festival@njclearwater.org