MB-USA Semiquincentennial …

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I take genuine pride in my Monmouth Beach heritage. Not only was I raised here; I got to raise my own family here, as well. My family history connection in town runs from 1955 when my grandmother, Alice Ward Kelly, died in Monmouth Beach. To 2010, when my daughter, Lauren Joan Kelly, was the school’s top 8th grade student.

So it was with profound satisfaction that I got to be part of perhaps the greatest celebration in borough history. Monmouth Beach held a first-rate 250th USA celebration in June 2026. The four-day program was a smash hit with residents and families. There wasn’t a frown in town to be found. The celebration was conducted at five separate venues — the MB Cultural Center, the MBBP, the MB Firehouse, the MB School/Griffin Park and MB Borough Hall. All the festivities were open to the public and were free of charge.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” —Declaration of Independence, 1776

The four-day program included a parade and field day events, fireworks and music, history presentations and displays, food and drink. Our borough’s past is a tale worth rejoicing and remembering. Although coastal history in the Monmouth Beach area reaches to the late 1600s, it didn’t become an official until March 1906 when a new borough separated from Ocean Township.

The financial contributions in support of the 250th celebration — from businesses, families, groups, and individuals — were generous and thoughtful and allowed us to honor Monmouth Beach history in the best way possible. Thanks and praise to members of the Monmouth Beach Historical Committee — which acted as the oversight group for the festivities more than a year in planning. It passed down responsibility to several under committees that ran the programs and raised the funds for production — all with good cheer and reverence for town heritage. The committee includes: Patrick McConville, Chairman;  Richard Keller, Vice-Chairman; Mark Racioppi, Treasurer; Lisa Stickle, Secretary; Phil Hinck; Karen D’agostino; Greg Kelly, Borough Historian; and Timothy Somers/David Stickle/Anthony Villane, Ex-officio.

Photos by Michael McKenna — MORE INFO

Happy 250th Birthday — Monmouth Beach & USA!

Stars & Bars — Beach Road–Riverdale Avenue intersection is decorated for MB-USA 250th celebration, June 2026.

Finding Time …

The 250th celebratory mood began in April 2026 when Historical Committee members, borough officials, and DPW employees exhumed the 1976 time-capsule. It had been planted by the Monmouth Beach-USA Bicentennial committee 50 years ago in front of Borough Hall on Beach Road. The contents are now on display at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center on Ocean Avenue (open Saturday; 10 am-1 pm).

Above Ground — The 1976 Monmouth Beach-American Bicentennial celebration time capsule at Borough Hall on Beach Road, April 2026 (Michael McKenna Photo).

Lift the Lid — MB-USA ’76 time capsule at Borough Hall prior to its opening, May 2026.

History Lessons …

Greg Kelly, the borough historian, kicked-off the 250th celebration with a talk on Monmouth Beach origins dating back to 1668. The presentation addressed matters from the Lenape Indians to Eliakim Wardell to Dr. Arthur Conover to the Monmouth Beach Association — covering 350+ years of living at the Jersey Shore. The 32-minute show set the tone for a grand celebratory weekend.

Town Talk — Borough historian Greg Kelly at the Cultural Center on Ocean Avenue prior to his presentation: “A Shore Splendor: the History of Monmouth Beach,” June 2026. Watch the show — HERE.

Car Show, Music and Fireworks

On Friday, the celebration moved to the shoreline — at MBBP on Ocean Avenue where the weather was cooperative. The band delivered the musical entertainment, an excellent auto show provided the iron and an amazing fireworks display capped-off the day with spectacular visuals.

Shore Sounds — Tom Fish and his High Street Slackers band performed at the 250th MB-USA Celebration at the MBBP, June 2026.

Smooth Ride — The MBBP hosted a Classic Car Show for the 250th MB-USA Celebration. The event was organized by Paul Scro, a borough resident and owner of Lee’s Garage in WLB.

“Barham Burner” — Fireworks fill the sky during the 250th MB-USA Celebration at the MBBP, June 2026. The Bill Barham Family, longtime generous supporters of borough interests, paid the bill for the pyrotechnics. Bill’s record of public service includes stints as borough commissioner (1997-2005), fire chief (1983), and Monmouth County Freeholder (2005-2009). Today, he is president of The Barham Group, one of the state’s top mechanical contracting companies.

Big Parade & Party at the Firehouse

On Saturday, the 250th celebration moved into the town’s guts — the firehouse, Griffin Park and the school. The borough recreation committee hosted a series of field day events for kids. There was pickleball and baseball, an art show and a tug-of-war contest, a kick-ball game and and free-throw contest. The 250th parade was a spectacular production — beginning at the Precious Blood Church and finishing at the MB School — estimates are that 650+ people marched in the parade and another 1,000+ residents watched along the route. The day concluded was a massive block party at the firehouse which also included a christening of the borough’s new firetruck. Good spirits — with plenty of food and drink — marked the grand occasion.

Fun & Games — Griffin Park and MB School during Field Day activities the MB-USA 250th Celebration, June 2026.

March On — MB-USA 250th Celebration parade on Beach Road, June 2026.

A Team — Mack Fire Truck in the MB-USA 250th Celebration parade on Beach Road, June 2026. Riding in the 1948 vehicle are members of the MBFC Ladies Auxiliary and former fire chief and borough commissioner, Ed Peterson.

Father & Son — Phil Hinck, MB Historical Committee member, marches in the MB-USA 250th celebration parade, June 2026. It was 50 years ago in July 1976 when Phil’s father, Raymond, marched in the bicentennial parade.

Main Street — Participants in the MB-USA 250th celebration parade on Beach Road, June 2026.

Hot Wheels — New MBFC line firetruck, a Ferrara 200-gallon pumper, upon it dedication at the Beach Road firehouse, June 2026.

From the Top — Mayor Tim Somers speaks during the new firetruck dedication ceremony at the firehouse on Beach Road, June 2026. The mayor was fire chief when the company got a much-needed tower-ladder fire truck back in 1988.

Good Duty — MBFC Chief Tim Griffin christens new firetruck at the firehouse on Beach Road, June 2026.

Line-Up — MB Fire company members (active and exempt) during the new firetruck dedication ceremony at the firehouse on Beach Road, June 2026.

Soup’s On — Later that day, celebrants gathered behind the borough firehouse on Beach Road for a grand celebratory Cook-Out/BBQ. Eric and Susan Keating of Local Smoke BBQ did the food — offering burgers, hotdogs, and pulled-pork. There was plenty of desserts and beer and soft drinks. More than 550 free meals were served that day.

Flag and Founding Document

Organizers closed out the celebration smartly when history action moved to the stately Borough Hall on Beach Road on Sunday. There John Sheeran, leader of the borough’s veteran’s association, spoke about the history and wonder of the American Flag. Then John Schneider — an engaging local historian, author, and multi-media specialist (in print, web, TV, and reenactments) — talked about the Declaration of Independence — offering up his his own rendition of America’s blueprint from 1776.

“We the People” — John Schneider, local author-historian, discuses the Declaration of Independence at Borough Hall in front of a large audience. Proficient at research and storytelling — with a voice at-once soothing and commanding — for more on John visit his website, HERE.

Old Glory — John Sheeran talks about the history of the American flag. John, president of the MB Veteran’s Association president, gave way to August “Augie” Zilincar, an Ocean Twp Eagle Scout, who further enthralled the group with US flag facts.

 Share Your Memories …

“Help Preserve Monmouth Beach History” 2026.