What a great evening we had for opening night at the Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair, which runs from June 30 through July 4. The crowds, the lights, rides, food, games, and more all came together for a magical night for all the families that came out to have a great time.

I was there, as I am every year, with the Jersey Prize Team having a great time hanging out with you. And later this week, I'll be bringing my family to enjoy everything the fair has to offer.

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But for as much fun that we were having on opening night, and will have later this week, this years fair is probably one of the more important ones for them, and here's why.

Aside from coinciding with America's 250th birthday, the fair really needs your support this year both in attendance and assistance.

Mike Brant TSM
Mike Brant TSM
Mike Brant TSM

A rained-out 2025

The fair is trying to make up a shortfall from last year. In 2025, the weather was not on their side, with rain and storms almost every evening of the fair. As a result, they weren't able to raise the funds they usually do for the volunteer fire department.

In fact, the weather put such a damper on things that the fair actually lost money, something that should never happen when trying to raise funds for our hard working volunteer firefighters.

Even though this year is presenting us with a heat wave, the evening doesn't look that bad. Plus being right next to the harbor, you'll get that nice breeze off the water.

Trust me, if you've never been to the Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair, it's something you'd absolutely love. And if you come Thursday, they put on an amazing fireworks display. It's such a fun time, and this year your support is more important than ever.

Mike Brant TSM
Mike Brant TSM
Mike Brant TSM

Volunteers needed - A double whammy

Aside from having fun with you on opening night, I'll be returning on Saturday, July 4, but as a volunteer assisting with the games, rides, or wherever they need me.

The reality is, fairs like this have been struggling with volunteers more and more as time goes, and it's unfortunate. And I get it, life can sometimes get in the way. However, our favorite hometown fairs often can't go on if they don't have enough people to step up and help keep things moving along so everyone can have a good time.

Whether it's at this years Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair or one closer to you, please consider volunteering for at least a day. Trust me, the experience will be worth it.

The Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair runs from June 30 through July 4, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night, with fireworks happening on July 2. You'll find the fair set up at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor (2 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands, NJ).

Significant or historical events in New Jersey for July (in chronological order)

Here are some of the historical or significant events that impacted New Jersey or happened in the Garden State during the month of July. Is there an event missing? Let us know with an email to dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

Thanks to NewJerseyAlmanac.com for the assist.

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander

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The data — from May 2025 to May 2026 — comes from Townsquare partner Placer.Ai, which uses foot traffic, real estate and other location-based data for trend analysis.

Want to explore business trends in New Jersey? Submit a request to talk to a Townsquare New Jersey marketing specialist to discuss how to use this data.

Gallery Credit: Rick Rickman

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

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