Stafford Recreation

08/31/2026

What an amazing turnout for our final summer concert of the 2026 season! We are here until 8:30pm, come on out and enjoy some great music with friends to close out our summer concert series ☀️

08/31/2026

And just like that… it’s the final Monday night concert in Stafford and we’re sending summer off in style!

We kick off early with Hooked on Fishing, our Pop-Up Market & Classic Car Show.

The 23rd Annual Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs will take place on Monday August 31 at Manahawkin Lake Park starting at 4:30 pm.

The final pop-up market begins a little early tonight at 4:30 pm and concludes at dusk. Our wide variety of vendors will offer everything from Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, kettle corn, baked goods, sourdough, handmade items and so much more! There will also be tastings from Manafirkin Brewery and Cream Ridge Winery.

This evening also features the 5th Annual Donny Cranmer Memorial Car Show benefitting the Stafford PBA & Recreation Holiday Toy Drive at 5 pm.

Then at 6:30 pm MUSHMOUTH hits the stage at Manahawkin Lake Park on Monday for a free summer night of music under the summer sky and sunsets over the lake.

Mushmouth effortlessly delivers flawless renditions of all the top hit songs. With a lively and entertaining stage presence, Mushmouth takes the audience on a journey through the biggest hits, one-hit wonders, and hidden gems from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and beyond!

Of course, none of this would be possible without the continued generosity of our Sponsors. These community partners selflessly made Mondays in Manahawkin infinitely better for all of this summer.

A special thank you to our platinum sponsor… Village Imaging!

Heartfelt gratitude goes out to our other sponsors this season...Beach Haven NJ Moose Lodge 1575 ( Manahawkin ), Cedar Bridge Landscape Supply, Genesis Southern Ocean Center, High Bar Benefits, Lucilles Luncheonette - Country Cooking, Manasquan Bank, The Residence at Stafford - Manahawkin, NJ, Reynolds Garden Shop & Floral Market, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and Walters!

So...bring your blankets, beach chairs, coolers, friends and family one last time to enjoy an evening of fun with the best sunsets in town. We have a feeling tonight is going to be an epic way to close out this summer!

Stafford Historical Society

https://www.facebook.com/share/18GEqirJC4/

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

Calling all photogs, collectors and anyone with lots of photos in their phones or an old album in the attic with pictures from around town!

The time has come again to begin selecting photos for the 2027 Stafford Township Municipal Calendar.

The only rule is they have to be in Stafford Township of Stafford Township. Remember that even if you have treasured historic photos, we can scan them and they can be returned to you immediately.

If you have photos you would like considered for next year, please email them to [email protected] and use the subject line: Stafford Calendar 2027.

Your photo may even be chosen for the cover!

08/27/2026

Of course, a boat sank. There’s a prize for it, after all. On Aug. 4, the Stafford Township Recreation Department welcomed a small but hearty bunch of sailors as they set out to conquer Manahawkin Lake in nothing but cardboard and duct tape during the 19th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, part of th...

08/26/2026

Last call to register for the Town Wide Yard Sale!
There is still time to clean out, declutter and sell, sell, sell!
Click on the link below for registration forms and more details.

Complete the Registration Form and Mail to:
Stafford Recreation
260 East Bay Ave
Manahawkin, NJ 08050

or Email all information from the form to: [email protected]

**NO TELEPHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR REGISTRATION**
Deadline for registration is Friday, August 28th
NO PERMIT IS NECESSARY TO JOIN THIS YARD SALE

Click on the link below for further details and the registration form...
https://www.staffordnj.gov/409/Town-Wide-Yard-Sale See less

08/25/2026

An exciting new program announcement…

Cooking for kids is back at the Jennings Road Recreation Center, along with a special Saturday program for Thanksgiving at the Bay Avenue Community Center!

Stafford Recreation and CHEF IT UP!! present: Cooking Fun For Kids!

Parent & Me Cooking Class
Ages: 2 ½ - 6 years
Location: Jennings Road Recreation Center Thursdays: Sept 17, Sept 24, Oct 1, Oct 8
Times: 11:00 AM -12:00 NOON
Price: 4-week program: $85 for 1child +1adult
A fun hands-on cooking experience where little chefs and grown-ups cook, create, and enjoy quality time! Each week features a new kid­ friendly recipe like homemade pumpkin bread, parfaits and cupcake decorating.

Thanksgiving Apple Pie Workshop
Ages: K - 3
Location: Bay Avenue Community Center Date: Saturday, November 21
Times: 10:00 AM -11:30 AM OR 12:00 NOON -1:30 PM
Price: $35 per person
Each Junior Chef prepares their own full-size apple pie from scratch, learning to make filling and crust! Take home your delicious pie to bake for the Thanksgiving table.

*Peanut & Tree Nut free, food allergy friendly*

Click on either link below to register directly with Chef It Up...

https://www.chefitupkids.com/cooking-classes-ocean-county.html -stafford

https://www.staffordnj.gov/836/Chef-It-Up-Kids-Cooking

08/24/2026

Joey D - Johnny B - Rockin Oldies Band Rockin’ out in Manahawkin Lake Park! 🎤🎶

08/24/2026

It’s hard to believe…just two more summer concerts left!

Tonight, Monday August 24, we welcome back everyone's favorite “Old Guys”, Joey D - Johnny B - Rockin Oldies Band.

These Old Guys really Rock. Playing great party and dance tunes from the 50's. 60's and 70's! Come on out and see why they are rated "New Jersey's Favorite Doo W*p and Dance Band!"

Be sure to arrive early as the Stafford Recreation pop-up market begins at 5 pm and concludes at dusk.

Our wide variety of vendors will offer everything from Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, kettle corn, baked goods, handmade items and so much more! There will also be tastings from Manafirkin Brewery and Cream Ridge Winery.

Then at 6:30 pm Joey D - Johnny B - Rockin Oldies Band hit the stage at Manahawkin Lake Park on Monday for a free summer night of music under the summer sky and sunsets over the lake.

Bring your blankets or beach chairs, coolers, and family to enjoy an evening of oldies with the best sunsets in town...we have a feeling tonight's is going to be epic!

https://www.staffordnj.gov/430/Summer-Concert-Series

http://staffordhistory.org/

08/21/2026

Stafford Recreation Summer Camp Week 7 was one for the books!!

We closed out the summer in the best way possible with an unforgettable lineup: an amazing magic show, a visit from a petting zoo, our always-entertaining talent show, and plenty of treats with ice cream, snow cones, and pizza for everyone!

It was the perfect mix of fun, laughter, and celebration as our campers made their final memories together. Watching their confidence grow, friendships form, and personalities shine all summer long has been incredible.

Thank you to our families and campers for making this season so special. What a way to end an amazing summer!