TOMS RIVER, NJ, Oct. 21- Friday, Nov. 5 brings the third installment of First Friday Toms River to the town’s central business district and with it, a variety of activity for families, couples, and individuals of all ages ranging from free wagon rides, to holiday shopping specials, to kids crafts and a street performers.

This month’s theme is a celebration of Autumn! The Toms River Business Improvement District (TRBID) will be enhancing the evening by providing FREE wagon rides along scenic Washington Street from 6-8 pm. Space will be limited, so arrive early and take advantage of all the wonderful treats around each corner. Maps and schedules for First Friday activities will be available at the BID booth located on Washington Street.

Businesses and non-profit organizations will be offering special activities and pricing throughout the evening. Towards the west end of Water Street, near the Garden State Parkway, Christmas & Beyond is showcasing the largest Dept. 56 village for viewing in addition to a visit from Santa, and a free gift with each purchase. Say “cheese” at their neighbors, Erickson’s Custom Framing & Art, who is providing a FREE 4 x 6 inch family Holiday photo taken that evening.

On Main Street, Siperstein’s Paint & Decorating Center is providing a 10% savings on any purchase made that evening. Back again this month, Nick Hargrove, world renowned Americana illustrator, will show his technique on a work-in-progress in his gallery, as well as offer a 10% discount on evening purchases. The Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library will air two versions of “Freaky Friday” 5pm and 7pm. Get your holiday shopping done early at the Rummage Sale at Living Water Yoga on Robbins St. or at the book sale at Creative Journeys School of Music & Art at 216 Main St.

There is much more to fill the evening, all of it free except meals in the restaurants. Parking continues to be FREE after 5:00 p.m., courtesy of the Dover Township Parking Authority. The TRBID will be offering First Friday Toms River the first Friday of every month. “We are pleased with the response First Friday has received thus far,” explains Frank Capone, Chairman of the BID’s Board of Directors. “We want to help people continue to rediscover how to enjoy it our area.”

A schedule and map of all of the First Friday activities will be available at participating locations, and on the First Friday web page at www.DowntownTomsRiver.com. Look for upcoming First Fridays on December 3 and on January 7, 2005.

First Friday Toms River highlights this weekend… First Friday Toms River, Nov. 5th, 2004

• Capone's Gourmet Pizza, 17 Washington St. ~ Toys for kids during dinner
• Christmas & Beyond, 320 W. Water St. [P] ~ Free Santa footprint stencil with purchase. View Dept. 56 villages and enjoy a visit from Santa!
• Creative Journey’s School of Music & Art, 216 Main St. [P] ~ Holiday gifts for moms & kids – Book sale, jewelry and more!
• Erickson's Custom Framing & Art, 298 W. Water St. [P] ~ 1 FREE 4 x 6” Holiday photo per family by John Michaels 5-8pm
• H. Hargrove Gallery, 43 Main St. ~ Refreshments. 10 % off purchase (eve. only) & free gift w/ purchase. Artist Demo.
• Harris’ Clothing, 33 Main St. [P] ~ Special discounts throughout the store
• Java Joint, 17 Washington St. ~ Live music from 7 - 9 pm
• Living Water Yoga, 40 Robbins St. ~ Roots & Shoots fundraiser project kicks off their Rummage Sale– all proceeds to benefit American Red Cross
• Modell’s Sporting Goods, 1 Rt. 37 East [P] ~ Suit up for the NFL season – Team winter caps and jackets!
• Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Ave. [P] ~ Museum Open House 5-7pm. Resort Architecture in NJ speaker at 7pm
  12 Philosophi, 44 Washington St. ~ Gear up for the Holidays… Get designer brands by Diesel & Ben Sherman
• Pumpernickels Café, 69 Main St. ~ Kids toy with each dinner purchase
• Purpuri Shoes, 23 Main St. ~ Pick your discount 5 – 20 % off this evenings purchase
• Simply Skin, 313 W. Water St. [P] ~ Fun hair styling demonstration 5-7 pm, hand paraffin treatments until 9pm!
• Siperstein’s Paint & Decorating Ctr., 512 Main St. [P] ~ Take an additional 10% off evening purchase
• Slowly, 73 Main St. ~ Hostess providing personal invitations street-side
• The Loft, 218 Main St. [P] ~ Grand Opening specials, and refreshments
• The Music Academy, 25 W. Water. St. [P] ~ Open House and free music
• TR Branch of the Ocean Co. Library, 101 Washington St. ~ 2 Showings of “Freaky Friday” 5pm- 1977 & 7pm- 2003. FREE popcorn
• WJRZ Oldies 100, Washington St. by the library ~ Prize van, live music and door prizes
• Ocean County - County Connection Express, Washington St. ~ Information center providing county government services 5-7pm
• Toms River Fire Company #1, 26 Robbins St. ~ Fire trucks and membership drive
• Toms River Fire Company #2, 45 W. Water St. ~ Fire gear demonstration, along with trucks to view!
• Toms River BID Wagon Rides, Washington St. ~ FREE Wagon Rides, Limited tickets available at BID booth