Toms River, NJ ... Spring is here and not far behind is the rev and roar of the hugely popular "Cruisin' Downtown" series.  The series kicks off on Wednesday, May 12th from 6 to 9 p.m. on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River.  

"Cruisin' Downtown" takes place the second Wednesday of each month, May through September, and is one of the few such events that presents live musical entertainment.  May 12th will feature The CPR Band in front of the Library with their classic rock sounds and DJ Dave will be on hand to keep the tunes rolling.  Street vendors, contests, prizes and giveaways round out the event and offer something for everyone.  As always, Downtown restaurants and shops will be open for business. The monthly display of vintage cars, including 20th century classics, customized hot rods, collector's edition vehicles, and motorcycles is free to attend and is presented by Downtown Toms River and the Vintage Auto Club of Ocean County.

Owners with vintage automobile models dating prior to 1985 are eligible to participate and must register at the Downtown Toms River event booth on the corner of Washington Street and Court House Lane to obtain a dash plaque and compete for a trophy.  Registration is free.  Best of Show trophies are presented by the Vintage Auto Club to the top three automobiles at each "Cruisin' Downtown" event.  Owners displaying cars should report to Hadley Avenue, off Hooper Avenue, between 4 and 5 p.m., facing south to Washington Street.  Representatives from the Vintage Auto Club will be on hand to direct participants.

Downtown Toms River Chairman Frank Capone says, "This event is a great family night that people really look forward to.  It encourages them to enjoy the evening walking around downtown, and in many cases, relive a part of their youth.  Every year we get different cars, so there is always something new to look at.  It's also a little history for young people - it gives them a real sense for how life was back when these cars were new, and how the car industry has developed and evolved."   For motorcycle enthusiasts and proud owners, members of the Trinity Motorcycle Ministry will be available at the motorcycle registration table on the corner of Main and Washington Streets to direct motorcycle parking on Main and Hyers Street.  Two trophies will be awarded to owners of prized motorcycles.

"Cruisin Downtown" is sponsored by Capone's Gourmet Pizza & Restaurant, United Water Toms River, Comcast, New Jersey Natural Gas, Extra Space Storage, Allen Consulting and radio stations Magic 100.1 and the WRAT. Created to encourage tourism and attract area residents to the historic business district of Toms River, "Cruisin' Downtown" is among several special events scheduled throughout the year by Downtown Toms River.  

Other events include the 21st Annual New Jersey State Chili and Salsa Cook-Off, May 15; Downtown Toms River Arts and Music Festival, May 22 in Huddy Park; the 8th Annual New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival, July 17; the 5th annual Pizza, Pasta, Pastry Festival, September 25 and the Farmers Market on Wednesdays from June 9 through October 27.  Returning for another season will be Concerts in the Park, which will take place down at Huddy Park on May 22, June 26, July 24, and August 28.  Anyone interested in volunteering with these events can call 732-341-8738.

For more information on displaying a vehicle or motorcycle at "Cruisin' Downtown", or information for any of the other Downtown Toms River events, visit www.downtowntomsriver.com or call the DTR office at 732-341-8738.