TINTON FALLS, N.J. - s4story -- The Jersey Shore Partnership's annual Summer Celebration will return to Sandy Hook on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. A beloved tradition for more than 30 years, the event will once again take place within the Gateway National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. In recognition of the nation's 250th anniversary, the 2026 celebration will honor America and its coastline under the theme "America's Shore: 250 Years of Coastal Legacy," celebrating the leadership, stewardship, and enduring spirit that have shaped the nation and its coastal communities.

Widely recognized as the unofficial kickoff to summer at the Jersey Shore, Summer Celebration brings together corporate leaders, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, academics, and elected officials committed to protecting and preserving New Jersey's coastline. Often regarded as the Shore's premier networking event, the evening honors the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that sustain the coast.

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"Summer Celebration reflects the pride we share in our coastline and our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our shores," said Grace Hanlon, executive director of The Jersey Shore Partnership. "As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, this year's event allows us to honor the Shore's history while looking ahead to its future and the generations who will carry that legacy forward."

Summer Celebration 2026 honorees include Linda M. Doherty, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Food Council, recipient of the Business and Industry Award; New Jersey State Sens. Vin Gopal (D) and Declan J. O'Scanlon Jr. (R), recipients of the Legislative Leadership Awards; and Tony MacDonald, former director of the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute and current senior ocean policy fellow, recipient of The Hon. S. Thomas Gagliano Founder Award.

The Honorable Joe and Susan Kyrillos will serve as honorary dinner chairs. Frank and Valerie Montecalvo of the Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies will serve as dinner chairs, with Jeanette Hoffman of Marathon Public Affairs and Sharon Franz of Steel Pier in Atlantic City serving as event chairs.

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Guests will enjoy a lively beachfront evening featuring live music by Brian Kirk and the Jirks, performances by the New Jersey Fifes and Drums, a display of classic American cars, and culinary tastings from more than 40 community restaurants and purveyors in an open-air oceanfront setting.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for this historically sold-out event. Proceeds support the Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation's educational initiatives focused on protecting and preserving New Jersey's coastline.

About The Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation

The Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to securing state and federal funding for coastal protection through education, advocacy, and bipartisan collaboration. Learn more at https://www.jerseyshorepartnership.com/