BRICK – Hundreds of residents joined local officials for a special milestone event, Brick Township’s 175th anniversary.
On February 15, 1850, Brick Township was officially established. Back then, it was home to 1,558 residents. Today, the Township has grown to about 76,021.
The idea to hold an annual birthday party developed in 2016, after a suggestion from an elementary school student. The party is held every February at the Civic Plaza and is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee. The event brings the community together to honor its history, and also for a fun day of games, entertainment, and cake!
“It’s incredibly exciting to be celebrating Brick Township’s 175th birthday this year! The Birthday Party will give everyone in the community a chance to reflect on our history and the journey that has shaped the town we are today,” Mayor Lisa Crate said. “Planning the event has been fun and I know that everyone that comes out from the community, adults and children alike, will have a great time.”
Brandi White, Coordinator of the Mayor’s Student Advisory, explained how the planning process focused on community collaboration.
“It begins with reaching out to local partners and agencies, inviting them to take part in the event. These partnerships are essential because they truly represent the heart of our town,” White said. “This year, as we celebrate Brick Township’s 175th anniversary, I wanted to make the event even more special by highlighting our town’s rich history and showcasing how much we’ve grown and evolved over the past 175 years.”
This year’s celebration featured exhibits from local organizations. Members of the Brick Township Historical Society dressed in 1850s attire to give a glimpse into what people wore when the town was founded. Mayor Crate joined in the fun by wearing a period costume herself. Photos were on display which showcased how Brick has changed in 175 years.
In addition, the event offered a variety of fun games and activities, including decorate-your-own cupcake, slime making, a popcorn bar, seashell coloring, and more. The high schools’ mascots and Sparky the Fire Dog were also in attendance for the special day.
Of course, no birthday party is complete without cake! This year’s cake was courtesy of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) Culinary Program.
Participating groups and businesses included the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee, Brick Township Historical Society, Brick Memorial High School Art Club, Ocean County Vocational Technical School-Culinary Program, HMH Ocean University Hospital, Ocean County Library-Brick Branch, BTMUA, Brick Township Police Department, Brick EMS, Brick Fire Bureau, Chick-fil-A of Brick, Michael’s, the Brick Garden Club, the Environmental Commission, the Brick PAL and Brick PBA Chapter 230.
Goody bags were provided by BMAC, DART, Sundaes of Point Pleasant, Meals on Wheels and Willow Springs.
