News

Downtown Toms River is bringing the magic back. After a previous weather‑related cancellation, the 2nd Annual Princess Party has officially been rescheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026 at 5 PM, transforming Washington Street into a family‑friendly fantasy night filled with music, costumes, and character meet‑and‑greets.

Olympic champion, author, and motivational speaker Laurie Hernandez is set to take the stage in Toms River this fall for an inspiring one‑night lecture event. The appearance will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Main Stage at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, located on the Ocean County College campus.

Downtown Toms River continues its mission as a not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to revitalizing and energizing the local business district — and the upcoming event calendar is packed with community favorites, arts programming, live entertainment, and seasonal traditions.

The family of Mariah A. Hetzel, the 28‑year‑old Brick Township woman who went missing on April 12, 2026, has announced that she was found safe on September 2, 2026, bringing a wave of relief to loved ones and the community that rallied behind her.