Island Heights Summerbrew Is Back To Kick Your Summer Into High Gear

Island Heights Summerbrew is scheduled to return to the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company Number 1, located at 15 Lake Avenue in Island Heights. The scheduled date of the much-anticipated shindig is Saturday, June 29th, from 5 pm until 11 pm, rain or shine.

According to the official Island Heights Summerbrew Facebook page, "This year we are going back to our roots and we’re bringing Summerbrew back to the firehouse to bring back that old school parking lot party feeling that the event is known for! This year the price of admission includes not only all of your drinks but all of your food again.

The Drunken Clams will be rocking out on stage, as well as great a DJ from the Surge Entertainment to get you moving your feet all night! Come enjoy our big selection of craft beers, local breweries, as well as hard ciders, hard seltzers, and wines! Water and sodas will also be available. This event is 21 and older, and is rain or shine." You can read about last year's Summerbrew here.

According to their website, the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was organized on February 14th, 1895 by a group of residents who realized the need for fire protection in the community. One of the first in the area, the fire company originally operated out of a single-car garage on Jaynes Avenue and later upgraded to a two-story firehouse located on the corner of Van Sant and Simpson Avenues in 1923 (currently occupied by the Ocean County String Band).

During this time, a number of fire engines were purchased and utilized to support the mission of the fire company. Shortly after moving into the new firehouse in 1923, the company purchased a new fire engine to add to the existing fleet. The engine was a 1928 Ahrens-Fox pumper which not only served the company for almost a century but, to this day, continues to remain in service.

ALSO SEE: Who’s Got The Best Wings In Silverton? Here Are Some Top Contenders

After responding out of that firehouse for four decades, the company built and relocated into the current firehouse located on the corner of Lake and Maple Avenues near the entrance to town. The current firehouse has provided not only a hall for rent but also a large parking lot in the rear, most notably known as the venue of the fire company’s annual Summerbrew block party.

While Bingo was a main source of fundraising income for the company over the years, it sadly ended in the early 2000s, allowing the company to renovate the hall and add an office, workshop, and storage area. The size of the hall decreased but is still available for rent.

Although the buildings and apparatus have changed through the years, the mission and many of the faces have not. The fire company continues to focus on protecting the community and preserving life and property as they did over a century ago.

The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 is a 100% independent non-profit organization in Island Heights, New Jersey, funded almost entirely by donations, fundraisers and grants.

Station 53 operates two engines equipped for fire suppression, forcible entry and ventilation operations, a water rescue team consisting of a utility truck for transporting personnel and equipment and a boat equipped for both fire suppression and water and ice rescue operations and a command vehicle operated by the fire chief, Eric Johnson.

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I love a meaty wing made with a variety of sauces and rubs. I’m not a huge fan of Buffalo wings. I will eat them once in a while, but they must be accompanied by a good chunky bleu cheese dressing.

My absolute favorite flavor is garlic parmesan (no dressing or dipping sauce needed), followed by Thai chili.

I will try anything you suggest as long as the wings are full of flavor. I like both flats and drums, so there’s no issue there.

I belong to the Jersey Wing Joints Facebook page, these people are hardcore. Every now and then there are disagreements on who has the best wings, but most everyone is friendly and helpful.

One must realize that people’s tastes are subjective and whatever each person calls, “The Best” is really an individual's choice.

One of the only dishes on social media that people have agreed on collectively,  is the Chicken Parmigiana at Spano’s in Point Pleasant Beach. Spano’s Chicken Parmigiana is most definitely in the top 2 or 3 in the state.

I’ve written about a lot of food, mostly in listicle form, and usually centered around popular opinion. I will write an occasional personal opinion piece, but I’d much rather write about what the masses think. I love getting inside the minds of diehard food lovers. I also love jotting down suggestions hoping one day I will get to visit these places.

I have a few favorites when it comes to chicken wings. Some of my favorites were from suggestions from the  foodie folks on social media.

I hate overcooked skimpy chicken wings like some of the national chain restaurants sell. The only national chain wings I like are from Wing Stop. Their Garlic Parmesan wings are made with a dry rub, savory garlic, and buttery Parmesan cheese. Even though Wing Stop is a chain restaurant, some local person owns the neighborhood franchise.  I feel a personal responsibility to help keep our local business owners in business.

I'm going to agree with the locals, this place is already on my favorites list for a plate of wings. After I order the cheesesteak egg rolls and a dirty martini, I opt for a big plate of the garlic parmesan wings. I was advised by a few people to change it up next time and try the Korean BBQ or the Twisted Teriyaki wings.

I haven't been here in a long time, but I do remember loving their wings. This place is among the most popular for wings according to the locals on various food pages.

The burgers and wings here are the most popular items mentioned. They finish the wings on the grill which I prefer. The locals give this place high marks.

There's a lot of hootin' & hollerin' about the wings at Boatyard 401. You can order them grilled or fried 7 different ways, including garlic parmesan and maple chipotle. Darrin M. posted a photo on the JWJ page and I just about died. If these wings are as good as they look, this place should expect me for dinner in the next day or 2.

Another place you can order wings grilled or fried. Most people who've mentioned Frankie's say the wings are a classic Buffalo wing served with celery and bleu cheese dressing. Frankie's also makes excellent burgers.

This choice came completely out of left field. I was not expecting to see a Thai restaurant make the list. This was recommended by  a couple of people online who claim that Thai Jasmine's incredible Thai chicken wings are a must try. Lisa S. also recommended the Thai red curry duck. This is a great suggestion!

You absolutely can't go wrong with a huge order of their smoked jumbo wings. Dry rubbed or tossed in your choice of sauce: Buffalo, Jalapeno Honey, Habanero Apricot, Korean BBQ, Texas BBQ, "Benny" (roasted garlic, cherry pepper butter), or "Kayla" (Buffalo + Texas BBQ). There's not a thing on their menu I wouldn't eat. You must order the Brussels & Dip, Fried Brussels sprouts served with JSBBQ Honey-Sriracha on the side.

WRAT Shore Awards winner for Best Beer List. The wings get  a lot of love from the locals and the tourists.  I love the layout of this place, and the menu is loaded with comfort food that includes vegan options.

. Their wings come bone in or boneless, and the flavor choices are: Buffalo, Bourbon BBQ, Buffalo Mustard, Garlic Parmesan, Thai Chili, Jamaican Jerk, or Garlic Chili Lime served with celery, carrots, and bleu cheese.

I've been to the Toms River location at least a dozen times and the Thai Chili wings and the Scarpariello wings with cherry peppers are a huge hit with me. Any time I've eaten at the bar, it seems as if every other person ordered wings. I'm definitely not alone in my wing love when it comes to the wings at B2.