The Freehold Center Partnership has received a 2003 Governor’s Tourism Award in Advertising/PR/Marketing by a non-profit for its year-round calendar of special events promoting downtown Freehold.

The award was presented April 10 during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Trump Marina Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Freehold was among 12 honorees cited by Gov. James McGreevey as the best of the Garden State’s tourism industry.

“This award validates all the hard work that businesses and members of the community have put in to make the Borough’s commercial district what it is today,” said Jayne Carr, executive director of the Partnership.

Formed in 1990, Freehold Center Partnership’s mission is to foster economic development and revitalization of the downtown while preserving its historic past. The Partnership retained Allen Consulting Inc. in 1991 to develop a non-partisan business, marketing and public relations plan to help resurrect the Borough’s commercial district. By 2002, the Holmdel-based firm was producing 24 sponsor-supported special events from March through December to attract families from nearby and summer tourists.

Using funding from state grants and loans to spruce up facades, widen sidewalks and install ornamental streetlights, banners, flowerpots and pocket parks, the Partnership turned Main Street into a showcase for special events. “The crowds have gotten bigger every year,” said Carr, citing the Borough’s popular Kruise Nites, summer concert series, Antiquefests and holiday festivities as major attractions for people from far and near.

Carr said Freehold will kick off the 2003 event season with its sixth annual Antiquefest on Sunday, May 18. For additional information on participating in or sponsoring downtown Freehold’s special events, call Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711. For more information on the Freehold Center Partnership, call Carr at 732-462-3584.