Food & Wine
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
Monmouth County Gathers for Wine, Craft & Charity at the Turkey Trot Expo
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Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 14:19 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A Weekend of Wine, Craft, and Charity: The Monmouth County Turkey Trot & Vendor Expo
Every year, the sleepy towns of Monmouth County turn into a bustling hub of local flavor, craft, and community spirit. This year’s highlight was the “Wine Expo Turkey Trot & Craft Vendor Show” – a two‑day event that combined a spirited Thanksgiving‑themed running race with a showcase of local wineries, breweries, and artisan vendors. Though it may sound like a niche gathering, the expo drew people from across the region and offered a unique blend of festive cheer, delicious libations, and philanthropic energy.
The Big Picture
The event kicked off on Saturday, November 10th, and continued through the evening of Sunday, November 11th at the scenic Holmdel Park Pavilion. Hosted by the Holmdel Township Community Association in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, the expo was designed to celebrate local agriculture, promote small‑business entrepreneurship, and raise money for the Monmouth County Food Bank. While the centerpiece was the “Turkey Trot”—a 5‑mile run that invited runners of all ages to “take a run for a cause”—the real draw for many was the vendor showcase featuring dozens of craft breweries, wineries, and food artisans.
The Turkey Trot: Running for Charity
Participants could register online for a $20 entry fee that covered a bib, a welcome t‑shirt, and a complimentary drink at the post‑race hydration station. The route wound through Holmdel’s historic downtown, past the famous Holmdel Glassworks, and along the Monmouth County Coastal Trail. It offered a scenic yet challenging course, with a checkpoint at the Holmdel Historical Society that provided water and snacks.
In addition to the main 5‑mile run, the organizers set up a “Kids’ Trot” – a 1‑mile lap around the park that encouraged younger participants to join in the festive atmosphere. Both the adults’ and kids’ categories had a “Race‑for‑A‑Cause” element: every participant’s finish time was tallied toward a cumulative goal of 5,000 miles, with any excess miles converting into a $1 donation to the Food Bank. The event concluded with a medal ceremony, a photo booth, and a live band performing popular holiday tunes.
The Vendor Expo: Local Taste & Craft
The vendor pavilion opened at 10 a.m. Saturday and remained open until 7 p.m. on Sunday. More than 30 booths represented local producers, each offering their unique take on holiday flavor. Highlights included:
| Vendor | Offerings | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Wine & Co. | Seasonal Cabernet, Merlot, and a limited‑edition “Thanksgiving Blend” | Their winemakers provided a short tasting session from 12–2 p.m. |
| Crafty Bubbles | Artisanal sparkling wines with a twist of blackberry | Interactive “mix‑and‑match” glass workshops were available every hour. |
| Brooklyn Ale House | Craft beers with holiday-inspired flavors (e.g., Pumpkin Ale, Maple Stout) | Live music and a “beer pairing” guide were provided. |
| The Hearth Bakery | Sourdough, rye bread, and honey‑sugar loaves | Demonstrations on artisanal bread-making from 3–4 p.m. |
| Holmdel Glassworks | Hand‑blown glassware and holiday ornaments | Visitors could watch glassblowing demos and try their hand at shaping a small bowl. |
In addition to beverages and baked goods, the expo featured handmade jewelry, pottery, and local artwork. A “Kids’ Corner” offered coloring stations, face painting, and a small “make‑your‑own” craft area where children could create simple ornaments to take home.
The expo’s layout was designed to facilitate easy navigation. A large, color‑coded map was displayed at the entrance, and volunteers were stationed at key points to provide directions. The event’s organizers also ensured the vendor area was wheelchair accessible and that all booths were set up in compliance with the latest health guidelines.
Community Partnerships & Charity Impact
The event was largely a collaborative effort, with support from Holmdel Township, the Monmouth County Food Bank, and local civic groups such as the Holmdel Rotary Club and Holmdel PTA. The Food Bank set up a donation kiosk where attendees could leave spare bags of groceries or monetary contributions. In a heart‑warming moment, the Food Bank’s CEO announced that the event had already secured over $4,000 in contributions, which will fund pantry staples for more than 500 families during the holiday season.
Another highlight was the “Adopt a Family” program, where local families could sponsor a household for groceries and warm clothing for the holiday season. Participants who completed the 5‑mile run were entered into a raffle for a $200 gift card to a local grocery store, a holiday bundle of craft beers, or a “thank‑you” dinner at one of the participating restaurants.
Follow‑Up Links & Resources
The primary source for this article came from the Holmdel Gazette’s coverage of the expo, which was linked from the original Patch.com article. Within that piece, the following links provided additional context:
- Official Event Page – A comprehensive calendar of the race, registration details, and vendor list.
- Holmdel Township’s Community Association – Offers historical context about how the event grew from a small gathering into a regional staple.
- Monmouth County Food Bank – Provides insights into the charity’s mission and how the expo’s funds will be used.
- Vendor Profiles – Each vendor’s individual page contains more information about their production processes and seasonal offerings, allowing attendees to plan tastings in advance.
These links helped paint a full picture of the event’s logistics, its community impact, and the breadth of local entrepreneurship on display.
Final Thoughts
The Wine Expo Turkey Trot & Craft Vendor Show is more than just a race or a tasting event; it’s a celebration of community resilience, local creativity, and shared generosity. By combining a spirited run with a vibrant vendor showcase, the organizers succeeded in pulling together a diverse group of participants who all walked away with a deeper appreciation for the region’s agricultural and artisanal heritage.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, a family looking for a wholesome holiday activity, or someone eager to support local food banks, this event offers something for everyone. The next year’s expo is already slated for early November, promising even more vendors, new food pairings, and, of course, another chance to “trot for a cause.” Keep an eye on the official event page for registration details and new vendor announcements. In the meantime, if you missed this year’s festivities, you’re not out of options—Monmouth County’s next holiday gathering is just around the corner, ready to bring the community together once more.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-jersey/holmdel-hazlet/wine-expo-turkey-trot-craft-vendor-show-weekend-monmouth-county ]
