If you've been in Downtown Toms River recently, you've probably been past the colorful mural on Main Street. You may have seen it and wondered why it's there. Well it is a destination stop during free walking tours that are almost every Saturday afternoon though October 8th.

The Ocean County Historical Society sponsors the tours and Bart Ritorto serves as the tour guide. He began researching for the tours in September of last year and spent about 10 hours a week for 8 weeks conducting the research. Each of the tours last approximately 2 to 2 and a half hours and each tour is only offered on specific Saturdays.

One point of interest on the tours is a Community Mural Project which was completed last year as part of the 2015 Engage Toms River Community Mural Project. The mural is located on the side of Nancy's Midtown Café. Over 600 volunteers helped to paint the 118 5x5 panels. There were 42 entries and the winner took home a $10,000 prize. The 2015 winner was Elizabeth Paseler.

Elizabeth Paseler's $10,000 winning mural. (Photo Courtesy of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation)
Elizabeth Paseler's $10,000 winning mural. (Photo Courtesy of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation)
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Throughout the tours, tour-goers will also get to see nine buildings and houses that are on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Also learn how a local resident traveled from New York to Florida in a paper canoe!

Bart Ritorto, Ocean Co Historical Society
Bart Ritorto, Ocean Co Historical Society
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Tours are limited to around twelve people and spots are filling up fast! Reservations are required. Join one of the tours and enjoy some fresh air, a little exercise and some fun exploring and learning all about some of the people and places that helped shape Toms River.

For more information or to reserve your spot on the tour, please call 732-664-1318 or email tomsriverwalkingtour@gmail.com.  CLICK HERE for more information.

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