Today in New Jersey, many restrictions have been lifted, including outdoor capacity limits, capacity restrictions on restaurants and other indoor businesses and interstate sports can resume. Governor Murphy’s Operation Jersey Summer continues to add more benefits to incentivize people to get vaccinated. And some of these offers are good for those who are already fully vaccinated.
Last week Governor Murphy announced the Shot and a Beer program, which allows those getting their first vaccination in May to visit a participating brewery with their vaccination card and get a free glass of beer. Additionally, he has announced the Uncork the Vaccination program, which will entitle those getting vaccinated for the first time in May to a free glass of wine at participating wineries.
But the big news for families is there are free state park passes available to all vaccinated individuals, even those who got their shots months ago, and for those who receive at least their first dose before July 4. Starting next week on May 27, you’ll be able to visit nj.gov/vaxandvisit and register to get a free season pass good for entrance to all of the NJ state parks for the rest of the 2021 season. The state park passes normally cost $50 but will be free to any New Jersey resident who has been vaccinated. If you’ve already purchased a state park pass, visit the site on May 27 and you’ll be able to apply for a reimbursement.
Once you receive your pass, you can print out your pass, or keep it on your phone, and then show your ID, pass and vaccination card at the state parks and visit them as often as you’d like this year. There are 51 state parks, and 18 of them require admission or entrance fees. These passes will grant unlimited access from Memorial Day to the end of the calendar year. If you don’t have internet access, there will be people at the gatehouses available to help you get a pass, as long as you have your ID and vaccination card.
If that’s not enough, Governor Murphy is offering another unique opportunity to any vaccinated individuals. If you’ve had your shots, you can enter to win a private dinner with Governor Murphy and his wife Tammy at Drumthwacket.
Every NJ resident who gets the first shot before the end of May, including anyone who got one over the last few months, can enter to win a private dinner with Tammy and Governor Murphy at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence in Princeton, or the Governor’s shore home in Island Beach State Park. The dinner will include a private tour of the grounds. Visit covid19.nj.gov for more information on how to enter to win this experience.
