What’s with all the neatly arranged chairs? If they’re for whatever is to be projected on the white sheet (if that’s what the sheet is for), why aren’t they facing it? And what’s with the figure on the weirdly braced pedestal? It looks like a statue of a man holding an oar. Or is it a real person in some flagpole sitting type performance thing? These are important questions! 
At a guess, the seating is for a band positioned on the boardwalk; I came across some unclear text references to that effect. The sheet - possibly for rear-projection of magic lantern slides at night. The statue - not a clue. All that comes up is a discussion of the founder’s statue, which isn’t the same. It looks like a generic sailor holding an oar, maybe for one of the boat or canoe rental shops.
My guess is either a parade going by on the boardwalk, or maybe fireworks over the water. Or maybe a boat parade on the water.
What a clear & sharp photo.
It’s been sharpened, but still . . .
Yeah, older, simpler lenses & big sized plate negatives did some amazing work. Thanks for posting that picture.
Children everywhere…
Are any in uniforms or overly dressed up ?
Here’s a video of Annual baby parade, 1904, Asbury Park, N.J.
http://www.loc.gov/item/mp73003100
What I am finding is that is what Asbury Boardwalk is famous for.
All about early Asbury
Definitely a statue - he’s about 8 feet tall. I think he’s supposed to be standing on a ship’s mast.