Contract awarded for construction of new "green" addition to Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet

$78.6 million vessel expected to join Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet in 2029...

PRESS RELEASE

NEW CASTLE, DE - Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that the addition of a new diesel-hybrid vessel is one step closer to joining the Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet. 

The DRBA Commission unanimously voted to award a contract for the construction and outfitting of a new 75-car passenger/vehicle ferry to SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, RI. The project low bid was $78.6 million.

The new ferry will eventually replace the MV Cape Henlopen, an over 40-year-old diesel engine ferry that currently serves passengers who travel between Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey. DRBA Executive Director Joel Coppadge realizes the historical significance of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and its importance to the resort communities on both sides of the Delaware Bay.

Retired Tram Car gets new lease on life: Museum launches fundraising campaign to preserve iconic Jersey Shore treasure

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WILDWOOD, NJ - The phrase "Watch the Tram Car, Please," the hum of the motor and the laughter of generations past: Tram Car #8 is coming home, and the Wildwood Historical Society is leading the charge to preserve this piece of Jersey Shore history.

For over 70 years, the iconic Sightseer tram cars have glided along the boardwalk, transporting beachgoers to memories and moments that last a lifetime. The historical society is leading a fundraising campaign to restore Tram Car #8, one of the last remaining traditional tram cars, to its former glory.

As part of the campaign, the museum is offering 2026 Wildwood Calendars featuring historical images of Wildwood scenes. 

The Family Holiday Celebration promises fun for the entire family at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 13th

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THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods, NJ invite all to enjoy the annual free Family Holiday Celebration, held at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 13 from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Wildwoods Convention Center will be sparkling with holiday lights and filled with the sounds of holiday music during this FREE family-friendly celebration. 

Enjoy unique, one-of-a-kind holiday crafts and gifts for sale, children's face painting, balloon twisting, a free children's craft making table, local school children's choruses and band performances, a magician, a special performance by the Avalon String Band, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, and much more!

The Family Holiday Celebration will end with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony outside the Wildwoods Convention Center at 4 pm.

The exciting and fun-filled entertainment schedule for the Family Holiday Celebration is as follows:

Wildwood's Holly Beach Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland for the holiday season with two festive weekend events: December 12-13 & 19-20

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THE WILDWOODS - Experience the most charming holiday lights display at the Jersey Shore: Wildwood's Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park, located at 123 East Andrews Avenue in Wildwood, NJ.

Beginning Friday, December 12, 2025, Holly Beach Park will be transformed into a festive display of sparkling lights and cheerful treats promising to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

The main event nights, featuring special activities and treats, will run across two weekends:

• Friday and Saturday, December 12-13, 2025
• Friday and Saturday, December 19-20, 2025

A magical holiday light show will run every 30 minutes from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Rekindle the magic of the holidays at the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular ~ Saturday, December 6th

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THE WILDWOODS - Get ready to usher in the festive season with an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia!

The Bobby Rydell Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 7 pm to 9 pm. This highly anticipated event promises to rekindle the magic of the holidays, bringing together music and joy for a night to remember.

The second annual event will feature a star-studded musical lineup guaranteed to warm hearts and set the perfect festive mood. Attendees will be treated to an evening of soulful renditions of classic hits and holiday favorites from some of the industry's most respected performers, including Brooklyn Bridge, Richie Santa delivering a tribute to Elvis Presley with a holiday twist, Tommy Cono, and Wildwood's own Joey M. will perform soulful renditions of classic hits and holiday favorites.

Enjoy holiday cheer at the Christmas Parade and Festival in Downtown Wildwood on December 5-6

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THE WILDWOODS - The holiday spirit continues with festive activities during the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Place in Downtown Wildwood, set for December 5-6, 2025.

Enjoy free carnival rides, vendors and musical entertainment at this magical event taking place on Friday, December 5, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm, and Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 3 pm. 

There will be live music by the John Walter Band and story time with Mrs. Claus.

Welcome Santa and his helpers as they parade through the Wildwoods on Friday, December 6, beginning at 6 pm. The parade steps off on 16th Avenue in North Wildwood, proceeding south along Central Avenue, and continues along Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue, where the parade will turn and proceed to Byrne Plaza. 

Kelsea Ballerini announced as headliner for Barefoot Country Music Fest 2026

Multi-platinum superstar and Grand Ole Opry member to bring her hit-filled show to Wildwood Beach ~ Tickets on sale now!

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WILDWOOD, NJ — Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF), the Northeast’s largest outdoor country music celebration, has announced its next superstar headliner for 2026: Kelsea Ballerini. The multi-platinum singer-songwriter, trailblazer, and Grand Ole Opry member will bring her chart-topping hits, fresh new music, and signature charm to Wildwood Beach when BCMF returns June 18–21, 2026.

Since making history with her debut album The First Time, Ballerini has become one of country music’s most influential voices. She was the only female country artist to reach No. 1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album — earning a GRAMMY® nomination for best new artist. Her catalog includes five albums that have all reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, including the Platinum-certified The First Time, Gold-certified Unapologetically, and Subject to Change, as well as her 2020 companion albums Kelsea and Ballerini. 

With seven No. 1 singles, 32 RIAA certifications, and multiple platinum hits such as “Miss Me More,” “Peter Pan,” and “Half of My Hometown” (featuring Kenny Chesney), Ballerini continues to raise the bar for female artists in country music.

National spotlight continues to shine on the Wildwoods in 2025

Islands.com recently named the Wildwoods' Beaches among "America's Best White Sand Beaches" and Discoverer.com named the Wildwoods Boardwalk as one of the "6 Historic Beach Boardwalks Everyone Should Visit"

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS -  The national spotlight continues to shine on the Wildwoods in 2025, where beautiful beaches and an iconic Boardwalk have earned widespread acclaim. 

Islands.com recently named the Wildwoods' beautiful beaches among "America's Best White Sand Beaches" and praised the Wildwoods Boardwalk as having an "all-American vibe, while Discoverer.com named the Boardwalk one of "6 Historic Beach Boardwalks Everyone Should Visit."

These accolades further solidify the Wildwoods' position as one of the nation's most premier seaside travel destinations.

"The Wildwoods continue to shine on the national level, recognized for our beautiful beaches, iconic Boardwalk and one-of-a-kind events. These recent accolades from Islands.com, Discoverer.com and other leading publications recognize what our visitors have always known: the Wildwoods are one of the nation's most beloved seaside resorts," said Louis M. Belasco, Greater Wildwoods Tourism & Improvement Development Authority Executive Director.

Light up the holiday season with tree lighting ceremonies throughout the Wildwoods this December

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THE WILDWOODS - Celebrate the official start of the holiday season in the Wildwoods this December by attending four unique and festive tree lighting ceremonies across the 5-mile island. The spirit of the season illuminates in Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood, and at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Visit each event for festive treats, holiday music, photos with Santa, and create lasting family memories!

Run the scenic Wildwoods Boardwalk at sunrise for the 5 Mile Beach Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on November 1st

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THE WILDWOODS - The Five-Mile Beach Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is set to take place just after sunrise on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the Wildwoods. Runners will take on a fast, flat and breathtaking course that winds through the coastal communities of Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.

This event is open to all ages and offers a variety of race options for any level of runner to enjoy the stunning ocean views, the crips autumn air and the sound of crashing waves as they push towards the finish line. This race offers an unforgettable experience with on-course support, enthusiastic spectators and a festive post-race celebration.

The Half Marathon begins at 8 am, followed by the 5K at 8:15 am and the 10K at 9:15 am.

Relive the music and magic of the '50s, '60s and '70s in the Wildwoods ~ October 17 & 18

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THE WILDWOODS - Get ready to travel back in time with a night of unforgettable music at the Oceanfront Arena inside the Wildwoods Convention Center!

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents the 20th Annual '50s, '60s and '70s Weekend on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 in the Wildwoods, New Jersey. 

This two-day extravaganza celebrates the iconic eras of the 1950's and beyond, while also honoring the pivotal role the Wildwoods played in the birth of Rock 'n Roll music.

Post Malone announced as headliner for Barefoot Country Music Fest 2026

Global superstar will make his BCMF debut on Wildwood Beach - Tickets on sale now!

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF), the Northeast's largest outdoor country music celebration, has announced the first headliner for the 2026 event: Post Malone.

Known for rewriting history, breaking records and blurring the boundaries of genre, the 9x diamond-certified, GRAMMY Award-nominated artist will bring his chart-topping catalog and high-energy live performances to Wildwood, NJ when BCMF returns June 18-21, 2026.

Post Malone is fresh off The Big Ass Stadium Tour after the release of his debut country album, F-1 Trillion. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and has already produced major hits including "Guy For That" featuring Luke Combs, "Pour Me A Drink" featuring Blake Sheldon, and the mega-smash "I Had Some Help" with Morgan Wallen.

Upon release, "I Had Some Help" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning "the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020" and holding the top spot for six consecutive weeks. The critically acclaimed projects, combined with collaborations with Beyonce and Taylor Swift, earned Post eight 2025 GRAMMY nominations.

The Wildwoods hot 19th Annual Olde Time Italian Festival ~ September 26 & 27

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THE WILDWOODS - The vibrant and flavorful traditions of Italy will once again come alive at the Olde Time Italian Festival, set for Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Fox Park in Wildwood.

Hosted by the Sons of Italy, Sylvester Grande Lodge #1838, Wildwoods, this 19th annual fundraiser promises to transport attendees to the heart of Italy with a weekend full of mouthwatering cuisine, lively entertainment and cultural experiences.

The event will be held at Fox Park, located on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues, across from the Wildwoods Convention Center. The festival begins on Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm and continues on Saturday from noon to 10 pm.

The FREE two-day festival celebrates Italian culture and heritage and is a feast for the senses, with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted pork, sizzling sausage and peppers, chicken cutlets, pasta, fresh cannoli, zeppole and more filling the air. There will also be rows of vendors showcasing Italian specialties and handmade goods, kids' activities, a meatball contest, raffle baskets, 50/50 chances and live music and performances to keep the crowds entertained.

Monster Truck Races rumble onto the Wildwoods Beach ~ September 26 & 27

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THE WILDWOODS - Brace yourselves for a spine-tingling, earth-shaking weekend as the Monsters on the Beach Monster Truck Races event revs its engines and returns to the Wildwoods Beach - Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Presented by Renegade Monster Truck Tour, this adrenaline-pumping spectacle promises a thrilling experience for monster truck enthusiasts and families alike.

The Monster-ous weekend begins on Friday with the Monsters on Main Street Event. Each of the 8 Renegade Monster Trucks will be on display in Wildwood Crest from 12 pm to 5 pm before they all fire up and parade through Wildwood Crest to the Performance Area on the Beach!

Fireworks, live music and free family entertainment highlight Wildwood Crest's Seafarers Celebration ~ Saturday, September 20th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Spectacular beachfront fireworks, a wide variety of terrific live music, enjoyable family entertainment and much more will highlight the FREE Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration schedule for Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9 am to 9 pm. 

The Seafarers Celebration begins at 9 am with a massive street festival along the beautiful banks of Sunset Lake, located along New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road and Miami Avenue. The event features craft vendors, live music, delicious varieties of food and other free and fun entertainment for the entire family. 

The live music lineup includes performances by the Roundhouse Band (dance and party hits), Animal House (dance and party hits), Loose Ends (rock/pop hits) and the Star Band (Motown, oldies, pop). 

(See below for the specific live music schedule)