Local organizations issue statements on the passing of Jack Morey

[UPDATE: Jack Morey's obituary and service information can be viewed HERE]

Last evening - Monday, July 22, 2024 - the Morey Organization announced the passing of its beloved "second generation partner" (co-owner) and longtime Wildwoods icon Jack Morey.

The sad news has sent shock waves through the local community, the amusement industry and beyond, with tributes and fond stories of remembrance pouring in via social media.

A number of local organizations, each of which shared deep ties and worked intimately with Morey over the years, have issued public statements regarding his passing:

Morey's Piers announces the passing of "beloved" co-owner Jack Morey

Wildwood 365 joins the extended Wildwoods family in mourning the passing of Jack Morey.

This is a colossal loss for our island, the amusement industry and far beyond.

Official statement from Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks:

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Jack Morey, our beloved 2nd Generation Parter, and for the past three decades, the creative force behind Morey's Piers.

Jack wasn't particularly fond of titles, but was the company's Executive Vice President, Chief Creative Officer, and, most importantly, champion of "it will be beautiful... we change everything."

Jack's life is a testament to his passion, creativity and unwavering love of the beauty of people, experiences, and life... which he often insisted on viewing upside down via an impromptu handstand.

Although known for his eccentric and gregarious persona, Jack would often dive deeply and quickly into conversations. Not one to recognize conventional boundaries, a favorite Jack question upon meeting someone was "What do you love?" A question which he was genuinely curious about, which presumably left the unguarded recipient pondering the meaning of life a little more deeply than moments prior.

Jack was long fascinated with people, design and public spaces from all around the world, and spent his life and career working to bring his incredible an innate creativity to life. If you've visited Wildwood, you've been touched by Jack's vision. 

Wildwoods Baseball on the Beach returns for two exciting weekends ~ August 9-11 & August 16-18

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Step up to the plate and enjoy one of the big hits this summer!

The 9th Annual MudHen Beach Baseball Tournament returns to the Wildwoods' beaches for two exciting back-to-backk weekends - Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11 and Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18.

Presented by MudHen Events and partnered with Morey's Piers, the MudHen Beach Baseball Tournament transforms the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, right behind the Wildwoods Sign, into a baseball fan's delight with four fields set for youth players to "play ball!"

The Wildwoods host Life Rolls On - They Will Surf Again on Sunday, August 4th

An adaptive surfing event aimed to inspire people living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities...

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods host Life Rolls On on Sunday, August 4, on the beach at Baker Avenue in Wildwood, beginning at 9 am.

Life Rolls On is a FREE event that gets people living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities into the ocean and riding waves with the help of volunteers and special adaptive surf boards.

Founded by world champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with various disabilities. Life Rolls On believes that adaptive surfing and skating could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability and touches the lives of hundreds of thousands.

Revolution Liquors hosting Old World vs. New World: 101 wine & cheese-tasting event ~ Friday, July 19th

PRESS RELEASE

Revolution Liquors is proud to host a wine and cheese event on Friday, July 19! 

Old World vs New World: 101 will be hosted by wine importer Matthew Ackland at 4 PM at Revolution Liquour’s new Hero’s Bar. Tickets are $38 at the door and RSVP is available at revolutionliquors.com. 

In the world of wine, there has always been a spirited debate between Old World and New World wines. Each has its unique characteristics shaped by centuries-old traditions or innovative techniques. But what happens when you bring these two worlds together in a single, exciting event? 

Enter the latest trend in wine tasting: a celebration of both Old World charm and New World innovation, where wine enthusiasts and novices alike can embark on a journey of Discovery. 

Inaugural Castle Dracula Weekend in the Wildwoods to celebrate memory of the Wildwoods' largest and most beloved haunted attraction ~ August 9-10

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Inaugural Castle Dracula Weekend will be held Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10 in the Wildwoods, presented by the Wildwood Historical Society and www.CastleDraculaofWildwood.com.

Celebrate the memory of the Wildwoods' largest and most beloved haunted attraction with a host of thrilling activities and entertainment for locals and visitors alike. 

This two-day event will take place from 4 - 10 pm each day at Fox Park and Amphitheater, 4500 Ocean Avenue. Enjoy vendors, artists, Q&A's with former employees, an exhibit of surviving artifacts, a costume contest, a special Dark in the Park documentary screening and much more!

The Wildwoods Convention Center – Home to more than 160 events year-round

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods Convention Center is host to scores of annual signature events, conventions, meetings, banquets, concerts, youth sports tournaments, and much more. 

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) operates the Wildwoods Convention Center on behalf of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the building’s owners, and acts as the island’s destination marketing organization overseeing the development, research, planning, marketing, advertising, promotion, public and media relations encompassing the tourism, meeting, and convention industry in the Wildwoods. 

More than 160 events, meetings, conventions, sports competitions, trade, and consumer shows take place year-round at the Wildwoods Convention Center, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state and the destination, generating over 134,400 sleeping room nights, over one-million dining opportunities, and providing an overall yearly economic impact of over $50 million. GWTIDA’s primary mission is to promote these events and the Wildwoods as a year-round destination.

Morey's Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament to be held Saturday, August 3rd on the Wildwoods' Beaches

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Morey's Piers is proud to host the Morey's Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament on the Wildwoods' beaches on Saturday, August 3.

Beach Wrestling combines several wrestling disciplines, including Sumo, into a 16' diameter ring placed directly on the sand. This event is open to boys and girls, ages 7 to adult. Weigh-ins will take place on Friday, August 2 from 4-6 pm as well as on Saturday, August 3 from 8-9 pm.

Morey's Mania Beach Wrestling will take place on the beach at Oak Avenue, next to Morey's PigDog Beach Bar. Wrestling begins at 9:30 am on Saturday, August 3.

The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts Back-to-School Warehouse Clothing Sale ~ August 1-12

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Your annual wardrobe refresh just got better!

Looking for discounted back-to-school shopping? Make sure to visit the Wildwoods Convention Center from August 1-12 during the Back-to-School Warehouse Clothing Sale.

Save up to 80 percent on brand-name tees, hoodies, jeans, shorts, swimwear, footwear, pants, sweaters, dresses, skirts, outerwear, accessories and so much more.

The clothing sale runs from Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 11 from 9 am to 9 pm daily, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, August 12 - the final sale day.

Admission is FREE so be sure to visit a few times throughout the sale as items are refreshed daily and prices are discounted further. All major credit cards are accepted, and all sales are final.

For additional information, call 609-729-9000.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

Battle at the Beach Mixed Martial Arts Tournament to be held at the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ August 3-4

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) brings the Battle at the Beach Mixed Martial Arts Tournament to the Wildwoods Convention Center - Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.

NAGA runs the world's largest mixed grappling tournaments, with over 9,000 competitors worldwide. The Battle at the Beach Grappling & BJJ Championship includes both no-gi and gi (BJJ) divisions.

Saturday, August 3 will feature children ages 13 years old and under, competing to win the all-new kids championship belts in each division: novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced. 

Sunday, August 4 will feature teens ages 14 to 17 and adults competing in various divisions for the championship titles.

The Wildwoods Beach Ultimate Tournament returns ~ July 27-28

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The largest Beach Ultimate Tournament in the world, celebrating 32 years, returns to the Wildwoods on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.

The game of Ultimate mixes the high-level athletics of competitive sports such as soccer, basketball and football into an action-packed, non-contact sport played with a flying disc, similar to a Frisbee.

The weekend will be full of exciting competition for players, and fun entertainment for spectators. Over 50 teams will be playing, and participants are from all over the world. The event is FREE to spectators, so enjoy the sun, sand and global talent!

This annual event is held on the Wildwoods beach from Spicer to Schellenger Avenues and Oak to 26th Avenue. Games will be played on Saturday, July 27 from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, July 28 from 10 am to 5 pm. 

The tournament format consists of 4-on-4 co-ed team competition for players of all skill levels, ages 18 and over.

Castle Dracula Weekend promises thrills and chills in Wildwood ~ August 9 & 10

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - Get ready for a spine-tingling experience unlike any other as the Wildwood Historical Society and www.CastleDraculaofWildwood.com proudly present the inaugural Castle Dracula Weekend at Fox Park.

Scheduled for Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10 from 4 pm to 10 pm (both evenings), this event commemorates Wildwood's iconic haunted attraction with a host of thrilling activities and entertainment for locals and tourists alike.

Castle Dracula, once Wildwood's largest and most beloved haunted attraction, will be honored throughout the weekend with a variety of engaging events:

* Vendor Booths: Explore a range of vendors offering unique items and spooky souvenirs 

* Artists Corner: Witness talented artists capturing the essence of Castle Dracula through their artwork

* Q&A Sessions with Former Employees: Hear firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes stories from those who worked in this legendary haunt

* Exhibit of Surviving Artifacts: View artifacts and memorabilia that survived the castle's eerie past

* Autographed Soundtrack" Purchase a piece of history with an autographed soundtrack available for collectors

* Costume Contest: Dress to impress in your most haunting attire for a chance to win prizes

* Photo/Video Exchange & Contest: Share your memories by bringing original photos and videos of Castle Dracula. Entries will be scanned into the archive and entered into a contest for the most and best submissions

* Special DarkInThePark Documentary Screening: Immerse yourself in the history of Castle Dracula with a screening of this special documentary

"We are thrilled to host the first Castle Dracula Weekend, celebrating the legacy of Wildwood's most iconic haunted attraction," said Taylor Henry, President of the Wildwood Historical Society. "Whether you're reliving cherished memories or discovering the allure of Castle Dracula for the first time, this event promises something unforgettable for everyone."

Don't miss the chance to step back into the chilling atmosphere of Castle Dracula with a special photo-op at the reconstructed Castle Fireplace, designed by Castle Social Media Admin & Webmaster Michael Yannette.

Those interested in vending my email castledraculawildwood@gmail.com.

For more information and updates on Castle Dracula Weekend, visit www.CastleDraculaofWildwood.com. Join the conversation on social media using #CastleDraculaWeekend.

About the Wildwood Historical Society

Wildwood Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of Wildwood, NJ through community events, educational programs and historical exhibits.

The Wildwoods to host annual Baby Parade on Wednesday July 31st and Baby Waddle Contest on Tuesday, July 30th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods Baby Parade, a beloved tradition since 1909, will take place on Wednesday, July 31.

The event will be preceded by the Wildwoods Loves Waddlers Baby Waddle Contest on Tuesday, July 30. 

Celebrate Curley's 50th Anniversary at Morey's Piers ~ Friday, July 12th

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - Morey's Piers, a renowned amusement destination nestled in the heart of Wildwood, New Jersey, is thrilled to annouce the celebration of Curley's Fries' 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of delighting visitors with our iconic Curley's Fries!

To commemorate this special occasion, we invite the public to join us for Curley's birthday party, to be held on National French Fry Day - Friday, July 12 - from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at Joe's Fish Co. (Surfside Pier, 26th & Boardwalk)

Guests can enjoy cake and cookies, and sing "Happy Birthday" to Curley himself. Bring your cameras for the chance to take a picture with Curley and his best pal, Sunny C. Gull. 

Indulge in some Curley's Fries and sample our newest in a line of limited edition sauces available throughout the summer. Every two weeks, we will introduce a new sauce, providing guests unique pairings with their favorite crinkle cut fries!

Make sure to stop by regularly to try them all. Additionall, we will have some limited edition Curley's merchandise available at the Morey Store and Kong & Co. 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Curley's 50th birthday celebration. Stop by Joe's Fish Co, enjoy the festivities, indulge in our legendary fries and take home a piece of history with our exclusive merchandise.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

About Morey's Piers

Celebrate Christmas in July in the Wildwoods with fun for the whole family

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS – The best way to spread Christmas cheer is visiting the Wildwoods in July this year! 

With TWO weekends full of family-fun events, as well as free events throughout the week, the Wildwoods are the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas in July this summer. 

FREE Christmas in July events take place Saturdays, July 20 and 27: 

North Wildwood Christmas in July with Santa Claus 

Saturday, July 20 

“Christmas in July” along the North Wildwood beaches will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20. Take a photo with Santa, enjoy a candy cane, and sing along with live holiday music. Don’t forget to decorate your beach blanket, wear festive beach attire, and create your own reindeer games. This FREE family-fun event is presented by the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. Approximate times and locations of Santa’s stops will be posted the morning of the event on the North Wildwood Beach Patrol Facebook page. 

For more information, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/northwildwoodbeachpatrol or call 609-522-7500. 

Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival 

Saturday, July 20 

Celebrate the Christmas season in the summertime with the Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival and Boat Parade on Saturday, July 20, at 6 p.m. along Sunset Lake, near Atlanta and New Jersey Avenues in Wildwood Crest. Enjoy live music with Jamison performing holiday-themed songs, along with pop and rock hits. Other activities include magic and variety shows, face painting, FREE photos with Santa and more. Food vendors will also be on hand for the event. The event concludes with the ever-popular Christmas in July Boat Parade on Sunset Lake at 8:45 p.m. Approximately 30 boats decorated for the Christmas season will travel through Sunset Lake for all attendees to view and enjoy. Those interested in registering a boat or kayak for the parade are asked to email christmasjulyboatparade@gmail.com. Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated boats. 

For more information about the Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival and Boat Parade, visit www.WildwoodCrest.org or call 609-523-0202. 

Movies in the Plaza – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch 

Tuesday, July 23 

Enjoy a FREE family Christmas movie night on Tuesday, July 23 in Byrne Plaza, located at 3400 Pacific Avenue. Bring your chair or blanket for an unforgettable movie under the stars experience. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch begins as soon as it gets dark, around 8:15 p.m. Parking is always FREE for Byrne Plaza events in the parking lots behind the shops; on the east side of Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues; and on the west side of Pacific, between Oak and Wildwood Avenues. 

For more information, visit www.DOOWW.com or call 609-523-1602. 

Wildwood’s Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade 

Saturday, July 27 

Enjoy the City of Wildwood’s Third Annual Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. Register for FREE and decorate your golf cart to participate. Check-in and judging begin at 8 a.m. in the semi-circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center on Ocean Avenue between Burke and Montgomery Avenues. The parade will begin at the Cresse Avenue entrance to the Boardwalk. Golf carts will parade along the length of the Boardwalk, disembarking in North Wildwood at the 15th Avenue ramp. Winners will be announced on the City of Wildwood Facebook page directly after the parade. 

For more information, or to register, visit www.WildwoodNJ.org or call 609-522-2444 ext. 2585. 

The Wildwoods offer FREE live concert events throughout the island every week, as well as Friday Night Fireworks launched from the Pine Avenue beach at 10 p.m., Doo Wop Neon Light Tours, Fitness in the Plaza, Yoga on the Beach, and a Boardwalk Craft Show. 

Visit www.wildwoodsnj.com/events-calendar.com for a full list of events and information. 

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.