Wildwood Boardwalk to reopen week of April 3rd

Phase II of Boardwalk renovation project nearly complete...

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The historic famed Wildwood Boardwalk is set to reopen for the summer 2023 season on or by April 3, 2023. This is made possible after months of reconstruction due to a second budget grant from the State of New Jersey per Governor Phil Murphy.

With the cooperation and hard work of the contractor, Fred M. Schiavone Construction, Inc., of Franklinville, 80 percent of the Boardwalk reconstruction spanning from Maple Avenue to 26th Avenue is complete. This has been a part of an ongoing reconstruction plan that began in October 2021 from Oak to Maple avenues.

The project seeks to renovate and rehabilitate sections of the Boardwalk that have long required attention due to century-old aging, weathered infrastructure and normal wear and tear from millions of visitors over its many years. The work includes new concrete pillars, decking, handrails, access ramps and lighting.

Wildwood Commissioners, led by Mayor Pete Byron, sought support from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy after April 2020 storms decimated a section of the Boardwalk, which generated the Governor's visit and spawned dialogue about the long-overdue renovation.

"I am grateful for the support from the Governor for two years in a row," said Byron. "He recognized the importance of the Wildwood Boardwalk as a revenue generator for not only the city, but also for state tourism."

Deputy Mayor Krista Fitzsimons is pleased that the project is ahead of schedule: "I am eager to welcome our visitors back to the Boardwalk, and I know that our business community is ready to do what they do best."

There is still a small shortfall of decking material that is being delayed by the Brazilian government. However, the contractor has agreed to shorten the work zone, which means the Boardwalk will be open for pedestrian traffic by Monday, April 3, 2023. 

All businesses who have been affected in the work zone closure will have the ability to open if they desire.

"Temporary security fencing will be in place at various locations, and we ask that no one tamper with the fencing," said Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski. "Please expect temporary disruptions until fully completed."

The work is being funded by state and federal grants and local money. Governor Murphy committed $4 million for the Boardwalk work this year, the same amount as in 2021, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration has put $3.25 million toward the project, to be matched by $845,000 in local funds.

A third phase is planned for the blocks between Schellenger and Spencer avenues, with the potential to start in the fall of 2023. 

Total time for the complete renovation is projected to take up to eight years as funding is made available and work is done in sections to keep the Boardwalk open from May to October each year.

North Wildwood rental property announces "Pay What You Can" promotion

For families on a budget this year, traveling just got easier...

PRESS RELEASE

NORTH WILDWOOD - The Five North Wildwood, located on 26th and Atlantic in North Wildwood, is helping families this summer season by offering a “Pay What You Can” Promotion.

Last year the promotion was offered at the owner’s other property in West Wildwood and had fantastic results. This year families are faced with a poor economy and high inflation affecting their travel budgets. The Five owner says to those families, don’t miss out on the Wildwood memories.

“The last three years have been tough on everyone and this year even more than last year people are on tight budgets,” said owner Jim Schickling. “The rental property has a handful of dates in a few units that have not yet been booked so I decided this is a great opportunity to help families out.”

With the promotion, vacationers will receive up to 60 percent off their stays this summer. An application on the website (thefivenorthwildwood.com/post/pwyc23) allows anyone to make an offer, but notes only reasonable offers will be considered. The application is open for offers until April 3rd, where the best offer for the selected stay will be selected. Only a 25 percent deposit is required to get started.

“At the end of the day yes the property is still a business and has expenses but there has to be some compassion in business,” said Schickling. “It is expensive to travel anywhere right now. In the summer Wildwood nightly rates have been anywhere from $300-$600 and rising in the last few years. The Five gets anywhere from $2,500 - $3,000 for the week in season and that is a very competitive price for the unit size and location.”

The Five consists of three units with two bedrooms and three queen beds with sleeper sofas sleeping 6-8 people, one unit with two bedrooms and two beds with a sleeper sofa sleeping 4-6 people, and a top two floor unit with 4 bedrooms and five beds with sleeper sofas sleeping 10-14 people plus room for inflatable mattresses.

Owner Jim Schickling is a disabled US Navy veteran born and raised in Philadelphia. He frequently vacationed in Wildwood for years before he moved to North Wildwood last year. In addition to The Five, he owns The West Side Rental in West Wildwood and Revolution Liquors in Wildwood.

“In this economy you have to be creative and understand. Sometimes businesses lose sight of that.”

Spring Indoor Vendor & Crafts Fair brings small business, shopping and entertainment to the Wildwoods Convention Center

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - NEW to the Wildwoods Convention Center, Fire Within Events presents the Spring Indoor Vendor & Crafts Fair on Saturday, April 22, 2023!

This family-friendly event is open to the public and will feature over 70 local vendors selling a wide variety of unique and handmade items. The event will run from 9 am to 6 pm.

The Spring Indoor Vendor & Crafts Fair is perfect for anyone looking to shop for one-of-a-kind items, support local small businesses, and enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends. Attendees will be able to shop for jewelry, home decor and much more.

In addition to the vendors and crafters, there will also be entertainment provided by Freckles the Clown and The Amazing Juggler Larry Vee. Freckles the Clown is a popular children's entertainer known for her face painting. Larry Vee is a talented juggler who has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years. Larry will be performing throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere of the fair. 

"We are thrilled to be hosting the Spring Indoor Vendor & Crafts Fair at the Wildwoods Convention Center," said Michael Rogers, Director of Marketing for Fire Within Events. "We're excited to bring together so  many talented local vendors for this event. We have worked hard to curate a fantastic selection of vendors and crafters, and we are confident that attendees will find something they love. It's a great opportunity to support small businesses and find unique items that they won't find anywhere else."

Admission to the fair is free. 

For more information, visit www.FireWithinEvents.com or call 609-435-7776.

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

Wildwood Crest one of just 14 municipalities to be named NJ "Healthy Town" for 2022

The New Jersey Quality Institute has named Wildwood Crest one of just 14 municipalities in the state to earn Mayors Wellness Campaign "Healthy Town" honors for 2022.

This marks the third straight year that the Crest has earned this prestigious distinction, the result of initiatives spearheaded by wellness-driven Mayor Don Cabrera and the borough's recreation team.

A release noted that the winning cities and towns "improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating and mental health education and awareness" and praised the Crest specifically for launching "mental health-focused activities such as meditation and yoga, and social connectedness opportunities."

"The Borough of Wildwood Crest is honored to receive the Health Town designation for a third consecutive year," said Cabrera. "I am happy our community is known for its wellness initiatives, including being clean and safe. I thank the Quality Institute for recognizing Wildwood Crest once again. I also thank our recreation wellness team for their hard work, dedication and creative ideas.

"I would love to network and learn more about other communities' wellness programs - and if anyone is looking to learn more about our programs, please reach out. I congratulate all communities and participants in the Mayors Wellness Campaign. We are doing great things, and we're off an running for 2023!"

The Mayors Wellness Campaign (MCW) is a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Each year, participating communities complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they've done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MCW committee. 

The application also highlights the actions the towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work and play.

The other 13 communities named 2022 Healthy Town winners are: Asbury Park, Bay Head, Evesham, Freehold, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Paterson, Plainfield, Princeton, Scotch Plains, Vernon and Woodbridge. 

In addition, 17 towns were cited as a "Healthy Town to Watch" and seven more were named to the "Healthy Town Up-and-Coming" list.

To learn more about the MWC, visit www.njhcqi.org/MCW.

The Wildwoods, NJ are experiencing significant new development and growth

PRESS RELEASE

With the 2022 record-breaking tourism season in the books and the 2023 tourism season fast approaching, the Wildwoods, NJ - an iconic Jersey Shore resort known for its trademark expansive free, white-sand beaches, world famous boardwalk and Doo Wop mid-century motels - have an incredible number of new developments and business openings scheduled in 2023.

The five-mile resort offers excellent opportunities for business success, and an unmet demand for business growth, with attractive commercial real estate corridors that are perfectly located in a Jersey Shore seaside setting.

"Officials in the Wildwoods recognize that increasing the commercial tax base and tourism are vital to the overall well being of the local community," said John Siciliano, Greater Wildwoods Tourims Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director/CFO. "We are continually striving to increase efforts to attract developers and nationally recognized retailers, as well as encourage mom-and-pop establishments to locate and expand here."

Enjoyed for decades by millions of visitors annually, the Wildwoods have always found new ways to reinvent itself, while preserving its endearing "Doo Wop" character and nostalgia. New developments, hotels, shops, eateries, attractions and services are now coming on the scene, boosted by record-breaking, year-after-year visitor numbers that are attracting first-time and returning vacationers, eager to experience "Those Wildwood Days."

If the continued upward trend reflected in the Wildwoods' tourism numbers are any key indication, the resort destination anticipates the number of visitors to increase again this year. Keeping the destination fresh and top-of-mind is the key to success - and the marketing and public relations campaigns keep the messaging about the Wildwoods fresh year after year. 

New Crest Arts Pavilion to host art competition exhibition on Friday, May 24th

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Borough of Wildwood Crest's new Crest Arts Pavilion is set to host an exhibition displaying all of the entries to the Wildwood Crest Creative Arts Council's art competition on Friday, March 24 at 6 pm.

The first event in the Crest Arts Pavilion will serve as a "soft opening" for the facility, which is located at 6301 Ocean Avenue (at Wisteria Road). An official grand opening ceremony for the facility will be announced at a later date.

The art competition, which began in late January, encouraged artists of any age and skill level to show what they love best about Cape May County's architecture from the past, present or future. Winners will be announced at the exhibition. Judging will be done by volunteers from the public.

Light refreshments will be served.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend this free event. Pre-registration is not necessary.

For more information, send email to cac@wildwoodcrest.org or call the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department at 609-523-0202.

Wildwood Crest Spring Beach Sweep, paper shredding event set for Saturday, April 1st

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Wildwood Crest Department of Public Works, in conjunction with Clean Ocean Action/NJ Clean Communities, will host a Beach Sweep event on Saturday, April 1 from 9 am to 12:30 pm, staged from Centennial Park.

The Wildwood Crest Department of Public Works will also offer a paper shredding service at the Beach Sweep. An industrial-sized paper shredder will be available for borough residents at Centennial Park from 9 am to 12 pm. A current Wildwood Crest recycling permit is required to use the paper shredder.

The Beach Sweep event will be held rain or shine and will adhere to all the current state and local CDC guidelines with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteers must register in advance and will be required to sign a waiver and agree to follow all safety guidelines. Please follow the link below to register:

http://cleanoceanaction.org/aboutbeachsweeps

Volunteers of all ages are needed for the Beach Sweep. Participants collect, remove and record valuable data about debris, which is presented in annual reports and used to advance federal, state and local programs to reduce litter on New Jersey beaches and waterways.

Registered volunteers should check in at Centennial Park, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue, on the day of the event. Volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing and are asked to bring their own gloves, water, hand sanitizer and snacks. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own buckets to reduce plastic bag use.

Participants who are members of the Wildwood Crest Adopt-A-Beach program will receive credit for one clean.

This Beach Sweep will be extremely helpful to the borough's already intensive efforts to keep its vast expanse of beaches clean.

For further information about the Beach Sweep or the paper shredding service, contact the Wildwood Crest Department of Public Works at 609-522-7446 or via email at sshearer@wildwoodcrest.org.

Ssshh! We won't tell the boss when you take a relaxing "hush trip" to the Wildwoods...

Vacation under the radar while still clocking in online - a new "working vacation" phenomenon known as a "hush trip"

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - With spring right around the corner and working remotely a more common option for many, the Wildwoods offer the perfect opportunity for visitors to vacation under the radar while still clocking in online - a new "working vacation" phenomenon known as a "hush trip."

Hush trips are becoming increasingly popular as people who work remotely seek a change of scenery for their workspace. Traveling to the New Jersey shore has always been a staple of summer vacations, but with the popularity of remotely working, it is easier and more inviting than ever for people to take discrete "hush trips" to the Wildwoods and bring their work along.

"Many individuals now have the ability to bring their work wherever they go; and with FREE Wi-Fi available at many hotels/motels, our beautiful shore destination serves as the perfect location to get your work done while enjoying a Wildwoods vacation," said Ben Rose, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA).

Easily convert the beach, your room or rental home into an office with the ocean or boardwalk nearby. The Wildwoods offer over 11,000 lodging accommodations, including 8,000 hotel and motel rooms and over 3,000 vacation rentals, most with free Wi-Fi.

The fun Doo Wop style in the Wildwoods also creates a great backdrop - and there's no shortage of cool, mid-century themed hotels/motels, banks, convenience stores and other area businesses that have embraced the architectural style of the 1950's and 1960's known as "Doo Wop" - throughout the five-mile island.

Plastic palm trees tower over kidney-shaped pools, jutted roof angles and wrought iron balconies, and whimsical names and flamboyant themes give these similarly styled buildings individual character. Vivid imagery and vibrant aqua, oranges and pinks bombard the eye of the motoring public, as bright neon signs beckon to travelers, each blatantly attempting to outdo their neighbor.

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority announces record-breaking 2022 tourism season

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The 2022 summer tourism season has come and gone in the Wildwoods, and the resort destination experienced better than expected results. 

Fast Facts - The Wildwoods Tourism Revenue posts record gains:

1. The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) reported that tourism revenue in the key categories of lodging and prepared food & beverage was 24 percent higher in 2022 than the 5-year average tourism revenues. The 2020 season numbers were not used in this comparison.

2. Visitor spending in the key categories of lodging and food & beverage grew better than 9 percent in 2022 over 2021, which was previously a record year for tourism in the Wildwoods.

3. Tourism revenue growth has averaged 11 percent from 2017 to 2022. In 2018 tourism revenue grew by 3 percent over 2017; in 2019 it grew by 9 percent over 2018; and 2021 revenue grew by 22 percent over 2019.

Throughout 2022, the launch of the new marketing and public relations campaign themed "Love Those Wildwood Days," as well as increased positive awareness, hundreds of free events and festivals, award-winning free beaches, and spectacular weather contributed directly to $9.994 million in tourism tax revenue generated in the Wildwoods in 2022 - a 38 percent increase over the past five-year average for both the 2 percent Tourism Tax and the 1.85 percent Tourism Assessment Tax combined. 

The growth represents a one million dollar increase over the Wildwoods' 2021 performance, which was a record $8.9 million.

"The Wildwoods continue to perform well above industry benchmarks for tourism growth each year by developing strategic marketing and public relations initiatives aimed at communicating the major attributes that have made the Wildwoods a truly unique family vacation destination," said John Siciliano, executive director/CFO of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA).

The Wildwoods and romance go hand in hand

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - When it comes to love and romance, those Wildwood days and nights are filled with options for you and your partner to enjoy a memorable getaway for two.

Days in the Wildwoods start with a breathtaking ocean sunrise. Book a room or rental home overlooking the ocean, boardwalk or the bays and wake up to a brilliant morning at the Jersey Shore with your loved one. The Wildwoods offer over 11,000 lodging accommodations, including 8,000 hotel and motel rooms and over 3,000 vacation rentals.

Couples' "Beach Therapy" awaits after sunrise along five miles of FREE beaches covered in soft, white sand, known as sugar sand, offering plenty of room for you and your partner to take a romantic stroll along the water's edge and/or stretch out and relax in the summer sun. If staying together in the Wildwoods means playing together, there are plenty of summer beach activities to enjoy as a couple like surfing, boogie boarding, boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding and kayaking in the crisp, clean ocean waters.

There is so much to do as a couple in the Wildwoods while enjoying a safe and memorable romantic getaway; or just do nothing at all. For the fun- and thrill-seeking pair, the Wildwoods offer days and nights full of fun and celebration for couples to enjoy. A true slice of Americana, with 38 blocks of exciting boardwalk attractions, including three action-packed amusement piers, three wet 'n wild water parks, shops, arcades, games and eateries along with FREE beachs and more than 160 spectacular events and festivals held annually, the Wildwoods are a great destination to test the limits of your relationship's adventurous side!

For the more low-key couple, there are plenty of ways to spend quiet, intimate time in the Wildwoods. Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk and downtown fun are serene and scenic escapes - perfect for those who enjoy the softer, more serene and romantic surroundings of nature's bounty and beauty.

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, an 18th century landmark that's open to the public to experience the fascinating history of the Wildwoods' maritime past, is surrounded by beautiful grounds and scenery right up to the seawall at Hereford Inlet as you take in the ocean air and the beautiful English Gardens.

Sunset Lake is another scenic and serene destination in the Wildwoods. Tucked away on the bayside of Wildwood Crest, this area of water is named for its beautiful sunsets. Before or after an intimate dinner for two, head here together to catch the spectacular show that nature performs as the sun sets over the lake.

If you and your partner prefer pedal power, no town seems to do biking better than the Wildwoods. The Wildwoods have coined the word "Bikeability" to capture all of the amazing biking opportunities throughout the destination. You can even rend a tandem bike and pedal together!

Love is in the air at the Wildwoods Convention Center during the 13th Annual Wildwoods Spring Wedding Expo - Sunday, March 19th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Planning your perfect wedding starts with planning to attend the 13th Annual Wildwoods Spring Wedding Expo in the Oceanfront Arena at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Sunday, March 19, from noon - 4 pm.

Before you take a walk down that aisle, enjoy perusing the aisles at the Wildwoods Spring Wedding Expo, the largest free bridal event in Southern New Jersey, and see the latest wedding trends, concepts and resources all in one place. 

Meet with representatives from area wedding venues; florists, bakeries, caterers, salons, spas, transportation companies, honeymoon destinations, DJ's, photographers, videographers, bachelor/bachelorette party services, the latest bridal fashions and formal wear, and much more. 

Take away ideas you'll want to incorporate into your wedding and names or vendors that will help make your dream wedding a reality.

The highlight of the day will be an elegant Bridal Fashion Show presented by David's Bridal, featuring the season's latest styles and trends.

Admission to the Spring Wedding Expo is FREE!

To pre-register or for additional information, visit WildwoodsWedding.com. To be a vendor at the bridal expo, please contact the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce at 609-729-4000.

The 13th Annual Spring Wedding Expo is presented by the Wildwoods Convention Center and the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors include Ken Schaffer Entertainment, 99 Reasons, David's Bridal, Cape May Star and Wave, Cape May Aerial Advertising, Sunset Flower Farm, Deauville Inn, Alliance Video Productions and the Atlantic City Country Club.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 609-729-9000.

Wildwood High School launches new food truck initiative within culinary arts program

The new "Warrior Wagon has arrived at Wildwood High School as the program continues to lead innovation in secondary Culinary Arts

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - Thanks to a generous donation from The Gallagher Family Memorial Foundation, Wildwood High School’s new food truck, the “Warrior Wagon”, will elevate the school’s thriving culinary arts program.

The culinary arts program grew out of its original truck, a 1973 Ford Grumman with a manual transmission that was transformed into the school’s first food truck in 2019. According to the district, at that time Wildwood was the only school in the nation operating a food truck program as a culinary opportunity for its students to gain real world experience.

The new and larger “Warrior Wagon” will allow more students to staff and cook on the truck at one time. students also will accompany program coordinator, Chef Stephen Serano to festivals throughout the state for real-life experience operating a mobile restaurant.

Chef Serano helped to design the bid specifications to ensure that the equipment on board would align with the needs of the curriculum. “Our students are already learning the skills they need to be competitive in the hospitality industry, whether they choose to work during college or pursue a career in the restaurant industry,” said Serano. “The food truck is an opportunity to amplify their postsecondary experience and success."

Wildwood High School Principal Philip Schaffer, who was often sighted working on the original Warrior Wagon at football games, shared his excitement for the new addition. “I really feel that this exemplifies how we operate in Wildwood. Everyone is constantly looking for unique and engaging ways to educate our students, and the possibilities are endless with the new Warrior Wagon.”

Third year culinary student and senior Joseph Mormile shared, “I’ve worked on the truck for events the last couple of years and it was a lot of fun. We definitely needed an upgrade, so I think this shows what our school is doing,” said Mormile, who also gave a shout out to Chef Serano. “Chef is the best, and has helped us to get our ServSafe certifications, in addition to all of the experiences that will set us up for our future!”

The new Warrior Wagon will also benefit Wildwood High School’s sending districts. Wildwood High School senior Reagan Kobierowski enthused, “How many other high schools have a food truck? I can’t wait till we bring it to Crest Memorial and show the students how awesome our school is! I graduated eighth grade there and I remember kids that graduated before me visiting and teaching a cooking lesson to us. I just remember thinking how cool it was, and I’m excited to be a part of the program and share the opportunities that warriors have.”

According to Chef Serano the new “Warrior Wagon’s” first trips will be to Wildwood elementary school then visit the high school’s two sending districts. In the past, alumni from those schools who attend Wildwood High School worked on the truck as they served the eighth graders.

“We also look forward to participating in community and business events on the island,” said Serano. “And of course we’ll be the proud main vendor at local Wildwood Warrior football games!”

The Wildwoods - an award-winning year-round mecca for youth sports events

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods are an award-winning mecca for youth sporting events, with the Wildwoods Convention Center hosting numerous year-round events, turning the shore town into a hub for youth sports activity. With thousands of accommodations and a fully equipped beachfront Convention Center, the Wildwoods have proven to be a town that's fully committed to, and experienced at, hosting youth sporting events.

Youth sports competitions, which grow in diversity and number year after year, take place at the Wildwoods Convention Center year-round and on the destination's expansive beaches. In 2002, six youth sporting events took place in the Wildwoods, with a total attendance of 16,411. That number has grown to 19 youth sports events in 2022, with a total attendance of 47,392 people. Since 2002, the Wildwoods have had over 300 group bookings for youth sports-related events with over 800,000 athletes. Their economic impact has contributed to the Wildwoods' ability to become a year-round destination.

These events - ranging from beach soccer and Frisbee tournaments; to cheerleading competitions and basketball tournaments; to beach marble tournaments and international kite festivals; to baseball on the beach and national wrestling championships - bring a significant amount of economic revenue to the five-mile island. For years, youth sporting events in the Wildwoods have grown in popularity, with indoor and outdoor events attracting crowds from all over the tri-state area and beyond.

"Youth sporting events thrive at our unique seaside venue, partly due to the fun and excitement of our world famous Boardwalk and award-winning beaches," said John Siciliano, Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director. "Everyone, from the Convention Center staff to the city's Public Works Department, offers unprecedented support and assistance in helping to make every event a success."

The Wildwoods' five miles of beautiful white sand beaches are often ranked among the best beaches in the country and are also the largest beaches on the entire East Coast, making them the perfect setting for large, outdoor sporting events. Whether it's surfing, boogie board or swimming competitions, beach soccer tournaments, field hockey and lacrosse tournaments, Ultimate Frisbee championships, baseball on the beach tournaments, volleyball or track and field competitions - if you can imagine it, the Wildwoods can host it. Add to that, bleacher seating for over 3,000 for spectators, and the Wildwoods' enormous beaches are the perfect outdoor venue for any sporting events. 

The Wildwoods Convention Center is a modern, multi-purpose facility equipped with exhibit, ballroom, meeting and pre-function space. Located on the world famous Wildwoods Boardwalk directly overlooking the beach and ocean, this unique, state-of-the-art, 260,000-square-foot facility offers one of the most spacious, flexible, innovative and inviting venues available for sporting events, conventions, trade shows, meetings, concerts and exhibits. Located within a day's drive of one-third of America's population, it can accommodate groups as small as 100 or as large as 10,000. 

Right outside the doors of Convention Center is 38 blocks of Boardwalk excitement with retail shops, arcades, carnival games, over 300 eateries, plus three amusement piers with over 100 rides and attractions and three beachfront water parks. 

Discover or rediscover the perfect shore getaway vacation in the Wildwoods, NJ

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - If you haven't visited the Wildwoods in a while, or have never visited, you need to experience for yourself all the new and exciting things happening here. The Wildwoods of today are nothing like the Wildwoods of yesterday. See for yourself why the Wildwoods are one of the fastest-growing vacation destinations at the Jersey Shore.

Home to wide and spacious FREE beaches, visitors can spread out and enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating day on five miles of clean, white-sand beaches. There is so much to do while enjoying a safe and memorable vacation experience in the Wildwoods. 

The world famous Wildwoods Boardwalk is 38 blocks of outdoor fun and thrills with over 100 amusement rides and attractions, three beachfront water parks, shopping, carnival games of chance and arcades, plus hundreds of eateries offering one-of-a-kind dining experiences, from fresh seafood caught daily to the traditional boardwalk fare and everything in between. 

Everything you could ever want in a much-needed vacation getaway is in the Wildwoods!

The Wildwoods have over 11,000 room accommodations - including 8,000 hotel and motel rooms, and over 3,000 vacation rentals - so there's plenty of options for everyone's budget or taste. Mid-century-themed hotels/motels, as well as other businesses, are prevalent throughout the five-mile island, giving the Wildwoods its unique flare.

These hotels reflect their original predecessor buildings from the 1950's and 60's in architecture, decor and color - an architectural style known as "Doo Wop." Plastic palm trees tower over kidney-shaped pools, jutted roof angles, and wrought-iron balconies; and whimsical names and flamboyant themes give these similarly-styled buildings individual character. Vivid imagery and vibrant aquas, oranges and pinks dazzle the eye of the motoring public, as bright neon signs beckon to travelers, each blatantly attempting to outdo their neighbor.

The motels and their ample parking reflect the burgeoning era of automotive travel of the 1950's and 1960's. The designs and architectural features pay tribute to the post-war pop culture and continue to memorialize the bold spirit of a newly-restless society back then, while motel names conjure up tropical paradises and other exotic destinations.

Stretching for five miles across North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, the Wildwoods' spacious beaches are clean and free for visitors to enjoy. The beaches are the ideal location to clear the mind, escape the chaos, and enjoy the calming effects of "Beach Therapy." Beach goers have the option of choosing to enjoy a relaxing day in the sun, or a more adventurous day of activities on the water, such as surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, power boating, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking and whale watching. 

Barefoot Country Music Fest announces full 2023 lineup

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest is proud to unveil the full lineup of the highly anticipated Barefoot Country Music Fest!

BCMF 2023 will feature 40+ of country's hottest artists across five unique stages on the shores of Wildwood. Major headliners appearing on the Miller Lite Main Stage include: Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi.

In addition to these headlining artists, the Miller Lite Main Stage will be home to: Michael Ray, Riley Green, Lady A, Parker McCollum, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee, Lainey Wilson, Cheat Codes, Shane Profitt, John Eddie, Maddie & Tae, The Cadillac Three, Neon Union, Gillian Smith and Channing Wilson.

The Jim Beam Stage will host: Drew Green, The Davisson Brothers Band, John Eddie, Rome and Duddy, Ben Chapman, Battle of the Bands national winner and more.

The Barefoot Country Music Fest is set to take place June 15-18, 2023.

More stages and artists to be released featuring songwriters, up-and-coming artists, surprise and delight pop-up shows, local emerging talent and the winner from the National ReverbNation BCMF Battle of the Bands.

BCMF's Inaugural Thursday Kick-Off Concert Sale ends Friday, March 3. That is the last day to get the Planet Fitness Thursday Night Kick-Off Concert included in your weekend fest ticket purchase.

Visit www.BCMF.com to get your tickets now!

For more information on the artists and full lineup, visit www.barefootcountrymusicfest.com/lineup.

For accommodations and area information about Wildwood, NJ, visit www.wildwoodsnj.com.

About BCMF:

Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF), the Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Wildwood, NJ, between the famous Morey's Piers on the beach. BCMF is host to the industry's biggest stars with 40+ artists slated for June 15-18, 2023, bringing a unique blend of today's country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers and local favorites. With the combination of country music and scenic Wildwood backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.