Wildwood Crest traffic lights fully functional during presidential visit

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Borough of Wildwood Crest Police Department has announced that all traffic lights in the borough will be activated and will operate on their full cycles from Monday morning, January 27 through Wednesday morning, January 29, due to the potential significant increase in traffic volume surrounding the scheduled visit to the island by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, January 28.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should make note of this change in traffic procedures during the time period mentioned above.

For further information, contact the Wildwood Crest Police Department at 609-522-2456.

Wildwood Police: Preparations well underway for President Trump's visit

PRESS RELEASE

Preparations are well underway for President Trump's visit to the Wildwoods Convention Center on Tuesday, January 28.

In making these preparations, the goal of the Wildwood Police Department is to ensure the safety of those in attendance while allowing visitors to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech and peaceful assembly.

Over the past several days, our department has received numerous calls and messages requesting information pertaining to assembly locations and times, parking, prohibited items, and other general information. With a meeting concerning this event schedule for Wednesday, we expect to be able to provide answers to these questions and more by Wednesday morning.

For the most up-to-date information related to President Trump's visit to Wildwood, and for updates and/or alerts during the event itself, follow the Wildwood Police Department on social media:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/wildwoodpolice

Twitter - @WildwoodPD

Instagram - @Wildwood_PD

In addition to social media, information will be shared through the Nixle alert system both prior to and during the event. Nixle provides text and email alerts from the Wildwood Police Department, giving residents and visitors up-to-the-minute updates pertaining to President Trump's visit in the palm of their hand.

To sign up to receive Nixle alerts from the Wildwood Police Department, simply text "WPD3" to 888777.

There is no cost to sign up and you can cancel at any time.

NEW ~ Morey's Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament set for Saturday, August 15th

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwoods, NJ - New for 2020, Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ is proud to host the inaugural Morey's Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament on August 15.

The brand-new event is open to males and females, ages 7 to adult, with divisions based on age and weight. The various divisions include: male, female, rookie (male & female), men's open division (18 & over), and women's open division (19 & over). 

Weigh-ins will take place on Friday, August 14 from 4 - 6 pm and on Saturday, August 15 from 7:30 - 8:30 am. All matches will take place on Saturday.

The registration fee is $55.00 + (tax & fees) if registered by April 30 and $70.00 + (tax & fees) beginning May 1.

Each registration will include a two-day admission to Morey's Piers' three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks, with a portion of the proceeds going towards youth programs and charities. Exclusive ticket offers will also be available for friends and family members of each registered wrestler.

"We are excited to add beach wrestling to our great lineup of beach sports tournaments this summer," said Mark Scarpa, beach sports manager for Morey's Piers. "Our large beaches and amazing venues add value to participants and spectators."

All matches will take place in 16' diameter rings located just steps away from Morey's PigDog Beach Bar + BQ. 

The tournament will follow the United World Wrestling Rules & Regulations for the discipline of Beach Wrestling.

For more details, visit: www.moreysmaniabeachwrestling.com/page/show/5488529-rules.

"The simplicity and fun of beach wrestling makes it very attractive to larger audiences," said Ronald Nichols, tournament director. "And we're excited to be partnering with Morey's Piers because beach events tend to draw walk-up crowds, and this only helps to expand the reach of the sport."

There will be complete brackets and awards.

For more information about the tournament or to register, visit www.moreysmaniabeachwrestling.com/home or email the tournament director at moreysmaniabeachwrestling@gmail.com.

About Morey's Piers

Morey’s Piers, located on the boardwalk in the Wildwoods, New Jersey is a classic seaside amusement park, family owned and operated since 1969. Recognized as 2019 Park of the Year by Amusement Today and #1 Best Beach Boardwalk by Family Vacation Critic Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions spanning over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks. Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey’s Piers along with Morey Hotels & Resorts combines the pure joy of an amusement park, the sights and sounds of a classic boardwalk, outstanding accommodations, together with the rhythm of beach life. Visit them at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Landing Pier, featuring Raging Waters Water Park at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com or phone (609) 522-3900 or like us on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and YouTube.

Blake Shelton announced as second headliner of Barefoot Country Music Fest

Blake Shelton will join Carrie Underwood as a headliner of the inaugural Barefoot Country Music Fest, it was announced this morning.

The three-day event will take over the Wildwood Beach at Lincoln Avenue from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21.

Tickets can be purchased now at www.bcmfest.com, with payment plans available.

Shelton, a five-time CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and eight-time Grammy Award nominee, has charted 40 singles, including 26 number one hits.

More details to follow...

List of Businesses OPEN for President Trump Rally - Tuesday, January 28th

President Donald Trump's visit for a rally at the Wildwoods Convention Center on January 28 has the island buzzing!

With big, unprecedented crowds expected for what would otherwise be a quiet, mid-winter Tuesday, many businesses have decided to open their doors. Other year round restaurants and stores will have extended hours to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors.

The following is a running list of businesses that will be open on Tuesday, January 28 (and surrounding dates, with hours and specials noted where possible). The list is not meant to be exhaustive, but we will do our best to keep it up-to-date as the big day approaches.

To pass along additional business openings, email us at wildwood365@gmail.com.

Alfe’s Restaurant

3401 New Jersey Avenue  - 609-729-5755

Extended evening hours on Monday and Tuesday, open until 2 am

Alumni Grill
3316 Pacific Avenue - 609-523-1111
Open year round

American Legion Post 184
4200 Atlantic Avenue - 609-522-3613
Open during President Trump's rally for members and guests

Anglesea Pub

116 W. 1st Avenue  - 609-729-1133

Open year round

Bannon’s Ocean Cafe

333 E. Montgomery Avenue  - 609-846-7716

Open Saturday through Tuesday during the Trump rally; on Tuesday, limited breakfast menu in morning and afternoon; serving Ribeye’s menu items at night

Blue Water Grille (at Bolero Resort)

3320 Atlantic Avenue  - 609-522-0303

Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Burke & Payne Barber Co.
2305 New Jersey Avenue - 267-549-6696
Open for business and taking appointments for Monday, January 27 from 11 am to 7 pm

Cattle ‘n Clover

3817 Pacific Avenue - 609-522-388
Open Friday to Tuesday (all five days)

The Deck at Holly Beach

3401 Pacific Avenue  - 609-522-6100

Open for lunch and dinner; entertainment and specials TBA

Dogtooth Bar & Grill

100 E. Taylor Avenue  - 609-522-8383

Open year round

Duffinetti’s Restaurant & Lounge

4600 Pacific Avenue  - 609-522-0002

Open Sunday and Monday at 4 pm, and Tuesday at 11 am; reservations highly recommended; boxed lunches will be available Tuesday beginning at 6 am

Firehouse Tavern
3116 Park Boulevard - 609-729-9487
Open year round

Fitzpatrick’s Crest Tavern

9600 Pacific Avenue  - 609-522-1200

Open year round

Gateway 26

2512 Boardwalk - 609-523-2600
Open Saturday through Tuesday; hours TBA

The Inlet on Olde
101 E. Walnut Avenue - 609-600-2799
Open 7 days a week at 11 am

Joey M’s La Piazza Cucina

3813 Pacific Avenue  - 609-522-8300

Open Friday & Saturday and Monday & Tuesday

Key West Cafe

4701 Pacific Avenue  - 609-522-5006

Open for breakfast and lunch

Laura’s Fudge

357 E. Wildwood Avenue  - 609-729-1555

Open year round; call for hours

MS Brown Jewelers
3304 Pacific Avenue - 609-522-7604
Open year round

MudHen Brewing Company
127 W. Rio Grande Avenue - 609-846-7918
Open year round

Mulligan’s Shore Bar & Grill

310 W. Hildreth Avenue  - 609-522-4883

Open Friday through Tuesday with limited menu

North Wildwood Shirt Shop
1707 New Jersey Avenue - 609-729-2113
Open year round

Old City Pub
3301 Atlantic Avenue - 609-846-1110
Open all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 8 am; entertainment by Animal House Band

Owen's Pub
119 E. 17th Avenue - 609-729-7290
Open year round

Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza & Kitchen

4709 New Jersey Avenue  - 609-600-3964

Open year round

PrimoHoagies, North Wildwood
1209 New Jersey Avenue - 609-522-1300
Open for the weekend, as well as Monday & Tuesday

Rapunzel’s

2202 Boardwalk - 609-854-4511

Open Saturday through Tuesday; hours TBA

Retro Arcade & Fascination
2900 Boardwalk
Open Saturday through Tuesday

Shamrock Cafe

3700 Pacific Avenue  - 609-522-7552

Open year round

Spill the Wine
4100 Atlantic Avenue - 609-551-2190
Open Monday & Tuesday

Sun'z Up Cafe
6708 New Jersey Avenue - 609-522-0106
Open year round for breakfast from 7 am to 1 pm

Vegas Diner
1307 New Jersey Avenue - 609-729-5511
Open every day starting Friday, January 17, serving breakfast and lunch from 8 am to 2 pm

Wild Ocean Surf Shop
5011 Ocean Avenue - 609-729-0004
Open year round

Zippy's Bikes
3900 Pacific Avenue - 609-408-8956
Open year round

Minimum wage increase causes Wildwoods Boardwalk Tram Car fare increase in 2020

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwoods Boardwalk, NJ — The non-profit organization that has owned, restored and operated the Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars since 2004, announced today that the increase in the State Minimum Wage has forced them to implement a Fare Increase for the Tram Cars in 2020.

The Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, Management Corporation (WSID), which was formed by property owners on the Wildwoods Boardwalk to provide services above and beyond those offered by the local governing bodies, announced that the one-way fare will increase from $3.50 to $4.00. 

Discounted tickets will still be offered at various locations around the Boardwalk as well as online.

“Like many small businesses along the Jersey Shore, the Tram Cars rely on a large number of foreign exchange students, senior citizens and young people to operate our business during an extraordinarily short and volatile season. For decades the State of New Jersey recognized the special conditions of seasonal, farm and amusement businesses and provided exemptions from certain wage and hour laws for those specific businesses. 

"Unfortunately, other than extending the period of time until it reaches $15.00, the most recent increases to the minimum wage did not include any special exemptions for seasonal and amusement businesses. Due to the dramatic increases in the minimum wage over the next several years, many small businesses along the Jersey Shore will be forced to make difficult decisions. 

"The Tram Cars are no exception and in order to continue to provide safe, reliable service to our visitors, while meeting the financial demands imposed by the new minimum wage, we have no choice at this time but to increase the Fare. We look forward to continuing to welcoming millions of visitors to the Wildwoods Boardwalk and to providing Tram Car service in the same manner that has been provided uninterrupted since 1949.”

Gateway 26 opens 2020 season this weekend, winter bonus specials in play

Summer is a long ways off, but it might feel a little closer this weekend.

After a brief hiatus, Gateway 26 Casino Arcade (2600 Boardwalk) reopens on Saturday, coinciding with one of the biggest events of the winter - the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge.

New winter bonus specials are in effect, with guests receiving 25 percent in extra bonus play with a player's card recharge of $50.

Card recharges of $10, $20 or $30 will receive 15 percent extra in free bonus play.

Opening Weekend hours are as follows:

Saturday, January 11 - 11 am to 7 pm

Sunday, January 12 - 12 pm to 4 pm

For more information and updates, visit www.gateway26.com and follow Gateway 26 on Facebook.

Carrie Underwood announced as headliner of Barefoot Country Music Fest

The promoters of the inaugural Barefoot Country Music Fest have promised star power, and it looks like that's exactly what the Wildwoods are going to get!

This morning, seven-time Grammy award winner Carrie Underwood was announced as the first headliner for the three day festival, which will be held Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, on the beach at Lincoln Avenue.

One of the biggest names in entertainment, Underwood has sold over 64 million records worldwide and recorded 26 No. 1 hits.

More announcements will be coming in the weeks ahead, with a previous release stating that the event will host "over 30 of country music's biggest stars and up-and-comers on multiple stages on the beach."

Early Bird tickets go on sale this Friday, January 10, at 8 am.

For more information, visit www.BarefootCountryMusicFest.com.

President Trump to visit Wildwood on January 28

As noted by the Press of Atlantic City, President Donald Trump will hold a rally at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Tuesday, January 28 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are free and can be reserved through the president's website.

There is a two-ticket, per-person limit, with availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Post 184 Bingo to return Wednesday, January 8th; kitchen to stay open for 2020

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD, NJ - For over 50 years, bingo has been played at American Legion Post 184, and 2020 will be no different.

Wednesday, January 8 kicks off the first bingo game of the season, with doors opening at 5:30 pm. Entry costs just $2 and boards vary from $1 to $5 each.

This year, bingo will be held throughout the entire year, with a few closures for holidays only.

Last June, Post 184 reopened its kitchen for Wednesday night bingo games. The kitchen served different meals each week with multiple combination platters available and freshly baked desserts. Players were happy to see the kitchen return, and Post 184 is expecting it to be a big hit in 2020.

Over $4,000 was made in 2019, with those funds going directly to the building fund. The fund is responsible for costly repairs needed to Post 184 and has been a focus of fundraising since last year.

In 2020, Post 184 has set a goal to reach $10,000 in proceeds from the kitchen to again benefit the building fund.

Weekly menus for the kitchen along with notices of closures or themed events can be found on Post 184's website or Facebook page.

On Deck: Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge

The 2020 Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, set for this Saturday, January 11 on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center, will look to eclipse all previous records.

Last year, nearly 1,000 participants braved the bone-chilling waters of the Atlantic, helping raise over $320,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics NJ.

That figure brought the 13-year total raised by the event to over $3.2 million!

With less than a week to go before the event, over $200,000 has been raised toward a total goal of $400,000. Funds support training and competition for more than 25,000 athletes of SONJ.

Registration begins at the Wildwoods Convention Center at 10 am. The Plunge is set for 1 pm.

The event is free to spectators.

For additional information, call 609-896-8000 or visit www.NJPolarPlunge.org.

Post 184 raises $10,000 for building fund in 2019 from events, fundraisers

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD, NJ - American Legion Post 184 is ringing in the new year announcing their success of new events and fundraisers held in 2019. The Post raised over $10,000 from initiatives that started in June 2019 and is looking forward to continuing the efforts in 2020.

Although $10,000 is just a small portion of funds needed for building repairs, every little bit helps. Post 184 is housed in a building over 80 years old. Through the years the Post has taken a beating, and simple repair jobs are no longer enough. The building needs numerous repairs that will total over $100,000. Although the building is in a safe, working condition, repairs need to be made to prevent future issues.

In 2019, Post 184 held new events to act as fundraisers and provide entertainment to the Wildwood community. Comedy Nights were hosted every other Thursday and featured regional comedians. A Wildwood Summer Benefit Dinner was held in July and brought in close to $5,000 in donations. In September, the Legion Riders hosted their first ever Pig Roast on the lawn during Bike Week, and donated their proceeds to the building fund as well.

Last month the Post kicked off their annual Christmas Cash 50/50 with a ticket increase from $1 to $5 or five tickets for $20. This change in ticket price earned the Post a few hundred dollars over last year’s revenue, totaling about $1,700 in funds.

Thanks to the constant use of press releases and the generous local publications for writing editorials, Post 184 received donations from around the area directed towards the building fund. This included a $1,000 donation from each American Legion Post 1597 and the Sons of the American Legion Post 1597 in Crontonville (Ossining), New York. The checks were presented by Rich Garrett to Sr Vice Commander Donnie McNeill during the summer (photo).

“We are proud of the work done at Post 184 and have specific people to thank for that,” said Commander Harry Weimar. “We will continue working as a team in 2020 with events and fundraisers. Post 184 is still very far away from our needs for our building, but we are getting there.”

For 2020, Post 184 plans on hosting a benefit dinner, a hoagie sale, dance parties, monthly raffles in the Canteen, and other themed summertime events. Fundraising initiatives will be announced in April. Also in 2020, Post 184 will host a membership drive to attract new, active members.

More information on Post 184 can be found online at legion184.org.

Wildwood Crest 2020 Beach Box rental program information

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Borough of Wildwood Crest will offer a beach box rental program for its residents and visitors again for the summer of 2020.

Beginning this year, the program will run through the Borough of Wildwood Crest Recreation Department.

The price of $400 for a summer rental of a Wildwood Crest Beach Box will remain the same for 2020.

Wildwood Crest is currently developing a website page for the program and expects to have it up and running on or before February 1. The public will be able to access that website for informational purposes at that time.

Reservations for those who rented beach boxes in 2019 will be available beginning March 1, following the passage of a free ordinance for this purpose.

All 2019 beach box holders will have the exclusive opportunity to renew for 2020 by reserving and submitting full payment through the website from March 1 to March 14.

Beginning March 15, beach boxes will be made available to the general public on a first-come, first-serve basis. All previous beach box holders should reserve their box for 2020 prior to March 15.

Reservations for previous beach box holders will be made for the same location as in 2019 unless those reserving indicate otherwise.

For further information on the 2020 Wildwood Beach Box rental program, call the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department at 609-523-0202.

Country Music's Biggest Stars Scheduled to Appear at the Inaugural Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, NJ - June 19 to 21, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Wildwood Beach, NJ – Give your friends a holler and get ready for some fun in the sun 'cause country music's biggest stars are coming to the beautiful Wildwood, NJ beach! The inaugural Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF) will be held Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21 on the beach at Lincoln Avenue.

The three-day event will host over 30 of country music's biggest stars and up-and-comers on multiple stages on the beach. With the combination of country music and the scenic beach backdrop, this family-friendly festival is sure to attract thousands of new visitors of all ages.

BCMF artists will be announced on Tuesday, January 7 at a press conference held at Wildwood City Hall at 11 a.m., 4400 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260. 

Early bird tickets will be available to the public on Friday, January 10 at 8 a.m. EST.

BCMF is brought to you by Southern Entertainment, the producers of the award-winning Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the largest outdoor country music fest on the East Coast. BCMF is expected to be the Northeast’s largest outdoor country music festival, occupying a 27-acre playground on the beach.

“We're grateful for the opportunity to host BCMF in a beloved vacation destination like Wildwood and appreciate the tremendous cooperation and support of the current administration, Mayor Ernie Troiano and current Commissioner, and future Mayor, Pete Byron, for all they've done to make this incredible event a reality,” said Rob Pedlow of Southern Entertainment. “We look forward to developing a partnership with Mayor-elect Byron and this community that will last for years to come, in addition to a great event!”

“We're excited to bring the top talent like we have brought to CCMF to the Wildwoods,” said Bob Durkin, President of Carolina Country Music Fest. “We will bring our talent pool, experience and success to make Barefoot Country Music Fest a world class event.”

“The Barefoot Country Music Fest will be one of the most exciting events ever held in the Wildwoods, bringing thousands of new visitors to the Wildwoods at the very start of the summer tourism season. The economic impact on the Wildwoods and Cape May County should prove to be enormous, filling our hotels with overnight visitors, increasing restaurant covers and retail expenditures and generating increased revenue for all our attractions. We are excited that this great three-day festival will take place on our award-winning beach,” said John Siciliano, Executive Director/CFO of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority.

For more information about the festival, follow Facebook / Instagram @BarefootCountryMusicFest or go to barefootcountrymusicfest.com.

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

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About Southern Entertainment

Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company. Our unwavering commitment to excellence has led us to produce over 500 events across the United States including the Carolina Country Music Fest, Wild & Wonderful Country Music Fest, Gravedigger's Ball, Carolina Country Music Cruise, Greenville Country Music Fest and more. We specialize in planning, marketing and executing a wide range of concerts, festivals and other live music events with some of the music industry's biggest stars like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw, among many others.

About Barefoot Country Music Fest

Brought to you by the producers of Carolina Country Music Fest, Barefoot Country Music Fest, (BCMF), is poised to be the Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest, is located on the beaches of Wildwood, NJ, between the famous Morey's Piers on the beach. A unique blend of today's country headliners and up-and-comers, BCMF is host to the industry's biggest stars. With the combination of country music and the scenic Wildwood's backdrop, this family-friendly, three-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About the Wildwoods, NJ

The Wildwoods, NJ is the southern-most barrier island in New Jersey and has been recognized as the #1 family vacation destination at the Jersey Shore for decades. Our visitors enjoy 5 miles of clean, wide, free beaches, voted ‘Best Beaches in New Jersey’, an exciting 2.5 mile Boardwalk with 3 amusement piers with over 100 rides and attractions, 3 beachfront waterparks, shops, arcades, carnival games and more eateries than the Mall of America, and the most events, festivals and concerts at the Jersey Shore. And with over 8,000 hotel rooms and 3,000 vacation rentals to choose from plus great restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, it’s no wonder over 9 million visitors each year consider the Wildwoods the best family vacation value at the Jersey Shore.

Three-day country music festival coming to Wildwood next summer

A major, three-day country music festival is coming to Wildwood next summer, the city announced in a press release this morning.

The Barefoot Country Music Fest will be held Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, on the beach at Lincoln Avenue.

According to the release, “over 30 of country’s biggest stars and up-and-comers” will play on multiple stages over the weekend.

Performing artists will be announced on Tuesday, January 7 at a press conference at Wildwood City Hall.

Stay tuned for additional details...