North Wildwood's annual Fallen Hero Plunge set for Saturday, February 28th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Get freezin' for a reason during the 19th Annual Fallen Hero Plunge in North Wildwood on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

This year's event will take place at 10:45 am on the 15th Street Beach in North Wildwood. Take a dip in the water and celebrate a great cause at participating restaurants.

The Fallen Hero Plunge is dedicated to the memory of law enforcement heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. Proceeds from this event will benefit the families of these fallen heroes. 

Registration for the plunge is open and can be found at FallenHeroPlunge.com.

The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts winter cheerleading competitions in February and March

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THE WILDWOODS - Get ready for high-flying stunts, dazzling choreography and incredible displays of athleticism!

The Wildwoods Convention Center is thrilled to host an amazing lineup of athletic and talented cheerleaders from around the country competing in various championships during the months of February and March.

These events showcase the best regional cheer and dance, featuring talented young athletes performing complex stunts, intricate tumbling passes and highly entertaining routines synchronized to music and sound effects. Experience teamwork, precision, strength and spirit on full display as teams compete for top honors in a vibrant setting. 

The Wildwoods Convention Center provides a perfect oceanfront setting, offering stunning views and ample space to accommodate the athletes, coaches and large crowds of supportive fans. Whether a cheer enthusiast, a proud family member or just looking for a high-energy sporting event, these championships promise to be a thrilling experience for all spectators. 

The Wildwoods' Doo Wop Experience Museum nominated in USA Today's 2026 10Best Pop Culture Museum Reader's Choice Travel Awards Contest for fourth consecutive year

The Wildwoods offer the largest collection of mid-20th century architecture in the country

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THE WILDWOODS - The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority (GWTIDA) announces that the Wildwoods' Doo Wop Experience Museum is once again in the running for Best Pop Culture Museum in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. The museum's nomination marks the fourth consecutive year it has been included in the national contest.

Fans and supporters are encouraged to vote online for the neon-filled Doo Wop Experience Museum. Supporters can vote once a day, every day, until the voting period ends on Monday, February 9 at 11:59 am. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, February 18.

Vote for the Doo Wop Experience Museum: USA Today's 10Best Best Pop Culture Museum 2026

"The Doo Wop Experience Museum is the coolest retro-funky museum in the country, and it's an incredible honor to be recognized for the fourth year in a row," explained John Donio, President, Doo Wop Preservation League of the Wildwoods.

The Next Generation of Wrestling Elites heads to the Wildwoods for the Atlantic Coast Wrestling Association's Wildwood National Duals ~ January 29 to February 1

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THE WILDWOODS - The Atlantic Coast Wrestling Association will host the Wildwood National Duals at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday, January 30 through Sunday, February 1, 2026.

This three-day powerhouse event will feature over 1,500 elementary and middle school wrestlers, grades K through 8, in highly competitive dual meet matches. Teams from all over the country will compete in one of the most challenging dual tournaments on the East Coast.

The Wild Con Jersey Shore Comic Book Show returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ Saturday, January 17th

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THE WILDWOODS - Calling all Nerds, Geeks, Comic Book Fans, Pop Culture Aficionados and Cosplayers!

It's going to be WILD at the WILD-CON, returning to the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Jersey Shore Comic Book Show returns with new guests, artists, vendors and so much more to kick off the New Year and Con Season.

This year's event brings featured guests: actor Glenn Taranto, voice actor Travis Artz and actresses/producers Genoveva Rossi and Michelle Santiago. Artists appearing will be Jeff Brennan, Keith Williams, Joe DelBeato, Criss Madd, Bob Petrecca, Denny Fickle, Tom Schloendorn, and a surprise guest who will be making a comeback to the con scene.

Vendors will have comic books, trading cards, toys, crafts and much more - there's something for everyone!

The ultimate expo for fishing and boating enthusiasts returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ January 9-11, 2026

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THE WILDWOODS - Get hooked on all the excitement at the Fishing and Boating Expo in the Oceanfront Areana at the Wildwoods Convention Center from Friday, January 9 through Sunday, January 11, 2026. 

Presented by "The Fisherman Magazine," Rack & Fin Radio and MudHen Brewery, this year's event has expanded to over 80,000-sq-ft of indoor display and vendor area with 14 different boat dealers and 100 vendor booths.

The event features an expansive display of boats offering attendees more options to climb aboard, explore and purchase. Some of the types of boats on display will be center consoles, cabin cruisers, pontoons, skiffs, wave runners and more.

The expo will offer the latest "gotta have toys" available to view, demo and buy and feature a wide range of exciting new products, services and programs that fishermen and boaters want for the upcoming season. 

Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority wins New Jersey Tourism Excellence award for Marketing

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THE WILDWOODS - The Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) received a 2025 New Jersey Tourism Excellence Award from the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association (NJTIA) in the category of Marketing. The award is presented to the Wildwoods for its 2025 "Welcome to the Wildwoods" campaign.

The NJTIA Tourism Excellence Awards entries are judged by a panel comprised of university marketing professors from throughout the state of New Jersey. The NJTIA Excellence Award was presented to the Wildwoods at the Annual New Jersey Conference on Tourism Luncheon on Wednesday, December 10 at the Golden Nugget, Casino & Marina in Atlantic City, NJ.

The NJTIA Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate and honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to shape and elevate the state's tourism landscape. These awards recognize those who exemplify exceptional dedication, creativity and innovation in delivering memorable experiences that strengthen New Jersey's reputation as a premier destination. 

Experience the thrills and chills during the 20th Annual Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods on January 17, 2026

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THE WILDWOODS - Special Olympics New Jersey returns to the Wildwoods to kick off 2026 with a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean during the 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 pm on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Get ready for a beach day in January and dig out your bathing suit and join the fun!

The Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods is a FREE event for spectators to watch, but plungers pay donations at tiered levels. "Now I'm Ready Bear" plungers must raise a minimum of $110 by December 31, 2025. The "Better Late Than Never Bear" plungers must raise $120 minimum by January 16, 2026.

Early registration is available online by visiting www.PlungeWildwood.org. 

Additional registration for the "Almost Missed It Bear" plungers will be available on-site the day of the event for a minimum donation of $125.

All plungers are encouraged to dress up in costume, break out the plunge props, make banners and signs, and most importantly, have FUN! 

"Pinch the GrYnch" Boardwalk Run to benefit local children in need this Christmas in the Wildwoods ~ Saturday, December 13th

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THE WILDWOODS - Join the Lunch with Lynch Foundation and the Wildwood Police Department as they take on the GrYnch with their annual "Pinch the GrYnch" Boardwalk Run & Mile Walk, held on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

The race begins at 10 am in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center and will be rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the "Lynch Who Stole Christmas from the GrYnch" Toy, Coat and Food Card Drive. 

The Lunch with Lynch Foundation has brought the joy of Christmas morning to over 13,000 kids local to the Wildwoods community for the past 14 years. Now in its 15th year, this event is just one of the many to help raise money for gifts for local children in need.

The annual Boardwalk Basketball Classic tournament returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ December 23 & 26-31

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THE WILDWOODS - Enjoy a week filled with excitement and friendly team competition at one of the largest holiday coed high school basketball tournaments in the country. The annual Boardwalk Basketball Classic returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center on Tuesday, December 23, and Friday, December 26 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for seven days of non-stop action.

The tournament will feature an impressive lineup of high school boys and girls basketball teams from South Jersey, the Delaware Valley and beyond, totally approximately 1,000 competitors. 

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...

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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.