Olde Time Italian Festival ~ September 28 & 29

PRESS RELEASE

A heaping helping of Olde World Italy will be served with amore and plenty of white, red and green during the 14th Annual Olde Time Italian Festival - Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29.

Hosted by the Sons of Italy of Wildwood, this family fun event will take place in Fox Park, located on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues across from the Wildwoods Convention Center.

The FREE two-day festival celebrates Italian culture and heritage with Italian crafts, authentic Italian cuisine, games for the little ones, contests and continuous FREE live entertainment.

Take in the mouth-watering smells and tastes of an Olde World Italian Market plus Italian made goods, crafts and merchandise as vendors of all kinds fill Fox Park, including those selling Italian food favorites including pastas, sausages, chicken cutlets, clams & spaghetti, tiramisu, cannolis and more. A spaghetti eating contest will also take place.

The Olde Time Italian Festival kicks off on Friday, September 28 at 5 PM with the Procession of Saints Mass followed by a special presentation to Senator Jeff Van Drew at 6 PM. Spectacular live entertainment begins at 6:15 PM by the Star Band, Doo Wop Sensation Cadillac Chris, and Vito Piccone & The Elegants.

Saturday’s festivities will include live performances beginning at noon with Bill Catarini, Kenny Jeremiah & Bittersweet, Just in Time, Nosey Joey, The Aquanets, Mark Antonelli, Tre Bella, and The Brooklyn Bridge.

For additional information about the Olde Time Italian Festival call 609-729-7499 or visit www.SonsOfItalyWildwood.com.

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

Fireworks, live music, family entertainment highlight Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration - September 22nd

PRESS RELEASE
 

WILDWOOD CREST – Spectacular beachfront fireworks, a wide variety of terrific live music, enjoyable family entertainment and much more will highlight the FREE Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration scheduled for Saturday, September 22, from 9 AM to 9:30 PM.

The Seafarers Celebration begins at 9 AM with a massive street festival along the beautiful banks of Sunset Lake, located along New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road and Miami Avenue.

The event will feature scores of craft vendors, live music, delicious varieties of food and other FREE fun entertainment for the entire family.

Live music includes performances by the Legacy Band (dance and party favorites), Big Bleu (oldies, Motown, rock & pop) and the Star Band (Motown, Doo Wop, pop hits). (See below for the specific live music schedule.)

A performance by the Vahalla Pirates, magic shows, a live turtle exhibition, interactive games for children, roving street performers, children’s pie-eating contests, bounce houses, face painting and more also highlight Saturday’s Seafarers daytime activities lineup.

The daytime portion of the Seafarers Celebration at Sunset Lake concludes at 5 PM.

The action then moves to Centennial Park, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue. Big City, featuring everything from oldies, Motown and disco to ‘80s pop and R&B to modern dance and rock hits, will perform on the Centennial Park stage at 7:30 PM.

The annual Seafarers beachfront fireworks show will go off from the beach directly behind the Centennial Park stage at 9 PM to conclude the day’s activities.

For more information about the Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration, log on to wildwoodcrest.org or call 609-523-0202.

2018 SEAFARERS CELEBRATION LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

Sunset Lake – stage located at Miami and New Jersey avenues

10:30 AM  –  Star Band (oldies/pop/dance hits)
12:30 PM  –  Legacy Band (dance/party favorites)
2:30 PM  –  Big Bleu (Motown/oldies/pop/rock)

Centennial Park – Fern Road and Ocean Avenue

7:30 PM  –  Big City (Motown, oldies, pop, dance, modern rock)

Irish Fall Festival Information & Restrictions

PRESS RELEASE

The North Wildwood Police Department would like to remind guests attending the Irish Fall Festival of the following restrictions from Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23, 2018.

The public is reminded that "If You See Something, Say Something."

To report suspicious activity, contact the North Wildwood Police Department at 609-522-2411 or notify a police officer on post in the festival area.

If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Describe specifically what you observed, including: who or what you saw; when you saw it; where it occurred; and why it's suspicious.

Olde New Jersey Avenue from 2nd Avenue to Pine Avenue and surrounding side streets will be closed to for the duration of the event. Expect road closures and detours in the area. Please be aware of pedestrians crossing the street in and around the festival area.

• Backpacks and coolers are NOT permitted inside the festival area
• Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages into the festival site
• Open display of alcoholic beverages outside the festival area is prohibited
• Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on the buses and trolleys

Trolley and bus service (3rd & New Jersey Avenues) along with taxi service (4th & New Jersey Avenues) will be available to and from the festival area.

Free angle parking for the festival will be set up on Anglesea Drive.

Festival attendees using Uber/Lyft are being asked to request pickups outside of the festival area. Uber/Lyft drivers will not be permitted to enter the areas next to the bars on Olde New Jersey Avenue and the side streets that are barricaded off.

Firemen's Weekend Firework's display CANCELLED

Due to forecasted high winds both tonight and tomorrow night, the Firemen's Weekend Fireworks on the Beach show scheduled for tonight at 9 PM has been CANCELLED.

This was the final scheduled fireworks display from Pine Avenue Beach for the year.

Friday Night Fireworks will return in June 2019.

For additional info on this and other Boardwalk-related events, visit www.DOOWW.com.

Garden State Parkway's exact change lanes to be phased out

Say goodbye to exact change lanes along the Garden State Parkway.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority announced on Wednesday that coin lanes will be replaced with full service or E-ZPass lanes, with work slated to begin on September 24.

All lanes affected by the change are along the mainline barrier plazas, from Cape May north to the New York State border. South Jersey plazas affected include Cape May and Great Egg.

The NJTA noted that no changes will be made to entry and exit ramp tolls. The 23 tolls will retain their automatic coin machines. For those who do not have E-ZPass, exact change can still be used, but instead of throwing it into a basket, they will hand it to an employee.

According to the authority, coin machines are "nearing the end of their useful life and have become expensive and difficult to maintain."

A statement went on to explain that less than five percent of drivers used the coin machines in 2017, while nearly 83 percent of transactions were paid with E-ZPass.

Short-term closures are expected at some toll lanes will the changes are being implemented. Work is expected to take place within six weeks, with two plazas a week being completed.

Two different crews will work on the plazas, one working north while the other works south. Pascack Valley and Cape May will be worked on first, followed by Bergen and Great Egg, Essex and New Gretna, Union and Barnegat, Toms River and Raritan and finally, Asbury Park.

Decision to retire the Flitzer outlined in letter from Morey's Piers

Wildwood social media has been abuzz since yesterday afternoon, when Morey's Piers announced its decision to retire the popular Flitzer roller coaster (but not before honoring it with a farewell party on September 23).

This evening, in an open letter posted on its official website, the thought process behind the decision to remove the venerable coaster was explained.

You can read the entire message HERE. And please do!

A few thoughts from our end...

It's not surprising, given the age of the Flitzer (it was installed at Surfside Pier in 1983, but was built in 1969) that its operational lifespan has come to an end. Few rides of its size - or any other, really - make it to the 50-year mark. This isn't to say that it's not a sad occasion. The coaster's popularity has endured over the years, affording it the rare opportunity to become a ride beloved by several generations of riders.

What isn't surprising in the least is the care with which Morey's Piers has handled the announcement of the Flitzer's retirement, and the subsequent chance for the Morey family (literal and extended) to honor the many memories it afforded later this month. That's a really cool thing when you stop and think about it. In an age when it often feels like history is too easily disregarded and tossed away, this marks the third time that Morey's Piers has held a special event to give a cherished attraction a proper send-off (the Golden Nugget Mine Ride and Wipeout Slide were previously honored in 2009 and 2010, respectively).

Toward the end of the letter, there are a few interesting notes. The statement "recent social media posts are a reminder of just how many of our guests have been a part of this journey along the way," rings particularly true, in a number of ways. It again highlights the Flitzer's popularity and longevity, as well as the fact that Morey's Piers and the Wildwoods became synonymous entities long ago (Morey's will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019).

It's also a nod to one of the traits that makes visitors and fans of the Wildwoods so unique - their (re: YOUR) passion!

Whether it's lamenting the removal of a beloved attraction or the closing of a favorite restaurant, debating which motel is the best, or who serves up the best slice of pizza on the Boardwalk, there's never a shortage of opinions and, in all sincerity, we know that that stems from a place of love.

(It's one of the reasons why we do what we do!)

Lastly, well, we're all big fans and fun-seekers in the end, and as one big Wildwood community, we're always looking for the slightest clue as to what the Moreys are up to next.

Were some potential future plans alluded to in the letter? Be sure to read to the end, and judge for yourself!

- Al & the Wildwood 365 Team

Recycling Center tags still available to Crest residents

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - Recycling Center tags are still available to Borough of Wildwood Crest residents and second homeowners.

Borough residents and second homeowners can pick up tags at the Nesbitt Tourism Information Center (Rambler Road & the beach) through Saturday, September 22.

Hours are as follows:

Friday - Saturday, September 14 & 15:  9 AM to 6 PM 

Sunday, September 16:  8 AM to 2 PM

Monday - Friday, September 17-21:  9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, September 22:  8 AM to 6 PM

Sunday, September 23:  8 AM to 6 PM

After September 23, tags can be picked up at the tax collector's office in Wildwood Crest Borough Hall (6101 Pacific Avenue), Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

One permit tag is available free of charge to all Wildwood Crest residents and second homeowners. Homeowners must provide proof of residency/Crest home ownership when picking up permit tags. The current 2018 tags are good through April 2019.

Those using the Recycling Center must present their permit tag to the employee at the entrance gate. The Recycling Center is available for use by Wildwood Crest residents and second homeowners only. It is designed for residential household trash and recyclables drop-off only.

Large bulk items will not be accepted for drop-off. Instead, residents and homeowners should call Public Works at 609-522-7446 to schedule a separate bulk pick-up.

The Recycling Center is open from 7 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 7 AM to 7 PM, Friday through Sunday, through September 30. Winter hours are 7 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday, and 3 to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday.

Winter hours run from October 1 through April 30.

The Wildwood Crest Recycling Center is located on Bayview Drive between Newark and Jefferson Avenues.

For further information, contact the Wildwood Crest Department of Public Works at 609-522-7446, the Nesbitt Tourism Information Center at 609-522-0221 or visit www.wildwoodcrest.org.

MX Bike & ATV Beach Races POSTPONED; now set for October 11-14

MX Bike & ATV Beach Races, originally scheduled for this weekend, have been moved to October 11-14 due to weather concerns.

The event is advertised as the only one of its kind on the East Coast, with races for pros, amateurs and children, held on the beach between Mariner's Pier and Adventure Pier.


Race host NJMP Field of Dreams posted the following update on its official website:


We are listening to what our Wildwood event racers and fans are telling us. Over the past several days, we have had many concerned pre-registered race participants reach out to us and ask whether or not the Wildwood event would possibly be moved to the advertised rain date of October 11 to the 14 due to predictions that Hurricane Florence will hit the East Coast later this week.  

Until this early afternoon, we were in the process of  mobilizing our work forces to the City of Wildwood to construct this one-of-a-kind motocross race event on the beach. Unfortunately, the forecast for Florence has become very concerning and we know the importance of having a fun and safe events for the racers and fans.  

With that being said, we have decided to move the event to  the October rain date. We will continue with the pre-registration for racers and campsites. Thank you all for your input and we hope that this does not cause any inconvenience in rescheduling the new date.  

We look forward to seeing you all in early October for this awesome event!

For more information, call 856-765-3799 or visit www.njmpfod.com

Morey's Piers to bid farewell to the Flitzer

Morey's Piers announced today that it will bid goodbye to a longtime favorite attraction later this month.

"Flitzer's Final Farewell" will be held on Sunday, September 23 from 1 to 4 PM at Surfside Pier, where the ride has been a fixture since it was installed in 1983.

(In fact, we believe that the Flitzer is the second-oldest Morey's ride in operation after Dante's Inferno, which debuted in 1981 and was re-themed as Dante's Dungeon in 2005.)

The event will pay homage to the Flitzer's origins with a 1980's themed party, featuring an '80's cover band, free rides for patrons, complimentary ride photos and refreshments.

Members of the Morey family, clad in 80's attire, will be the final Flitzer riders.

Guests are also invited to dress up in 80's themed garb, with a "best dressed rider" receiving a season pass for the 2019 season.

For additional information on "Flitzer's Final Farewell" visit the official Facebook event page HERE.

Monster Truck Beach Races ~ September 28-30

PRESS RELEASE

The thrill and exhilaration of monster truck racing comes to the Wildwoods’ award-winning beaches Friday, September 28 through Sunday, September 30 with "Monsters on the Beach" Monster Truck Beach Races presented by Wildwood Motor Events.

Be prepared for an action-packed weekend that will be sure to entertain the entire family!

The Monster Truck Show will feature the country’s biggest trucks – including the 2017 Beast of the Beach, Avenger, which will defend its hard-earned title. Also competing will be Brutus, Jester, Kraken, Heavy Hitter, Basher and many more! The trucks will square off on a custom beach race course, located right on the Wildwoods beach between Lincoln and Spencer Avenues.

Friday night kicks off the weekend with Monster Mash, a family-friendly monster truck block party. Fans have the unique opportunity to meet the monster truck drivers and have photos taken with the drivers and famous headlining trucks.

The monstrous trucks will be on display at the Crest Pier, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest, with family-fun activities for all ages including a face painter, bounce house, DJ and food trucks. There will also be monster truck rides available so that fans can experience the thrill of a real ride! Monster Mash will be held from 6 to 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Saturday, September 29, features races from 1 to 7 PM, including exciting intermission entertainment. Sunday, September 30, will feature a final deciding race at 1 PM, after which the 2018 "BEAST OF THE BEACH" will be named.

Online general admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under 3 receive free admission. Multi-day ticket packages are also available for both adults and children. Gates will open one hour before the start time of each race, and the event will take place rain or shine.

For additional information about the Monster Truck Beach Races or to purchase tickets, call 609-522-3644 or visit www.WildwoodMotorEventsNJ.com.

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

Boots at the Beach CANCELLED due to weather concerns

Unfortunate news to pass along this afternoon, as we have received official word that the 2018 Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival has been cancelled.

The following was posted on the event's official Facebook page...

We are sad to say that the 2018 Boots at the Beach Festival has been cancelled due to to the uncertain forecast and potential impact of Hurricane Florence. More specifically, the threat of gale force winds, tidal street flooding and steady rain through Saturday evening.

Understand that this was not an easy decision, and this was a collaborative decision between many agencies. The main focus was everyone's safety and enjoyment. This, after all, is an OUTDOOR festival.

Be known, the eight bars and restaurants in the festival area will be OPEN FOR BUSINESS as usual, most of which have country entertainment booked for the weekend.

We appreciate all of your support and will be back, BIGGER and BETTER in 2019!

- Boots Crew

The Wildwoods to host 4th Annual "Boots at the Beach" Country Music Festival

UPDATE, 9/11/18: Boots at the Beach CANCELLED due to impending weather forecast

PRESS RELEASE

NORTH WILDWOOD - The 4th annual ‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival returns to North Wildwood along Olde New Jersey Avenue on Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16.

This year’s event will feature three full days of country music. Vendors and crafts are also set to line up the streets with clothing, wares and all things country.

Refreshments, food and live country music on two outdoor stages will take place all weekend.

40 North will be performing alongside Sherwood Brothers and Payton Taylor on Friday; Steel Greek, Adam Yarger and Triple Rail are scheduled to perform on Saturday, and Chesapeake Drifters as well as Chaplin the Kid will be performing on Sunday, all on the Tito’s stage.

Scott Rock Band, Lauren Davidson, Casey Coleman and Stephanie Fellabaum, among others will perform on the Inspire energy stage.

The festivities will begin at noon until 10 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 10 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. Admission is free.

For additional information about the festival, call 609-770-8839 or visit www.BootsAtTheBeach.com.

FALL FEST Food Truck & Music Festival ~ September 22nd

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwoods announce the first annual FALL FEST Food Truck and Music Festival on Saturday, September 22 from 2 to 8 PM!

Food and music enthusiasts are invited to this one-of-a-kind festival at Fox Park, located on Ocean Avenue in Wildwood, directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and hungry to enjoy delectable delights from over a dozen food trucks including famous roast pork, gourmet egg rolls and wraps, seafood platters, blooming onions, gourmet ice creams and gelato, and much more.

Afterwards, grab a beer enjoy the live music of The Star Band from 2 to 4 PM, The Aquanets from 4 to 6 PM, and Bittersweet from 6 to 8 PM.

Of course, no festival is complete without some awesome shopping. There will be vendors selling quality items from jewelry, clothing and accessories to local honey. There will also be fall decorations for sale including pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, bales of hay, and everything in between.

Need something for the kids? No problem. The kiddos will love decorating their own pumpkin that they pick out themselves in our pumpkin patch. Afterwards, they can play in the huge Kids Zone, featuring an inflatable village and much more.

If your thing is an adrenaline rush, try your luck at the two newest crazes that are sweeping the nation – Knockerball and Competitive Axe Throwing. You can do both at this year’s FALL FEST Food Truck and Music Festival.

This brand new event has something for everyone!

For more information, email dina@dinamediagroup.com or visit www.dinamediagroup.com. Also, follow Dina Media Group on Facebook.

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

Irish Fall Festival ~ September 20-23

PRESS RELEASE

The 27th Annual Irish Fall Festival, the East Coast’s largest Irish Festival, comes to the Wildwoods Thursday, September 20 through Sunday, September 23.

The festival celebrates Irish culture and heritage through a variety of exciting events that are sure to entertain. The festival tees off on Thursday, September 20, with a golf tournament beginning at 1 p.m. at Cape May National Golf Course, located at Route 9 and Fairway Drive in Cape May Court House. The cost is $90 per golfer if registered by Thursday, September 6, and $100 per golfer after that date and includes all golf fees, a continental breakfast, a golf cart, buffet lunch, beer, and prizes. All additional proceeds benefit area charities. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. To reserve a spot, please call the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) at 800-474-7491.

Vendors with Irish merchandise will line Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 23 from 8 AM to 7 PM. Irish memorabilia will be available for purchase along with Irish treats sure to satisfy any palate. There will also be a Beer Garden from noon to 8:30 PM. on Friday and Saturday, located on the Municipal parking lot at Spruce & Olde New Jersey Avenues.

On Friday and Saturday, FREE live Irish entertainment will be featured along Olde New Jersey Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Performers will include Brothers McGillian, McHugh & O’Neil, Timmy Kelly, The Shanties, Galway Guild, Maura McKinney Mastro, Ballina, Broken Shillelaghs, and Birmingham 6. Performance schedules are available at the AOH information tent located at Olde New Jersey Avenue between 1st and 2nd Avenues.

Festivities on Saturday, September 22 kick off with a 5K run and 1 mile family walk starting at 8 a.m. Registration will be held at the AOH tent the day of the event. A $20 entry fee is required to participate and prizes will be awarded to winners.

Saturday’s entertainment continues with the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition at Bill Henfey Park at 10 AM located at 8th and Central Avenues. The exhibition will feature some of the best pipe bands in the East. There will also be FREE Irish dance lessons on Saturday from 10 AM until noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall located in the Festival District at 206 North New Jersey Avenue.

On Sunday, September 23, everyone is welcome to celebrate the faith and heritage of the Irish at Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, located at Glenwood and Atlantic Avenues, for a 10:30 AM mass. There will be a procession from the main entrance to the altar by the Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Cape May County Emerald Society Honor Guard and a liturgical bag piper soloist. A special parade will follow the mass at 12:30 PM at 20th and Surf Avenues, continuing to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues.

Due to the large crowds that the Irish Fall Festival attracts, shuttle bus transportation will be available to ensure festival-goers are able to easily get around and enjoy all of the activities planned for the weekend. Buses will loop continuously in North Wildwood from 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues along Surf Avenue to 26th Avenue. Shuttle bus service through Wildwood and Wildwood Crest will also be available.

For additional information about the 27th Annual Irish Fall Festival, please call 800-IRISH-91 or visit www.CMCAOH.com.

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

Boardwalk Classic Car Show ~ September 20-23

PRESS RELEASE

Start your engines and cruise on down to the Wildwoods for one of the most exciting car enthusiast weekends at the Jersey Shore.

It’s the 25th Annual Boardwalk Classic Car Show!

The show will take place on Friday, September 21 and Saturday, September 22 from 10 AM to 3 PM daily. The weekend will take spectators back in time to experience the craftsmanship and beauty of hundreds of restored classic cars displayed on the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk.

An awards ceremony will take place inside the Wildwoods Convention Center on Sunday, September 23 beginning at 9 AM, where prizes will be awarded to the Top 40 cars and one car will be selected as Best in Show.

Admission to the Car Show is FREE to spectators.

Adding to the festivities this year is the NEW! Indoor Military Invasion, which will take place inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. The events are hosted by Wildwood Motor Events and sponsored by the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.

The all new Indoor Military Invasion event will feature an exciting display of military vehicles, equipment and uniforms from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and more in the expansive Exhibit Hall inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Display hours are Thursday from 3 to 8 PM; Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM; Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM; and Sunday from 9 AM to noon.

Merchandise vendors will be selling car parts and accessories, military memorabilia, die-cast models, antiques, jewelry, fashion accessories and more. Admission to the Indoor Military Invasion is FREE.

Events such as these bring thousands of visitors to the Wildwoods and are among the most anticipated events of the expanded fall tourism season.

For more information about the Boardwalk Classic Car Show or Indoor Military Invasion, call 609-522-3644 or visit www.WildwoodMotorEventsNJ.com.

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