(Previously) Stolen Burial Flag for Patrick Corcoran to be Flown over Memorial Day Weekend

PRESS RELEASE

On Sunday, May 28th, 2017, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the burial flag previously stolen last year, now rightfully returned to the Corcoran family, will be flown yet again at the Corcoran residence located at 101-103 E 11th Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260.

“Patrick Corcoran, 19, of the Torresdale section in Philadelphia, was among 74 sailors who perished aboard the Frank E. Evans Destroyer when it collided with an Australian aircraft carrier June 3, 1969, in the South China Sea” (Burney, 2016).

After Patrick’s untimely death in the line of duty, a flag was presented to his family.

For almost a decade, that flag was flown at the Corcoran residence once a year on 4th of July, in remembrance of the loss of their family member. Patrick Corcoran, among those 74 sailors that perished aboard the U.S.S. Frank E Evans, to this day is not mentioned among the names of lost veterans on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Last year, Patrick Corcoran’s burial flag was stolen over 4th of July weekend, and after news broke of the missing flag, there was an outpouring from elected officials, departments of the military, veteran organizations, news outlets, and citizens from all over the country offering their support in search for the missing burial flag. At 2:30 p.m. on July 13th, a press conference was held announcing the return of the burial flag to the Corcoran family.

Please join us on Sunday, May 28th, 12:00 p.m. at the Corcoran residence for a presentation of solidarity, and the raising of the burial flag in remembrance of those that have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The flag will be flown from May 28th, 12:00 p.m. - Evening of May 29th, Memorial Day.

CBS 3 to broadcast live from the Boardwalk this Friday night, May 26

Our friends at CBS 3 in Philadelphia are getting set to hit the road for "SummerFest."

Over the next 15 Fridays, the Eyewitness News Team will broadcast from different towns and areas throughout the region.

Their very first stop? You guessed it - WILDWOOD!

Ukee Washington will kick off SummerFest this Friday, May 26, anchoring the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on CBS 3 and The CW Philly's 10 p.m. newscast live from the Wildwood Boardwalk.

Meteorologist Lauren Casey will also be in town, along with the station's new Mobile Weather Watcher. And feature reporter Vittoria Woodill will profile local eateries with her Taste With Tori segment.

(Watch for a preview of Woodill's visit to La Piazza Cucina Italiana on Thursday's 11 p.m. newscast.)

Eyewitness News This Morning reporter Pat Gallen will kick off CBS 3's day in Wildwood on Friday morning with a special behind-the-scenes look at Morey's Piers.

Crest to host Summer Kickoff Concert with Fabulous Greaseband

PRESS RELEASE

The long-anticipated start of the summer season at the Jersey Shore will once again be celebrated with the first of 23 free outdoor concerts hosted by the Borough of Wildwood Crest.

The Fabulous Greaseband will perform Sunday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough of Wildwood Crest’s annual Summer Kickoff Concert at Centennial Park, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue.

One of the longest-running and most popular bands in the Delaware Valley, the seven-member Fabulous Greaseband bills itself as a “Best of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Band.” This entertaining, high-energy band, which has been going strong for close to four decades, delivers some of the greatest dance and party songs ever written by some of the most popular artists of all time.

The Greaseband performs regularly all along the East Coast, particularly throughout the Delaware Valley, with well over 200 appearances annually. The band is among the most popular entertainers to perform at Centennial Park each year.

The Summer Kickoff Concert is a FREE all-ages show. Attendees should bring a blanket or a chair. Centennial Park is located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue.

The weekly Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series will begin in late June. Centennial Park will feature live music shows each Saturday from June 24 through Sept. 16 and each Wednesday from June 28 through Aug. 30. The full schedule is available online at the borough’s tourism and special events web site at www.visitwildwoodcrest.com.

For more information, log on to the tourism and special events website or call the Wildwood Crest Recreation/Tourism Department at 609-523-0202.

Fractured Prune "soft opening" this weekend

The new Fractured Prune at 20th & Boardwalk will have a "soft opening" this weekend.

Stop by between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and be among the very first to sample the donut shop's hot and hand-dipped specialties.

A Grand Opening celebration will take place Memorial Day Weekend.

Follow the Fractured Prune - North Wilwood on Facebook for more info and updates!

Boardwalk smoking ban moving closer to reality

Could smoking soon become a thing of the past on the Wildwoods Boardwalk?

According to a report in the Press of Atlantic City, the gears of change have already been put into motion.

While official prohibition would not go into effect until next year, ordinances banning smoking along the 38-block promenade and its adjoining ramps and stairs were introduced earlier this month, and could be approved in the coming weeks.

This covers the entire Boardwalk, including North Wildwood and Wildwood sections, from 16th Avenue south to Cresse Avenue.

Mayors Patrick Rosenello and Ernie Troiano are quoted in the piece, which notes that public hearing and final approval of the ordinances are expected to be up at the next North Wildwood City Council and Wildwood City Commissioners meetings.

Take a look at the article HERE, and let us know what you think.

Wildwood Crest Named #1 Summer Hot Spot in 2017 by TripAdvisor®

PRESS RELEASE

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) announced that Wildwood Crest—one of the Wildwoods’ three municipalities—has been named #1 Summer Hot Spot in 2017 by TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, revealed its 2017 Summer Vacation Value Report, highlighting the top 50 domestic destinations for U.S. travelers this summer, based on the greatest increase in seasonal hotel booking interest, including the average one-week vacation costs for hotels and airfare.

The report also helps travelers discover savings at popular U.S. travel destinations by showing the least expensive summer week to visit with highly rated value hotels.

“Everyone wants to make the most of their travel budget and the Wildwoods offer affordable hotel/motel rooms with a one of-a-kind level of service for the ultimate family vacation,” said John Siciliano, executive director/CFO of GWTIDA.

According to a recent TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,300 U.S. travelers, 88 percent of respondents are planning to vacation this summer—up seven percent from those who took a summer trip last year—many choosing Wildwood Crest as their destination.

The Wildwoods are known for its beautiful, expansive FREE beaches, its two and a half-mile iconic Boardwalk with three amusement piers with over 100 rides and attractions, three beachfront Waterparks, shops, arcades, games and over 300 eateries.

In addition, the Wildwoods are home to the largest collection of Mid-Century architecture in the country and over 8,000 hotel-motel rooms and 3,000 vacation rentals.

Click here to view the complete list of the Top 50 U.S. Summer Destinations.

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

Morey's to relaunch Great Nor'Easter with "Granny Opening" next Thursday, May 25

A gaggle of grandmas?!

Morey's Piers will unveil the refurbished Great Nor'Easter roller coaster next Thursday, May 25 by hosting the "first-ever Granny Opening."

Celebrating the ride's faster, smoother experience after a $5 million makeover this past offseason, the grannies will help usher in a new era for the Surfside Pier favorite, which debuted back in 1995.

The inverted steel coaster now boasts 2,170 feet of improved track, wrapped up in a sleek new paint job.

"With a 95-foot drop, the revamped ride has speeds to appease the biggest coaster buffs, yet gently glides for adrenaline seeking grannies."

The big opening will feature a "gaggle of grandmas" led by second-generation partners Jack and Will Morey. The inaugural ride will take place at 4:15 p.m., and the celebration will continue with music, free rides and refreshments until 6 p.m.

The event is open to the public.

"Granny Opening" Details

Date: Thursday, May 25
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m; inaugural ride will take place at 4:15 p.m.
Location: The Great Nor'Easter at Surfside Pier - 25th & Boardwalk

Crest named country's Top Summer Hot Spot by TripAdvisor

Wildwood Crest didn't just make the list - it TOPPED it!

Earlier today, travel website TripAdvisor revealed its 2017 Summer Vacation Value Report, highlighted by the Top 50 domestic destinations for U.S. travelers for the upcoming season.

On a list loaded with renowned vacations locales like Lake George, Newport and Virginia Beach, Wildwood Crest came out on top.

The South Jersey Shore scored big, with neighboring Ocean City coming in at #2 (the resort town of the same name in Maryland claimed the #5 spot). Cape May rounded out the Top 10, which consisted almost entirely of East Coast destinations.

The report took into account increases in seasonal hotel booking interest, including the average one-week vacation costs for hotels and airfare.

It goes without saying that this is a major accolade for the Crest, and the Wildwoods as a whole.

It's also another indication of a big summer ahead, and the island's expanded marketing reach and exposure throughout the country.

Crest to host ‘Coffee with Commissioner Cabrera’ Saturday

PRESS RELEASE

Borough of Wildwood Crest Commissioner of Public Works and Recreation Don Cabrera will host the first “Coffee with Commissioner Cabrera” meeting Saturday, May 20, at 9 a.m. in the court room at Wildwood Crest Borough Hall located at 6101 Pacific Avenue.

The public is invited to take advantage of this friendly, informal discussion session about current borough issues.

No pre-registration is necessary. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

A second “Coffee with Commissioner Cabrera” session will be held on Saturday, July 22, at the same location.

For more information, call 609-522-5176.

Wildwood Crest outdoor Zumba classes begin May 20

PRESS RELEASE

Zumba at Centennial Park returns, Saturday, May 20

The Borough of Wildwood Crest Recreation Department’s popular outdoor Zumba classes will return Saturday, May 20.

Classes will be held at 8:30 a.m. each Saturday through Sept. 30 at Centennial Park, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue.

A special holiday weekend class will also be held on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29).

In addition, classes will be held each Monday and Wednesday from June 19 through Sept. 4.

Cost is $5 per class. A punch card good for 20 classes can be purchased for $80.

No pre-registration is necessary. Attendees should wear sneakers and comfortable clothing.

Call 609-523-0202 for more information.

Updated list of 2017 opening dates (+ events!)

SUMMER 2017
IS IN SIGHT NOW...

But before the season "officially" kicks off, we have a fun-filled weekend loaded with more openings and some big events!

Each week, this list will update businesses scheduled to open in the coming weeks and months, as we move along on the road to Summer 2017.

(Business dates and hours are always subject to change.)

Now OPEN!

Check out our running list of businesses and attractions NOW OPEN for 2017!

Opening Dates

Pacific Grill  -  May 18

Adventure Pier  -  May 19

Echo's  -  May 19

Lizzy's Ice Cream  -  May 19

Wildcard Watersports (NEW!)  -  May 20

Sand Jamm 5Mile (NEW!)  -  May 22

Duffer's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor  -  May 25

Russo's Market  -  May 25

Jersey Girl Drinks & Dining  -  May 26

Dark Star Pirate Cruises  -  May 27

Raging Waters Water Park  -  May 27

Splash Zone Water Park  -  May 27

Ocean Oasis Water Park  -  June 17


Upcoming Events


This Weekend...

Knights of Columbus Convention  -  May 18-20

Murder Mystery Weekend  -  May 19-20

Captain Kidd Pirate Day  -  May 20

Wildwood Spring Food Truck Festival  -  May 20


Memorial Day Weekend...

Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony  -  May 26

Regional Gymnastics Championship  -  May 26-28

Wildwoods International Kite Festival  -  May 26-29

Downtown Wildwood Farmer's Market  -  May 27

Boardwalk Craft Show  -  May 27-28

Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert  -  May 28

Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony  -  May 29

North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony  -  May 29

Wildwood Crest announces 2017 lifeguard coverage

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol has announced its coverage schedule for the 2017 summer season.

All beaches will be open and protected by lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 27-29, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4.

Beginning Saturday, June 10, all beaches will be open and protected daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, September 4.

The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol strongly advises all bathers to swim at lifeguard protected beaches only during the hours of operation.

For further information, call the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol at 609-522-3825.

North Wildwood Hosts Annual Captain Kidd Pirate Day on Saturday, May 20th

PRESS RELEASE

Ahoy Mateys! 

The notorious Captain Kidd has escaped, and he’s hidden all of his treasure here, in North Wildwood.

The City of North Wildwood would like to proudly announce that we will be holding our Captain Kidd Pirate Day at 26th and the Boardwalk on Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m.

All children ages 12 & under are invited to wear their best pirate-themed apparel, and participate in our parade. Parade check-in will take place between 10 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Pirate Costume, with costume judging scheduled to take place at 10:45 a.m, and the parade beginning at 11 a.m.

From 26th & the Boardwalk, the parade will commence to 19th & the Beach, where our Treasure Hunt will then take place. Following the Treasure Hunt, a raffle will be held, with prizes including: a $500 gift certificate, bikes, gift certificates, and weekend stays!

So come out, bring all your mateys and help us to find Captain Kidd’s treasure!

To register for the Pirate Parade, or for more information, please contact the North Wildwood Recreation Department at 609-522-2955.

Replica Columbus Ships "Pinta" and "Niña" to Land in Cape May County

PRESS RELEASE

On Thursday, May 25, the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Niña,’ replicas of Columbus’ Ships, will open in Cape May County. The ships will be docked at Two Mile Landing Marina, 1 Fish Dock Rd., Wildwood Crest, until their departure early Tuesday morning, May 30.

The ‘Niña’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” In 2005, the ‘Pinta,’ also a caravel, was launched in Brazil and was the first ship to sight land in the New World. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the 15th century.

Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel,’ a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world. Before him, the Old World and the New remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better or for worse.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. For admission fees and hours of operation, visit www.ninapinta.org.

RAIN or SHINE - Boardwalk Car Show will go on this weekend

Wildwood Motor Events has confirmed that this weekend's Spring Boardwalk Classic Car Show will take place, rain or shine.

Classic cars and trucks will be displayed along the promenade today and tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The "Boardwalk Top 40" winners will be presented on Saturday at 5 p.m. in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center.

An awards ceremony will be held n Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, where prizes will be awarded to the weekend's winners.

For further information call 609-522-3644 or visit www.WildwoodMotorEvents.com.