Interview with Ghost Ship manager Terry O'Brien

Morey's Piers has posted an update to their YouTube channel featuring an interview with Ghost Ship manager Terry O'Brien.

In the video, O'Brien comments on the origins of the "Ignus Fatuus" theme, as well as the evolution of the attraction during its first season of operation...

KMG "Fire Ball" coming to Morey's Piers in 2011

Dutch manufacturer KMG has announced that it has sold a Fire Ball ride to Morey's Piers. The amusement is scheduled to be delivered in March and will be ready for the opening of the 2011 season.

According to the official release, the Fire Ball is a "non-transportable designed to be installed in amusement parks. The attraction combines a swinging motion (up to 24 meters/approx. 80 feet high and 120° in amplitude) and a rotating platform where gondolas (6 of 4 seats for a total of 24 passengers) are facing each other."

The attraction will be the first of its kind to feature lap-bars, rather than the classic shoulder restraints featured in previous versions of the Fire Ball. The new harnesses were specifically designed by KMG engineers and the Morey's Pier team.

It is not yet known which pier the ride will reside on. Regardless of where it is installed, the Fire Ball promises to be a popular draw. Its spectacular lighting package will also be a standout addition on the Boardwalk.

Here's a look at the ride in action from the 2009 Meadowlands State Fair, courtesy of YouTube user cygnus 122...

Tony Luke's Wildwood nearing completion

The new Tony Luke's location at Pacific & Sweet Briar in the Crest is on track to open next month.

The building continues to take shape, with the outdoor seating area finished and signage recently put into place.

Click the photos above to see more of the progress, courtesy of the official Tony Luke's Wildwood group page on Facebook.

The "Wipe Out!" slides into history

Two weekends ago, Morey's Piers held a "farewell ceremony" for the Wipe Out! giant slide, one of the Boardwalk's most beloved and historically-significant amusements.

As of yesterday, all that remained of the ride was the steel frame. The slide is being removed to make way for future attractions, including a planned two-pier mega-coaster which will travel from Surfside Pier to the old Hunt's Pier and back.

The Wipe Out! was the Moreys' first attraction, debuting in 1969. Around the 40 foot tall, 200 foot long slide, the family would build its amusement empire, which today includes three piers and two water parks.

Special thanks to our friend Dana Ficke for the accompanying photos of the ride's deconstruction.

Boardwalk Pumpkin Run set for October 30th

The second annual Wildwoods Boardwalk Pumpkin Run will take place on Saturday, October 30th.

This year's event will feature 5K and 10K runs, in addition to a 5K running stroller run, a 5K beginner run, and a 1-mile "family" walk.

Those taking part are encouraged to wear costumes, with prizes to be awarded for the best dressed.

Proceeds will benefit the educational foundations of Margaret Mace, Cape Trinity Catholic, Wildwood Middle, Glenwood Avenue, and Crest Memorial School.

For more info and registration, visit the office Pumpkin Run website HERE.

Own a piece of the Wipe Out!

Morey's Piers' first attraction, the Wipe Out! giant slide, has been a Wildwood staple since it debuted back in 1969.

The ride will soon be dismantled to make way for new attractions, but commemorative pieces of the slide are now being offered to the public for $50 a section.

Proceeds will be donated to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions archive preservation fund.

For ordering information, click HERE.

YouTube Tuesday: Twistin' & Reminiscin'

Every Tuesday, we take a look at notable or otherwise interesting Wildwood-related videos posted on YouTube within the past week...

If there's something we missed, kindly drop us a line at wildwood365@gmail to let us know!


Twisting into the record books at Fox Park

This past weekend's Fabulous '50s festivities centered around the 50th anniversary of Chubby Checker's introduction of "The Twist." Just a few blocks from where dance craze was touched off at the Rainbow Club in 1960, the man himself was honored at Fox Park on Saturday afternoon. After receiving several honors for his accomplishments and contributions to the community, Checker led those in attendance in a record-breaking rendition of his trademark anthem.

Thanks to directweb1 for this video and the one that follows, which features additional performances from Saturday's street fair...







"It's An Oceanic Wonderland!"

This next video comes courtesy of El Scrambler and features a wonderful promotional trailer for Hunt's Pier from its inaugural season (1957). Check out the awesome views of the Flyer roller coaster and other rides on the pier, before it was extended to accommodate later attraction such as Jungleland, the Golden Nugget, and Skua. Also note the breakdown of the park's operating schedule into afternoon and evening "sessions"...




The Matador says "goodbye" to 2010

Countdown to Country Music Weekend!

The Inaugural Wildwoods Country Music Weekend will kick off in just three days!

Great floor and arena seats are still available for the Starlight Roadhouse Dance Party on Friday night, as well as the big Sawyer Brown / Josh Gracin / Bombshel concert on Saturday.

Both events will be held at the Wildwoods Convention Center. For more info and tickets, visit www.wildwoodscountry.com.

The weather forecast for the weekend looks spectacular, with sunny skies and zero percent chance of precipitation. Hope to see y'all at the rodeo!

Celebrating 50 years of "The Twist"

This weekend's seventh annual Fabulous '50s Weekend is, appropriately, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Chubby Checker's introduction of "The Twist."

The dance craze that swept the nation was first performed at the famous Rainbow Club at Pacific & Spencer Avenue in 1960.

Tonight, Checker will headline the Fabulous '50s Concert at the Wildwoods Convention Center, adding yet another chapter to the island's famed (and way-to-often-overlooked) musical legacy.

Here's to the unquestioned "King of the Dance Craze" and one of the all-time great legends of rock n' roll...

Harbor Light set for major renovation, additions

A look into the not-too-distant future... (Courtesy of the Harbor Light)

The Harbor Light Motor Inn (3rd & Ocean Avenue) will be undergoing a dramatic face lift this winter.

The Harbor Light, pre-renovation

On Wednesday, the North Wildwood Planning Board unanimously approved plans to connect the two L-shaped structures that comprise the motel. The big addition will be the installation of a central elevator, with finished decks and a remodeled office also in the works.

A new mansard roof will be topped with a lighthouse motif, to enhance the motel's theme. Work is expected to begin in November.

The Matador's new 4th floor deck

The Harbor Light's owners, the Del Monte family, have additional plans for more upgrades at their sister property, the Matador Oceanfront Resort Motel (511 E. 16th Ave.), which received a spectacular new fourth floor sundeck this past season.

For consistent updates on the progress of projects at both motels, be sure to follow the Harbor Light and Matador on Facebook.

The Wildwood Leader - Vol. 90, No. 38

This week's edition of The Wildwood Leader has been published and is now available online.

The issue includes featured coverage of:

* Last weekend's Seafood Fest
* Police oppose layoff plan
* Local election news and updates

Click the cover image to read.

CAW says goodbye to the Wipe Out

Our good buddy Mike Crater from Crazy About Wildwood has posted several photos from his trip to Wildwood last weekend, featuring the "Wipe Out" slide ceremony and the Super Sunday festivities at Mariner's Landing.

Head on over to the CAW Facebook page to them out!

Weekend Preview: It's all about the Fabulous 50s!

Saving the best for (close to) the last, the Wildwoods hill host what has become one of the island's signature celebrations this weekend.

The 7th Annual Fabulous 50s Weekend will kick off on Friday with the traditional 50s Record Hop at the Wildwoods Convention Center, hosted by legendary Philly DJ Jerry Blavat from 7 - 11 p.m.

Saturday is the big day, starting with free '50s Street Fair at Fox Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Craft vendors, a classic car show, food vendors, Doo Wop bus tour and so much more! FREE live entertainment will feature RB Express, River Rockabilly Trio, and Shake, Rattle & Soul.

At 2 p.m., a Guinness Book of World Records attempt will be made for the most people dancing "The Twist" simultaneously.

The centerpiece of the weekend, the Fabulous '50s Concert will be headlined by Chubby Checker and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Twist (first performed by Checker at the Rainbow Club in 1960). The themed concert will also feature: Dee Dee Sharp - "Slow Twistin"; Joey Dee and The Starliters - "Peppermint Twist"; The Marvelettes - "Twistin Postman."

On Sunday, there will be free entertainment at Fox Park with the The Love Affair Band, The Del Angels, and others performing from noon to 3 p.m.

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The New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge

Hosted by the New Jersey Lighthouses and select affiliated museums, the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge offers visitors the opportunity to tour all of the state's lighthouses over the weekend.

Donations will raise funds for continued lighthouse preservation.

Those taking the challenge will be given a souvenir pamphlet at their first destination for a $1 donation. It will then be stamped at each location visited.

For more information on this event, hours of operation for each lighthouse, and more, click HERE.

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Next Week...

The fourth weekend in October will feature the last major event block of the season. On tap is the Innaugural Wildwoods Country Music Weekend (Friday & Saturday), the Anglesea Surf Anglers Surf Fishing Tournament (Saturday), and the Clean Ocean Action's 25th Annual Beach Sweeps (Saturday).

Check back throughout the week for more details...

Come on baby, let's set a record

This Saturday, October 16, an attempt will be made to set the world record for the most people simultaneously dancing the Twist at one time.

The originator of the dance craze, Chubby Checker himself, will be on hand along with officials from the Guinness Book of World Records to oversee the event at 2 p.m. at Fox Park (Ocean Avenue between Montgomery & Burk, directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center).

This weekend, the seventh annual Fabulous 50s Weekend will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Twist, first introduced by Checker at the famous Rainbow Club in 1960.

YouTube Tuesday: Sliding into history

On Sunday, Morey's Piers paid tribute to the venerable "Wipe Out" slide as part of their 2010 Closing Day celebration.

The ride - the family's first attraction at Surfside Pier in 1969 - will soon be dismantled to make way for new attractions.

This video comes courtesy of Morey's Piers' official YouTube page...



This video was taken by YouTube user KENNYPFROMAC, one of the lucky 200 chosen winners...



The Super Sunday Closing Day celebration at Mariner's Landing featured the 6th birthday of mascot Sunny C. Gull...

"Neon Nights" book signing at Fabulous 50s Weekend

PRESS RELEASE

EXTON, PA  -  You are invited to join The Doo Wop Experience Museum in Wildwood, New Jersey  for a signature event on Saturday, Oct. 16th from 12:00 p.m.  To 2:00 p.m.

Meet Robert O. Williams, photographer of  " Wildwood's Neon Nights & Motel Memories" for a book signing and  "Meet and Greet" at the museum. Ask him your questions about the book that The Press of Atlantic City reports, " has been getting glowing reviews from The Wildwoods."

Robert O. Williams, best known as a Philadelphia Inquirer staff photographer for 22 years and Pulitzer Prize nominee, introduces his latest homage to the halcyon days of Wildwood, New Jersey in Wildwood's Neon Nights & Motel Memories. This gloriously illustrated book takes you on Wildwood's wild ride from a seaside playground in the sixties and seventies through the tumultuous 90's and 2000's, finally resting at its reincarnation with present day Wildwood and some of the Doo-Wop motels being placed on The National Register of Historic Places.

A book as much about neon signage, as the motels the alluring megawatts drew in, this trip down "memory lane" promises to take you back to your youth, if only for 220 color photos worth of it. The story behind Wildwood's roller coaster of kitsch, class and memories is told by Melinda Williams, also formerly of The Inquirer. List en in as the pioneers of the sign industry, building trade and advertising world share how they created their niche in Wildwood and helped to buoy it up to international prominence in the tourism, architecture and roadside Americana realms.

The Doo Wop Experience Museum and Neon Sign Garden is located directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues. Brimming with cool artifacts, fun memories, fascinating history and bright neon lights, the all-new Doo Wop Experience Museum and Neon Sign Garden is a celebration of architecture, design, music, pop culture and everything else that made Wildwood famous in its heyday of the 1950s and 1960s. A live remote by WIBG - WIBBAGE 94.3, will also take place on Saturday at the Doo Wop Experience Museum.

While you're there, visit the retro-style malt shop inside the Doo Wop Experience Museum for a refreshing drink or snack! Gifts and memorabilia from the Doo Wop era are available too!

Wildwood's Neon Nights & Motel Memories is photographed by Robert O. Williams, author and photographer of the critically acclaimed photographic retrospect on stainless steel diners called Hometown Diners. Wildwood's Neon Nights and Motel Memories is written by Melinda M. Williams, Managing Partner of The Williams Group (www.TheWilliamsGroup.info), based in Exton, PA. Both are Chester County, PA residents.

Visit the book's website at www.WildwoodsNeonNights.com for a preview of the book and to purchase it. Wildwood's Neon Nights & Motel Memories is published by Schiffer Publishing, LTD, Atglen, PA.

For more information on this release, kindly contact Melinda Williams at The Williams Group, 610-518-4888 or visit www.thewilliamsgroup.info or www.WildwoodsNeonNights.com or email her at:

Melinda@TheWilliamsGroup.info For more information on this event or The Doo Wop Experience (www.doowopusa.org), please call Michael Hirsch at 646-258-6512.

Welcome to "Wipe Out Week!"

Depicted above is the commemorative postcard given out to those who attended the special "farewell ceremony" for the Wipe Out slide yesterday afternoon at Surfside Pier.

Morey's Piers paid tribute to the iconic ride - the family's original attraction - as it will soon be dismantled to make way for new attractions.

Throughout the week, we will be posting photos and video from yesterday's event, along with news on what may be replacing the slide on the north side of the pier.

We are also hoping to feature your memories and photos of the slide, whether you were there in person yesterday or simply would like to share your exepriences from over the years.

To contribute, drop us a line at wildwood365@gmail.com or stop by our Facebook page.



NBC 10: Jersey Shore landmark "slides" into history

The Wildwood Leader - Vol. 90, No. 37

This week's issue of The Wildwood Leader has been published and is now available online. Click the cover image to read...

Country Music Weekend commercial

Big event weekend on tap

The 2010 events calendar is winding down, with just a few more weekends full of activities left. If you're in or are planning on coming down to the Wildwoods over the next few days, here's what's on the slate:


Fall Thunder in the Sand Pro/Am Motocross Races

On the Beach at Lincoln Avenue. AMA sanctioned races featuring beginners to pros. Practice sessions will take place on Friday from 11 a.m. until dusk. Races are Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Admission fee $7. 609.523.8051 or www.Thundermoto.com



Great Fall Classic Surf Fishing Tournament

The event headquarters for registration and checkin at the Nesbitt Center, Rambler Rd., Wildwood Crest, NJ. Saturday from 5 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. registration for ASAC teams. Team tournament fee registration is $50 for a team of 6 people. Fishing on the beach between Rosemary Rd. to Miami Rd. in Wildwood Crest. 5 p.m. Saturday evening begins the registration for the individuals tournament which runs through Sunday at noon. Call 609.259.3155 or visit www.njbba.org for further details.


Seafood & Music Festival

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce will host this FREE festival on Atlantic Avenue between Wildwood and Schellenger Avenues. Live music, crafters, food vendors, Kidz Korner, pie eating contest, chowder contest and much more! Entertainment will include Frank Bey and The Swing City Blues Band, The Goodtymes Band, Bandstand, The Rocktologists, and The Nobody Band. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 609.729.4000 or www.gwcoc.com


Super Sunday Closing Day / Giant Slide Farewell at Morey's Piers

Morey's Piers annual farewell to summer with discounted wristbands and lots of give-a-ways! Mariner's Landing, Schellenger Avenue. Special lineup of games, prizes and entertainment with reduced prices on amusement ride wristband. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A special "farewell ceremony" will also be held to honor the Giant Slide ("Wipe Out"), which will soon be removed to make way for new attractions. Photo ops and a "Memory Lane" exhibit with photos and renderings of upcoming additions to the pier will be on display. The celebration will be held from noon - 2 p.m. at Surfside Pier (26th & Boardwalk).

For more info, call 609.522.3900 or visit www.MoreyPiers.com.

Tony Luke's aiming for November opening

Over the past few months, we've been following the construction process of the new Tony Luke's location at New Jersey & Sweet Briar Aves. in the Crest.

According to an article in today's Press of Atlantic City, the restaurant is planning for an early November opening.

Read the piece HERE, and also check out Tony Luke's Wildwood's  Facebook page for more info and photos.