You know the jingle...

For decades, it's been one of the true anthems of summer here in the Northeast.

If you grew up in Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, or any point in between, the tune was likely programmed into your brain at a very early age.

Now, the unmistakable Mister Softee jingle has come to the Wildwoods... but not in the form of an ice cream truck cruising the streets of the island. Earlier this month, the chain's first ever franchise in Cape May County opened at 3118 Boardwalk.

Mister Softee was founded in Philly back in 1956 by William and James Conway; now based in Runnemede, NJ, the company is still owned and run by the Conway family.

The familiar jingle (it actually has words?) was written in 1960 by Les Waas, who based it on the tune "The Whistler and his Dog."

And YES, it plays on a non-stop loop which you'll surely hear as you approach the corner of Boardwalk and Pine Avenue this summer!

YouTube Tuesday: "it" in action

Above is a quick video of "it," Morey's Piers' premier addition for 2011, in action on Saturday afternoon (taken with my already-antiquated camera, so please excuse the lousy quality).

The ride officially opened on Friday night, amid much anticipation. In my opinion, the wait was well worth the hype.

I'll have more on my thoughts on experiencing "it," the upgrades at Ghost Ship, Dave Goldstein's victory in the fry eating contest that highlighted the 2nd Annual Curley Fry Festival (including video from my ringside seat), and much more on the Memorial Day Weekend happenings at the piers as the week progresses...

"The Veteran"

Here's wishing all of our friends a very happy and safe Memorial Day and best wishes for a terrific summer ahead!

If you have a moment today, please stop and reflect on what freedom means to you. Better yet, thank a veteran for defending the ideals we all hold dear. It's amazing how much a simple gesture can mean - a smile, wave, handshake, hug, or pat on the back.

In the spirit of the day, I'd like to share the poem "The Veteran," which is inscribed on a memorial stone outside of American Legion Post 184 at the southwest corner of Atlantic & Roberts Avenues.

I discovered this for the first time over the weekend, and it really made me stop and think...


THE VETERAN

WHAT MAKES A 19 YEAR OLD INTO A VETERAN?
THAT FIRST BATTLE YOU'RE IN?
THAT FIRST BULLET THAT'S SHOT AT YOU?
THAT FIRST ENEMY SOLDIER YOU KILL?
THAT FIRST SOLDIER THAT DIES NEXT TO YOU?
THAT FIRST FEELING THAT YOU'RE A DEAD MAN?
WAITING YOUR TURN TO DIE?

YOU FELT BUT COULD NEVER EXPLAIN THE HORROR OF WAR
YOU'RE NOW A VETERAN AN EXCLUSIVE GROUP
ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU ARE THAT YOUNG MAN AT VALLEY FORGE
THE SAILOR IN 1812, THE YANK OR REB AT GETTSYBURG
YOU'RE THE KID ON SAN JUAN HILL, THE DOUGHBOY IN THE ARGONNE
THE COASTGUARD ON D-DAY AT NORMANDY BEACH
THE NURSE ON CORREGIDOR, THE AIRMEN IN KOREA
THE YOUNG MARINE IN VIETNAM
A CASUALTY IN BEIRUT AND PANAMA

YOU KNOW THESE MEN NOW, THEY MUST HAVE FELT THE SAME
A BULLET TEARS AND RECKLESSLY INTRUDES THE FLESH
WHETHER IT'S AT THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN OR THE SEIGE AT CONTIEM

WHAT IS THIS WORD VETERAN?
THE FEAR OF MEETING THE ENEMY OR CRYING OF THE WOUNDED
OR YELLING AND CONFUSION IN BATTLE
IS IT THE EXPLOSIONS AROUND YOU
THE SMELL OF GUNPOWDER AND BLOOD THAT INVADES YOUR SENSES?
COULD IT BE THE AWESOMENESS OF DEATH AROUND YOU
THE OVERPOWERING WONDER OF YOUR PALS DESTRUCTION AND YOUR SURVIVAL?
COULD IT BE THE SHADOW OF GUILT?
COULD IT BE ALL THESE THINGS?

THE COMING HOME
YOU ARE A VETERAN
AN HONOR WITH HAUNTING MEMORIES

AND AS A PARENT WITH SONS OF YOUR OWN YOU LOOK AT THEM
AND HOPE, NO PRAY, OH GOD, PLEASE LET THERE BE
NO MORE WAR
LET THERE BE NO MORE VETERANS

Dave Goldstein "fries" the competition

Dave "U.S. Male" Goldstein took first place and a $500 prize in the Curley Fry Eating Competition at the 2nd Annual Curley Fry Festival this afternoon. The event was held on the patio at Joe's Fish Co. at Surfside Pier.

An enthusiastic crowd of onlookers watched in awe (and partial disgust) as Goldstein slammed down 3.25 pounds of fries in seven minutes; this included the set five-minute eating period as well as a two-minute "overtime eat-off" against two other hopefuls.

Check back soon for more photos and video from the event...

Reminder: Coconut Cove "Preview Party" is on!

If you're celebrating Memorial Day Weekend in the Wildwoods, don't forget that the brand new Coconut Cove complex is hosting a "Sneak Peak Preview Party" starting tonight (in advance of the grand opening on June 24th & 25th).

I had the opportunity to walk by the property early this morning, and could practically feel the energy and excitement generating from within this major addition to the Wildwoods' entertainment scene.

The exterior looks terrific, and I'm looking forward to checking out all that the inside - and bayside! - has to offer tonight...

Morey's Piers formally announces the opening of "it"

 

Today is the day many amusement enthusiasts and thrill seekers have been waiting for. When Morey's Piers opens at 6 p.m, Surfside Pier will be the site of the grand opening of "it."

Here's the press release with the official word, including a quote from Will Morey...

****************************

Morey’s Piers Announces Opening of “it” 

Morey’s Piers’ Latest Thrill Ride Will Open Memorial Day Weekend

The Wildwoods, NJ – May 27, 2011 – Morey’s Piers is stoked to announce the opening of a thrilling new attraction for the 2011 season. “it”, yes we named our new ride, “it”,  will be open to riders on Friday, May 27^th at 6pm on Surfside Pier.

"”it” is turning out to be everything we hoped it would be," said Will Morey, President of Morey's Piers. "I think it's a great family ride, but it's a super thrill ride, too, so I don't think folks are going to be disappointed."

Morey’s Piers’ newest thrill machine will swing and spin up to 24 guests at a time to heights of 65 feet over the boards. “it” features a lap bar restraint system which is the first of its kind for a ride of this type. The lap bar system was custom designed by Morey’s Piers and KMG. The lap bar replaces the traditional shoulder harness and allows the rider greater freedom and excitement.

Riders must be 56” tall to ride the attraction. Thrill seekers can ride with either a pier wristband or 8 tickets.

Can you handle “it”? For more information call 609-522-3900 or visit www.moreyspiers.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. Voted the third best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today, 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 waterparks. Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey’s Piers along with Morey 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 Waterpark and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Landing Pier, featuring Raging Waters Waterpark at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com or phone (609) 522-3900.
 

Coconut Cove "Preview Party" set for this weekend

Coconut Cove will be holding a "Sneak Peek Preview Party" this weekend, prior to the official grand opening of the new entertainment complex on June 24th & 25th.

Sitting on three acres of land at 400 W. Spruce Avenue in North Wildwood (the former location of Sunset Bay), Coconut Cove will offer multiple restaurants, seven bars (including a boat bar), live indoor and outdoor entertainment, a bayfront beach, and a whole lot more.

For more info, click the image on the left; also visit Coconut Cove's official website and Facebook page.

Wildwoods again crowned "Best Beach"... and then some!

For the second straight year and the third time in four years, the Wildwoods have finished #1 in the New Jersey Top 10 Beaches survey.

Long Beach Island came in second place, while Ocean City (the 2009 winner and runner-up in voting for Cape May County beaches) took third.

In addition, the Wildwoods pulled off a clean sweep of the individual category voting (a new feature this year), being named the destination for "Best Family Vacation" and "Best Day Trip," while also earning the nod for "Best Ecotourism."

Overall, 48 shore communities will be represented in the poll, from Sandy Hook down to Cape May.

The results of the voting were announced this afternoon during the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium's annual State of the Shore Media Event in Sandy Hook.

It's a whole new rodeo (on the Boardwalk!)

How's this for a unique addition to the Boardwalk?

The owners of Shooters Old Time Photos / Pirates of Wildwood 3D Mini-Golf will be operating a new mechanical bull at Boardwalk Central (3500 block).

"The Super Bull" was just installed at the pavillion behind the (also new) Original Idaho Potato and Chickie's & Pete's stands on the Cedar Avenue extension.

This Friday... "it" debuts

The wait is almost over...

This Friday, May 17th, "it" will officially open to the public!

What better way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend and another summer of fun in the Wildwoods than taking a spin (literally) on the next big thing at Morey's Piers?

Help make Wildwood "Sparkle & Shine" on June 3rd

The City of Wildwood today announced plans for "Sparke & Shine Day," a community effort to clean up the town's parks, streets, and sidewalks.

The event, being planned and hosted in conjunction with the Greater Wildwood Hotel/Motel Association and Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, will be held next Friday, June 3rd, from noon to 6 p.m.

Groups, organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals are urged to take part.

For more information and registration, click the image at left.

YouTube Tuesday: The Artistry of Ed Peahota

One of the more unique events scheduled to take place over Memorial Day Weekend will be Ed Peahota's Speed Painting Show.

A longtime friend of Wildwood 365, Ed is an incredibly talented artist. Many of our readers have seen his live exhibitions on the Boardwalk. He'll be taking things to another level this Saturday, when he performs at the Talent Showcase Stage (on the beach at Schellenger Ave.) starting at 3 p.m.

Here's a look at his skill and precision in action...


Also an accomplished musician, Ed will be debuting his new song "Here in Wildwood" on Saturday as well. Check out this recent rehearsal session...

Curley Fry Festival competitors announced

One week before the 2nd Annual Curley Fry Festival, Morey's Piers has announced the field for the fry eating competition.

Check out the full list of contestants HERE.

The festival will take place next Saturday, May 28th at Surfside Pier. Last year's event was a blast, and there's little doubt that the second time around will be even better.

As an added bonus this year, the Memorial Day Weekend celebration will coincide with the grand opening of "it" (check out the photos).

In other words, Surfside Pier will be the place to be this weekend, whether you plan on stuffing your face, losing your lunch... or both!

The Wild Half: 100 days and counting...

As some of our readers know, I am currently in training to run the Wild Half half-marathon in late August. (Yeah, me - the guy usually pictured on this blog shoving hot dogs, pizza, and all manner of additional Boardwalk delicacies into his face on these pages.)

Today marks the "100 days to go" milestone, and to mark the occasion I had the priviledge to contribute a guest post to Morey's Pier's Beachfront Blog. I hope you'll check it out.

This has been quite the learning experience thus far, and I'm sure things are only going to get more interesting in the weeks ahead.

If anyone out there has also already signed up or is considering participating in the Wildwood Half, I'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line here at wildwood365@gmail.com.

A special "Thank You" goes out to Morey's Content Manager Alison Heller for setting me up with the opportunity to share my thoughts with the Beachfront Blog readers!

Tony Luke's cuts the ribbon; "grand opening" today

Tony Luke's staff and community members gathered to celebrate the occasion

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday afternoon to kick off a weekend celebration at the new Tony Luke's at 6200 New Jersey Avenue in the Crest.

(Click the image above to view additional photos from the dedication, courtesy of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce)

An official "grand opening" celebration will take place today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Festivities will include an on-site broadcast from 98.7 The Coast, live DJ, face painting, and prizes to be given out throughout the day.

New tables arrive at Maui's Dog House

Courtesy of Maui's Dog House

Already sporting a colorful new awning and signage for the 2011 season, Maui's Dog House (8th & New Jersey Avenue) just received and installed 12 new metal tables.

The alternating yellow and orange benches replace the previous wooden ones, and add yet another practical and aestheticall- pleasing touch to our favorite hot dog joint at the Jersey Shore.

Click the image above or HERE to see more!

Wildwoods dominate "Jersey Shore HOT LIST"

The Wildwoods were crowned the big winner in PHL17's annual Jersey Shore HOT LIST voting, taking home 21 "Best of " awards for 2011.

A total of 16,608 votes determined the top hot spots at the shore in 78 different categories.

Congrats to all of the winners...

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Amusement Park: Morey's Piers
Best Arcade: Gateway 26
Best Concert Venue: Wildwoods Convention Center


DINING
Best Italian: Alfe's Restaurant
Best New American: Alumni Grill
Best Pizza: Sam's Pizza Palace
Best Sandwich Shop: DeAngelis Deli
Best Steakhouse: Neil's Steak & Seafood Restaurant


FASHION
Best Men's Clothing: Sand Jamm Surf Shop



HEALTH & BEAUTY 
Best Sporting Goods: Kona Sports



LOCALITY 
Best Towns: The Wildwoods


LODGING
Best Bed & Breakfast: Summer Nites
Best Resort: Seapointe Village Realty


NIGHTLIFE
Best Beer Selection: Goodnight Irene's Brew Pub
Best Irish Pub: Keenan's Irish Pub & Peggy's Patio
Best Neighborhood Bar: Goodnight Irene's Brew Pub
Best Trendy Bar: Juan Pablo's Margarita Bar


OUTDOORS
Best Miniature Golf: Duffer's


SHOPPING
Best Bookstore: Hooked On Books


SPECIALTY FOOD & DRINK
Best Ice Cream Shop: Banana's Ice Cream Cafe


WEDDINGS
Best Photographer: RHM Photography

Chickie's & Pete's set to open at Boardwalk Central

Courtesy of Mike Crater (Crazy About Wildwood)

According to our sources, the new Chickie's & Pete's stand on the Cedar Avenue extention of the Boardwalk is preparing to open, potentially as early as Friday.

Update (5/19, 1:05 p.m.): We are hearing that they are now shooting to open next Wednesday (5/25). Signage is being installed as I type this. Photos coming soon...

The facility is fully-equipped and cleaned, the staff is in place, and the food is on its way. Only a few minor details need to be attended to before this longtime Philly institution makes its official Wildwood debut.

The stand sits on the south side of the newly-named "Boardwalk Central"; the west side of the 3500 block (spanning from Cedar to Schellenger Aves.), which is now under the ownership of Splash Zone Waterpark.

Support Joe Maloy and his Olympic Dream

It's always a special occasion when a community rallies behind one of its own.

Joey Maloy, a proud son of the Wildwoods, is regarded as one of the top triathletes in the country and is presently competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2010 Games in London.

To help him raise funds in pursuit of his dream, a benefit will be held tomorrow afternoon at the Bayview Inn Restaurant in the Crest (8100 Bayview Drive).

See the graphic above for more info.

Ready for Adventure?

Courtesy of Morey's Piers

Tomorrow will mark the season opening of Adventure Pier at Boardwalk & Spencer Avenue.

With this, all three Moreys Piers amusement centers will be operational, with Mariner's Landing and Surfside Pier having opened their gates in previous weeks.

The piers will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Moreys' two waterparks - Raging Waters (Mariner's) and Ocean Oasis (Surfside) will begin welcoming patrons in the coming weeks.

Click HERE to view the piers' daily operation of hours and prices, and for additional guest services information.

Courtesy of Morey's Piers

Adventure Pier is best known as the home of the Great White wooden roller coaster (click the photo at left for a look at the ride's newly refurbished and rehabbed trains!).

Other popular attractions include the Sky Ride, Screamin' Swing, Spring Shot, and Grand Prix Raceway.

"K of C" Convention kicks off huge event weekend

The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual meeting of the New Jersey State Council over the next three days, with official business sessions at the Wildwoods Convention Center tomorrow (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Meetings are open to K of C members only; for more info, call 973-736-5632 or visit www.njkof.com.

The convention kicks off a huge event weekend in the Wildwoods, with both Sensational '60s Weekend and the Spring Motorcycle Rally getting underway tomorrow.

Pirates Day with Captain Kidd, another annual favorite, will be held on Saturday.

Doo Wop Wednesday: The Neon Buzz

Starting next Wednesday, we will begin featuring a weekly column entitled The Neon Buzz, which will discuss the ongoing efforts of the Doo Wop Preservation League (Website / Facebook / Twitter), new and pending projects around the island, and different ways that we can all get involved and help preserve the Wildwoods' history.

We will also get back to profiling a different "Doo Wop" motel or other institution each week, so if you have any suggestions for the subject you'd like to see featured, drop us a line at wildwood365@gmail.com.

Even better if you have photos or personal reflections to share!

(Here's a look back at one of our previous features on the Mango Motel)

On to other matters, in case you missed it, Trudi Gilfillian wrote an excellent piece on how Doo Wop architecture is appeal to a new generation of fans for the Sunday edition of The Press of Atlantic City.

Generating interest among younger Wildwood enthusiasts is a vital topic, especially poignant in the wake of the island's collection of Doo Wop motels being named to the Society for Commercial Archeology's "Falling by the Wayside" list for 2011.

This is one of the many talking points we will delve into, moving forward.

Election Results: Team Troiano triumphs

For all intents and purposes, we can now refer to Ernie Troiano as the "once and future" mayor of Wildwood.

According to these still-unofficial results, Troiano and his team of Pete Byron and Anthony Leonetti defeated a field comprised of five other contenders, including current mayor Gary DeMarzo and commissioners Ed "Chip" Harshaw and Al Brannen, and will assume seats on City Council.

The three city commissioners decide who amongst them will hold the office of mayor. Generally, it is the top vote-getter, which in this case is Troiano. Also consider that Troiano has held public office previously, unlike Byron and Leonetti.

As stated yesterday, we here at Wildwood 365 make it a general rule to stay out of the "political stuff," but feel than any news that has or will have a major impact on the island's future is worth reporting on.

Team Troiano ran under the slogan of "It's Time... The Future is Now."

Indeed. There are some great things happening in Wildwood and here's hoping we can all work together to keep the momentum going, and ensure a bright future for our island.

Congrats to the winners, and the very best of luck moving forward!

Morey's Piers plays host to German nobility

Some very special guests visited the Wildwoods and Morey's Piers over the weekend, and it's probably safe to say that they weren't in town to scout out the competition for the upcoming Curley Fry Festival.

(Then again, ya never know...)

Check out the press release below and also visit the Beachfront Blog for additional info and photos of this "noble" occasion...

German Baron, Baroness, and Family Visit Morey's Piers 

WILDWOOD – Morey’s Piers was proud to host European nobility on Sunday, May 8, 2011. Baroness Caroline von Landsberg-Velen of Haren, Germany, her husband Friedhelm von Landsberg-Velen and their three children spent a night in the penthouse of the Pan American Hotel and enjoyed some down time on the Wildwood Boardwalk.

Arriving Sunday evening, the Baroness and family were welcomed to Morey’s Piers with traditional German music and a champagne toast on the Giant Wheel. Executive Chef Walter Jurusz served hor d’oeuvres along with some iconic Boardwalk appetizers including Curley’s fries.

The noble family then enjoyed a horse drawn carriage ride around Cape May with Will and Janice Morey and their sons, Will B. and Kyle, followed by dinner at the Washington Inn.

“We visited their park in 2009 and they were such great hosts. They gave us the whole treatment,” said Will B. Morey, Waterpark Area Manager. “We’re honored to return the gesture and host the Baroness and family at our facility.”

Baroness Caroline von Landsberg-Velen, a former IAAPA board member, and her husband run a “vacation and adventure paradise” in the heart of the Emsland region of Germany. Schloss Dankern Holiday Centre surrounds historic moated castle Dankern and Dankern Lake. The park offers 150 play, leisure and sporting activities along with 750 holiday bungalows for guests to rent for a relaxing stay. The castle and surrounding lands have been in the von Landsberg-Velen family for over 150 years.

For more information about Schloss Dankern visit www.schloss-dankern.de.

For additional inquiries, please contact Morey’s Piers at 609-522-3900 or www.moreyspiers.com.

Election Day in Wildwood

Generally, we like to focus on the "fun" aspects of and events going on in the Wildwoods, but sometimes those those pesky "real life" matters take precedence. Election Day is certainly one of them.

Today, voters in Wildwood will go to the polls to elect three four-term city commissioners, one of which will ultimately become the town's next mayor.

Two "teams" comprised of three contenders each and two individuals running on their own comprise the field of eight.

Current mayor Gary DeMarzo and commissioner Ed "Chip" Harshaw are running with Dara Baltuskonis under the slogan "Progress Made, Promises Kept."

They will be challenged by former mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr., Peter Byron, and Anthony Leonetti, whose campaign slogan is "It's Time... Our Future is Now."

Commissioner Al Brannen, who previously ran with DeMarzo and Harshaw, is running alone as "A Voice for All the People."

Rounding out the slate is Sandra Richardson, seeking a seat under the slogan "Proud Again, A Better Wildwood."

Voters will also be asked two questions, one binding and the other non-binding:

Question 1: Should Ordinance 828-10, which revises staffing levels in the City of Wildwood Police Department, be adopted?

Currently, Wildwood’s code allows for the following positions within the police department: One police chief, one deputy police chief, one captain, five lieutenants, seven sergeants and 38 patrolmen. A “yes” vote would adopt the ordinance and reduce the authorized positions to one police chief, one deputy chief, one captain, one lieutenant, five sergeants and 38 patrolmen.

Question 2 (non-binding): Should the municipal election day in the City of Wildwood be moved to the general election day in November?

Moving the municipal election to November (the next one will be in 2015) would save the city approximately $25,000. 

We will post results from today's polls as they become available...

Tony Luke's announces "Grand Opening" events

Tony Luke's Wildwood, which opened its doors back in late November at 6200 New Jersey Avenue in the Crest, will be holding its official "grand opening" celebration on Saturday, May 21st.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an on-site broadcast from 98.7 The Coast, live DJ, face painting, prizes for those in attendance, and other surprises throughout the day.

For more info, see the official Tony Luke's Wildwood Facebook page.

A.M. Pic Fix: 5/6/11

We had been hoping to restart our daily "Pic Fix" feature for a while now, and after receiving some great photo submissions both via e-mail and on our Facebook page this week, we figured what better time than the present?

Today's photos come to us from our friend Dana Ficke, who captured these images of the recently-installed "it" at Surfside Pier and the North Wildwood Boardwalk Arch amid rainy, windy conditions on Wednesday afternoon

Click each for a larger view...

 

Thanks again to Dana for sharing your pics!

If you would like to contribute to our A.M. Pic Fix, drop us a line at wildwood365@gmail.com or post your photos on our Facebook page along with a notation that you'd like to have them featured here on the blog.

Photos from last night's Restaurant Showcase

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce has posted an album of photos from last night's 2011 Restaurant Showcase on its Facebook page.

Click HERE to check them out.

The event, which was held at the Bolero Resort, featured samplings from some of the island's top restaurants and specialty shops. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation and scholarships for area high school students.

Boardwalk Nationals Car Show begins today

Even though I'm not what one would term a "motorhead," the East Coast National Car Show is something I always look forward to.

The event, hosted by New Jersey Thunder Motorsports and now in its 19th year, begins today and will run through Sunday.

It's near-impossible not to be impressed by the spectacle of hundreds of hot rods on display or rumbling through the streets of the Wildwoods, showcasing a wide variety of colorful models, styles, and customizations.

Cars will be displayed on the Boardwalk on Friday (tomorrow) and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The show is open to all makes and models, including custom, imports, tuners, trucks, classics, street rods, and modified. Trophy classes include Top 40, Ladies Choice, Best Engine, Best Paint, Best of Show, Hi/Low Competition, Most Likely to Get Pulled Over (gotta love it!), Club Participation Award, Lowest Car, and Top Gun.

New to the event this year will be the Cruise on Pacific Avenue and Street Festival on Sweet Briar Rd. in the Crest, which will include a "drive-in type" movie at dusk.

For more info on the event and related activities throughout the upcoming weekend, call 609-523-8051 or click HERE.

Reminder: Restaurant Showcase is tonight

Scrap those dinner plans, pronto!

Tonight is the 12th Annual Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bolero Resort (3320 Atlantic Avenue).

Dozens of local eateries will be represented (see list below), offering samples of dishes and desserts. Tickets are only $25.00 and will be available at the door.

Live music will be provided by Bandstand and a number of prizes will be auctioned off, including a 10-day vacation in Saint Maarten. But, here's the very BEST part...

100 percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships for students at Wildwood High School, Wildwood Catholic, Cape Christian Academy, and Cape May Technical High School!

So, come on out, have a great time, stuff your face, and support a terrific cause!

Participating restaurants include:  Beach Creek, Boathouse, Capt'n Jack's, Claude's, Dogtooth, Fudge Kitchen, Gia, Goodfish Grill, Ice House, Juan Pablo's, Jumbo's, La Piazza, Laura's Fudge, Lighthouse Pointe, Lobster Shack, Marie Nicole's, Montello's, Neil's, Piro's, Ravioli House, Schellenger's, Smack Daddy's, Stewart's, The Deck, and Urie's

Gateway 26 newsletter reveals facade rendering

Gateway 26 Casino Arcade sent out its Spring Newsletter mailing this past weekend, revealing for the first time to the public a rendering of what its newly-renovated facade will look like.

"WOW!" was our collection reaction. What do you think?

Work has been ongoing at the location (Boardwalk & 26th Avenue) since late February, when the arcade's longtime signage was removed.

Click HERE and HERE for photos of the process.

At right is the newletter page on which the rendering appeared (click for a larger view).

We will have more info on and photos of the ongoing work as it becomes available...

Morey's Piers waterparks recognized for highest safety standards

Ho-hum.

Another week and yet another prestigious honor for Morey's Piers.

It's easy to take what we have for granted, isn't it?

After all, we've come to expect nothing less than excellence from our friends at the "3rd Best Seaside Amusement Park in the World" (even though we know it's really #1).

But, hold on here, because the award that was announced this morning is worthy of much more than a passing mention in a blog post.

So, please help us spread the word on this one.

And a huge CONGRATS to Morey's Piers for earning the highest safety rating achievable for its two waterparks. Way to go!

Here's the official release...

Morey's Piers Beachfront Waterparks Recognized for Highest Safety Standards

WILDWOOD — The 200-plus lifeguards who make up the aquatic safety staff at Morey’s Piers Beachfront Waterparks in Wildwood are making quite a splash these days. The international aquatic safety consulting firm, Ellis and Associates, has awarded the prestigious “Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award” to Morey’s Piers’ two Beachfront Waterparks.

The “Platinum National Aquatic Safety Award” is the highest safety rating achievable and signifies the waterparks at Morey’s Piers are among the safest in the world. In 2010, only the top 10 percent of the 400 eligible waterparks worldwide received this distinction. Morey’s Piers Beachfront Waterparks earned this distinction by consistently exceeding safety criteria in independent evaluations and unannounced safety audits.

“Guest safety is a cornerstone of our operation and it has a profound effect on how we operate and do business,” offers George Rohman, operations manager. “At Morey’s Piers Beachfront Waterparks, we continually strive to offer an exceptionally safe, clean and friendly recreational experience for our guests. Our entire team should be very proud of achieving this award, and offering one of the safest recreational environments in the industry.”

Ellis & Associates, Inc. is the leading aquatic safety-consulting firm to the resort and waterpark industry and provides lifeguard training and safety consulting for a majority of the waterparks in the United States and across the globe. Throughout the operating season, Ellis & Associates sends representatives to perform comprehensive safety evaluations for each client facility and provides each facility with a safety rating, with “platinum” being the highest.

Evaluations, or “audits”, are unannounced and evaluation criteria includes a Lifeguard Evaluation Section, where the lifeguards are videotaped guarding without prior knowledge, a Simulated Emergency Section, where a group of guards are selected to perform during a simulated emergency, and an Administrative Section.

Denise Beckson, Director of Waterpark Operations, uses the independent audit evaluations to determine what operational areas are in need of improvement. “Because the audits are random and unannounced, our management team gets an accurate snapshot on how well our lifeguards will respond in the event of an actual emergency,” comments Beckson. “In a realistic simulation, you have the ability to step back and evaluate how well your team is responding, make corrections, and focus future training accordingly,” she added.

Each season, Morey’s Piers hires and trains over 200 lifeguards from all over the world. Each lifeguard goes through a week of intensive training prior to his or her first day of work. After successfully passing the program, each lifeguard is then required to attend a minimum of one hour of in-service training each week to maintain his or her skills.

For information regarding Morey’s Piers, please call 609-522-3900 or visit the website at www.moreyspiers.com.

"it" takes shape at Surfside Pier (Part 2)

Check out Part 1 (posted yesterday) to see photos of "it''s" custom lap bar seats and the ride's structure beginning to to raised.

All photos courtesy of Morey's Piers. Click on each for a larger view...

After the structure was put into place, Will (left, with champagne bottle) and Jack Morey officially dedicated the new attraction...