"Two Funny Philly Guys" show to benefit WCHS

"Two Funny Philly Guys" - Joe Conklin and Big Daddy Graham - will be hosting a comedy show to benefit Wildwood Catholic High School (1500 Central Ave.) on Saturday, August 13th at 8 p.m. 

Tickets are $25 and are available by phone (609-522-7257) or at joeconklin.com.

From a recent press release...

Joe Conklin has been a constant in Philadelphia radio for more than 20 years. He's known for his spot-on impressions of Barack Obama, Cole Hamels, Allen Iverson, and Charles Barkley, among others. Conklin is also one of the most sought after corporate banquet speakers in the area. His stand-up routine is legendary, as he's skewered some of the country’s top politicians, pro athletes, sports executives, and film stars, sometimes to their faces. And each time he is fearless, uncanny, and hilarious. Joe is a twelve-time AIR award winner for Excellence in Broadcasting and his work has been recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards. He's worked with some of the nation’s most recognized performers including Bill Cosby, Tim Allen, and Ray Romano. His TV credits include: NFL Films Presents, Entertainment Tonight, The NBA on TNT, ESPN: Baseball Tonight, Comcast Sportsnet, Finder’s Keepers, America’s Funniest People.

Big Daddy Graham has performed over 4000 shows at comedy clubs, colleges, corporate and private parties, sports banquets, golf outings and fund-raisers in the tri-state area for over 20 years. He has been a staple at clubs like the Comedy Cabaret, Catch a Rising Star, the Funny Bone, Helium, the Comedy Factory Outlet... holding attendance records at many of those clubs.

 TWO FUNNY PHILLY GUYS, starring BDG & Joe Conklin has been playing to sold out houses at such theatres as the 1000 seat Borgata Music Box and the Broadway Theatre in Pitman. He has appeared on the SHOWTIME Comedy Club Network three times. His hilarious videos -"Let's Call in Sick" & "Action News Theme" have aired on MTV & PRISM. He's been voted Philly's Funniest Comic by Philly Magazine, The City Paper, and other publications - a total of eleven times. BDG’s annual Wing Bowl stunts are classics and he has also sung the national anthem at a Sixer’s game.

"Walk on the Wild Side" to again benefit Ronald McDonald House

PRESS RELEASE

Preparations are underway for “Walk on the Wildside,” an annual fundraiser taking place Sunday, August 7th, sponsored by the Morey Family, owners of the famous Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey. The one-mile walk serves as a fundraiser for the Camden-based Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, which provides a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children and their families.

“The City of Wildwood is more than pleased to participate with a wonderful organization as the Ronald McDonald House,” said Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano. “Our door is always open to this fine organization and the people associated with it.”

The event begins at 10 a.m. with registration and a light breakfast at Fox Park. The walk begins at 11 a.m. from Fox Park to the Wildwood Convention Center and then straight up the boardwalk to Mariners Landing at Morey’s Pier. As an added treat, the first 400 walkers who obtain $50 or more in pledges will receive a free pass for Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks for that same day.

“We are so grateful for this generous gift from Will and Jack Morey that allows the Ronald House to raise needed funds to help families of sick children and allows our kind supporters to enjoy a fabulous day at the Jersey shore on the Morey’s piers and water parks,” said Teddy Thomas, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey.

The Morey Family has been supporting the Ronald McDonald House since 1999 but began sponsoring a special Ronald McDonald House Day at Morey’s in 2008.

“Supporting our community is a major part of our core values,” said Will Morey, President and CEO of Morey’s Piers. “We’re happy to work with the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey to support families encountering difficult times.”

For more information or to register for the walk, please visit http://ronaldhouse-snj.org/events.php or call (856) 966-4663.

Hankins Fudge Adds Eye Candy

Kalyn Magee, model/spokesperson for the “Giant Postcard Exhibition”, presents Tony Gorbatow of Hankins Fudge with a “Giant Postcard” of Hunt’s Pier

PRESS RELEASE 

Hankins Fudge has for many years offered vacationers one of the most enticing selections of candy, fudge, salt water taffy and other delectable confections one could ever imagine. The yearly pilgrimage to the Wildwood institution is a flashback to the innocence of simpler times and the chance, once again, to be "a kid in a candy store."

 

This year, in addition to the sweet treats they sell, Hankins has added some eye candy as well. Ken and Tony Gorbatow, the identical twins who have owned the sweet spot since 1977, are creating a trip back through time by helping to reinvent an iconic (albeit discontinued) Wildwood brand.  They have acquired the first of a limited edition series of vintage three (3) foot by two (2) foot “Giant Postcards” made from “Designer Series Postcards” distributed on the island in the 1980s. The image is now prominently on display as décor within the store. This, along with their antique candy display cases and ambiance of yesteryear, provides a truly nostalgic experience for guests to the store.

 

“We set out to replicate an old fashioned candy store buying experience within a specific era,” said Tony Gorbatow. “This image represents the Wildwood brand from the 1980s. A large percentage of our clientele are baby boomers and their children. The postcards feature the scenes they saw here during their first visits to the resort as children or teenagers. Some may have sent the very same image to a friend when it was on a postcard.”

 

“Giant Postcards are fun and educational for all ages,” said Ken Gorbatow. “The older generation feels like they’ve stepped back in time and the young ones have a chance to understand something of their parent’s history.”

 

The postcard is titled “Hunt’s Pier with Tramcar circa 1984.” It is, without question, the quintessential photograph of the amusement complex.

 

This image is actually of the second incarnation of an amusement pier constructed on this site. The original venue, the Ocean Pier (also known locally as the Funchase Pier), was constructed in 1905. Tragedy struck the popular attraction, during World War II, on Christmas Eve 1943. A night watchman fell asleep while smoking a cigarette and the entire pier, constructed mostly of wood, went up in flames taking the life of the watchman and a firefighter. The fire was so spectacular and the explosion so loud, there was fear and speculation that a German submarine had shelled the pier.

 

A new amusement complex was not built for quite some time, due to wartime limitations. Hunt’s Pier finally debuted in 1957. Determined not to let history repeat itself, Hunt had the pier’s deck and pilings constructed entirely of concrete reinforced with steel rods. Advertised as an “Oceanic Wonderland,” it was more Disney-like and theme oriented than its competitors.

 

Hunt’s Pier, as we knew it, will never be the same. Bud Hunt, the only surviving partner, sold the pier in 1985. The pier passed through several hands until the Morey Organization became owners in 1999. The Flyer roller coaster, the Golden Nugget, the Keystone Cops and the Pirate Ship Skua have all been torn down. Although the pier stands today and is structurally sound, none of the attractions pictured on the deck are present at this time.

 

While the concept of making enlargements from scans of printed postcards is hardly new, the dot pattern used to create the printed card quickly degrades the image relative to the increase in size. “Giant Postcards” are made from digitally remastered drum scans of the original materials (photographic transparencies) used to make the cards. This is the first time postcards have been reinvented in this fashion in the United States. The resulting digital files are outputted as giclee (pronounced: “jhee – clay”) prints made with archival pigment based inks.

 

Hankins Fudge received the artwork as part of an incentive package for becoming a sponsor of the “Giant Postcard Exhibition” that will soon be on display at the Doo Wop Experience Museum in Wildwood. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and receiving a “Giant Postcard” as part of an incentive package on behalf of your business or as an individual, email: giantpostcardexhibition@yahoo.com

 

Hankins Fudge is located at 3012 Pacific Avenue (between Maple & Glenwood), Wildwood, NJ 08260, Phone: (609) 522- 8438, Open 9:30am to 9:30pm Daily (seasonal).

For More Information:

Contact Douglas Hunsberger

Phone: (609) 972-3600

Email: giantpostcardexhibition@yahoo.com

GWHMA opposes beach tags idea

Less than a week after the City of Wildwood issued a press release in which Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. commented on the possibility of beach fees being enacted in the near future, the Greater Wildwoods Hotel Motel Association has fired back in opposition to the idea.

We continue to welcome our readers' thoughts on this "hot button" topic. Let us know what you think by commenting below or on our Facebook page...

PRESS RELEASE

The Greater Wildwoods Hotel Motel Association issued a statement that it “is very concerned with recent discussions about possible beach fees in the City of Wildwood.”

It continued, “The beach fee is a user fee, a tax by another name, which is regressive, inefficient and objectionable to many. It also conflicts with the law in several areas and this organization will oppose the fees on behalf of its members, visitors to the Wildwoods, and for the entire Wild-wood economy and tour-ism business.

“The Wildwoods have a unique selling point, the beaches are free and open for public use. This was actually mandated in many deeds issued in the early part of the 20th century when organizations, such as the Cape May Land Company, sold the beaches with the understanding that they would “remain always open and free to the public.”

“Beach fees are not conventional, which is the reason beach tags are not worn in the more progressive resorts to the South. Visitors to the Wildwoods do not want to wear a beach tag, they are demeaning and bothersome and people only put up with the requirement elsewhere because they have no option.

“The Wildwoods love its tourist families who return year after year, generation after generation. “They are too important to us and we don’t want to offend them with beach tags,” the release stated.

“First and foremost, the tax will hurt business in an already challenging economy and damage our tourism industry.

“Businesses pay much of the taxes in our community, if the tourism industry is damaged, businesses will close and taxes will increase for every resident.

“Almost every resort from Lewes, Del. to Key West, Fla. where there are no beach fees, has demonstrated there are better ways to fund beach maintenance.

“Look south, not north, for ways to fund beach maintenance and operations.

“It is also a fact that the Wildwoods already have a beach fee by another name. It is called a beach maintenance fee that guests pay in the form of a tourism tax when they check in at motels.

“This fee was implemented as part of the Tourism Improvement and Development Act as a more sophisticated means for funding beach cleaning and staffing. At this time, the Wildwoods are more progressive and efficient in the way they collect their funding for the beaches and we certainly don’t want to go back-wards and adopt the beach tag programs used by many other resorts on the Jersey shore.

“Other New Jersey resorts should be studying and adopting the program currently used by the Wildwoods. It is invisible to the tourist so it offends no one and collection is very efficient since the State of New Jersey collects the beach maintenance fee as part of the sales tax payments. The state deducts a mere 2 percent collection charge, and sends the money back to the Wildwoods.

“Residents and business owners in Wildwood should be made aware that the existing beach maintenance payment funded by the tourism tax (approximately $225,000 to $230,000) will be lost if a beach fee is imposed.

“The tourism legislation requires the Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, the implementing organization of this funding, to with-hold the beach maintenance fee collected at motels if a municipality adopts any other beach fee, beach tax, beach access charge or a beach fee by any other name.

“The beach fees are a very inefficient means for funding beach operations. The City of Wildwood would have to collect significantly more than the amount lost just to break even. The collection costs are very high. The cash return from sell-ing tags, collecting fees, and enforcing the law is relatively small after paying those costs.

“The commissioners of the City of Wildwood have an obligation to look at all sources of funds, but there are far superior means for raising money than beach fees.

“The Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association will present some recommendations for expanding the current progressive and efficient beach maintenance fee program in a follow up release.”

Globetrotters star to make area appearances this weekend

Harlem Globetrotters star Buckets Blakes will make several appearances in the Wildwoods and elsewhere in Cape May County this weekend, promoting goodwill in advance of the team's upcoming series of games at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

The legendary showmen will take on their classic rivals, the Washington Generals, in four games from Wednesday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 13, each with a 7:00 p.m. tip off. Tickets and more information are available at harlemglobetrotters.com.


Fans can meet and greet Buckets at the following events:

Time:             Friday, July 29 at 1 p.m.
Location:       Splash Zone Water Park, 3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Event:            Buckets shoots basketballs into Giant Water Bucket
Note:             Open to fans with regular admission to waterpark

Time:             Friday, July 29 at 7 p.m.
Location:       Ocean City Library, 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, NJ
Event:            Story Time with Buckets
Note:             Free for all fans

Time:             Saturday, July 30 at 1 p.m.
Location:       Gateway 26 Arcade, 26th & The Boardwalk, North Wildwood, NJ
Event:            Fans meet Buckets on the Boardwalk
Note:             Free for all fans

Time:             Saturday, July 30 at 4 p.m.
Location:       Byrne Community Center, 401 W. Youngs Ave, Wildwood, NJ
Event:            Free Basketball Clinic (first of two clinics)
Note:             Free to kids ages 6-12

Time:             Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m.
Location:       Tony Luke’s, 6200 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood Crest, NJ
Event:            Bucket serves up Tony Luke’s famous cheesesteaks
Note:             Free for all fans

Time:             Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m
Location:       Centennial Park, 6700 Ocean Ave, Wildwood Crest, NJ  08260
Event:            Buckets performs with “Bennie and the Jets” at the Crest Summer Concert Series
Note:             Free for all fans

Time:             Sunday, July 31 at 5 p.m.
Location:       Scoop Taylor Park (outside), 5800 Ocean Ave, Wildwood Crest, NJ
Event:            Free Basketball Clinic (second of two clinics)
Note:             Free to kids ages 6-12

NWBP presents "Christmas in July" next Saturday

The North Wildwood Beach Patrol will be hosting their annual Christmas in July celebration next Saturday, July 30th, at 1 p.m. (Rain date will be the following day.)

The event will take place along the beach from 2nd Avenue to 26th Avenue. Santa and his helpers will be on hand, and there will be music and candy canes for the kids.

A decorated NWP lifeguard boat will be on the beach at 15th Avenue. This annual tradition makes for a great Christmas card opportunity.

In past years, people have come dressed for the occasion, and have even brought decorated Christmas trees to the beach with them.

We're looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with this year!

For more info on the event, call the NWBP at 609-522-7500.

Mayor Troiano comments on beach fees

In a press release issued this morning, mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. and commissioners Pete Byron and Anthony Leonetti responded to public criticism and concern over Troinano's recent declaration that beach fees in Wildwood are "inevitable."

Reporter Jason Nark covered the story in Friday's edition of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Please read the release below and then let us know what you think, either by commenting here or on our Facebook page.

The beach tags issue, obviously, promises to be hot topic of debate in the weeks and months to come. By generating discussion on this matter, we, collectively, have the ability to influence a decision that will play a major role in the island's future...

PRESS RELEASE

Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. stated that there has been recent publicity advising Wildwood not to enact beach fees. He commented that Wildwood has for decades been a very inclusive town with blue collar roots. “We welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the beach, boardwalk and entertainment at our vacation destination. However, our first responsibility must be to our Wildwood residents and taxpayers, many of whom do not benefit from the huge influx of beachgoers in summer.”


“Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy and Wildwood maintains a world class beach and boardwalk, sponsors events, encourages business development and promotes family fun and relaxation,” commented Commissioner Pete Byron. “The burden on the Wildwood taxpayer has been tremendous and we recently inherited an extremely difficult financial situation. The previous administration left us with more than $1 million in unpaid bills from 2010 and hundreds of thousands of dollars in contractual obligations that were not allotted for in the budget. Even if the irresponsible plan to slash police officers were enacted, we would still be facing a budget deficit. We have an obligation to the taxpayers to explore every possible revenue source.”

The Board of Commissioners agrees that Wildwood’s free beaches have an appeal, but they are not free to retirees on fixed incomes and young families struggling to make ends meet. All Wildwood taxpayers have been, in effect, paying beach fees for a very long time. Wildwood is a small, one square mile town that hosts literally millions of people every summer. Consequently, our taxpayers support an urban infrastructure with expanded public works, public safety and emergency personnel, all far beyond what our small ratable base can reasonably sustain.

The issue of beach fees must be carefully researched, with all effects considered before a decision is made. Wildwood would, for example, lose some local room tax revenue that is linked to maintaining free beaches and we must be certain that beach fee revenue would outweigh any lost income. We would only advocate a very reasonable beach fee, lower than nearby communities, so that we remain accessible to hard working families.

We would rather see an imposed moderate fee on boardwalk amusement rides, allowed by state law, but needing local legislative support for enactment in Trenton. An amusement ride fee would give some relief to the taxpayer, while allowing us to improve the boardwalk with funds generated by its users.

Wildwood will continue to open its arms to visitors. Our challenge is to provide first class amenities and services without unfairly and disproportionately encumbering taxpayers. Commissioner of Public Safety, Anthony Leonetti said “By generating beach fee revenue, we can further improve our beaches, boardwalks, streets and parks and possibly add amenities. We know who we are as a resort community and we know we need to promote tourism for our economic vitality. It’s also equally important that our local residents are not taxed out of their homes.”

The Board of Commissioners knows they have an obligation to the taxpayers to explore every possible revenue source.

NJ State Crab Festival at the Ice House this Saturday

It'll be "crabby" fun for all ages this weekend, as the Ice House Restaurant & Bar (4415 Park Blvd.) hosts the NJ State Crab Festival.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. with crabs cooked to order, vendors, a beer garden, face painters, balloon designer, and crab races for the kids.

There will also be live entertainment, with Parrotbeach, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, performing at 7 p.m.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund, which supports Cape May County families with a child or an adult living with cancer.

For more info, call 609-522-0033 or visit www.njcrabfestivalicehouse.com.

North End American Grill brings "California Cool" to Anglesea

From the owners of the award-winning Marie Nicole's at Diamond Beach and the Concord Cafe in Avalon comes the newest entry to the Wildwoods' restaurant scene: The North End American Grill.

Located at Chestnut & Olde New Jersey Avenues (former home of Banana Jack's and JP Prime), this new family dining destination opened on July 8th.

A full menu, offering traditional American cuisine, is available starting today.

The theme of the restaurant is "California Cool."

Interior decor includes ample use of bead board, barn board, and weathered wood, with lots of blues, whites, tans, and yellows.

The end result is a comfortable, laid back atmosphere that beautifully captures the essence of the Golden State's beach culture.

Among the design highlights is a 38-foot custom surfboard bar, created by renowned surfboard shaper Brian Wynn!

For more information and photos, check out the North End American Grille's new Facebook page.

___________________________________________________

North End American Grill

Address:  Chestnut & Olde New Jersey Avenues
Phone:  609-435-5691

Cuisine:  American (Traditional)
Parking:  Street
Services:  Walk-ins welcome / outdoor seating available

Hours of Operation

Mon - Sat:  11:30 a.m. - 3 a.m.
Sunday:       12 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Reminder: Randy Senna on "Hoarders" tonight

Don't forget to clear your schedules or set your DVRs, as "Mr. Fascination" Randy Senna will be featured on A&E's Hoarders program tonight at 9 p.m.

The show will focus on Senna's incredible collection of arcade, amusement, and boardwalk nostalgia, much of which is housed in the 20,000-square foot former Woolworth's building on Pacific Avenue.

Senna hopes to one day open this virtual museum to the public as "Randy Land."

Check out a teaser trailer for the episode HERE.

This summer, Senna has set up shop on the ground floor of the Boardwalk Mall (at Garfield Ave.) with his Remember When Pinball Palace and Retro Arcade.

A "living, breathing time machine," the arcade features over 125 vintage pinball machines manufactured between the early 50's and late 70's.

Follow Remember When on Facebook for more info and updates.

Great seats still available for WWE Raw on July 23rd

According to our friends at the Wildwoods Convention Center, great seats are still available for WWE's Raw World Tour 2011 show next Saturday (July 23rd).

Tickets start at just $15 and can be purchased at the Convention Center box office or through Ticketmaster (by phone: 800-745-3000).

All of the top stars of the Raw brand will be in action, with John Cena taking on Alberto Del Rio in the main event, Rey Mysterio going one-on-one with R-Truth, and much more.

Be there, or George "The Animal" Steele will come to your house and mistake your couch for a turnbuckle snack!

Paul's Idaho Potatoes finds new home in Philly

The legendary Boardwalk stand, circa 2005

We have some very good news for fans of Paul's Idaho Potatoes...

Paul's future home at 429 South Street

The popular stand, which had been a fixture on the Boardwalk since 1976, but was not included in Boardwalk Central's reshuffled lineup this year, has found a new home.

According to the owners, Paul's is coming to South Street in Philadelphia. The new location will be the former home of Ablilene, next to Fat Tuesday. Talk about a high profile spot!

They expect to be up and running in about two months.

Additionally, the owners are actively looking for a new Boardwalk location for 2012 and beyond.

Ride the ferry / eat, play, and ride on the Boardwalk

Amy Buckman of 6abc (Action News) in Philly reported on a great package deal for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry earlier this evening.

From now until August 25, Monday through Thursday, ferry riders will also receive a wristband for rides at Morey's Piers, two slices of pizza at Jumbo's, and unlimited tram car rides on the Boardwalk Sightseer.

The price is $69.50 for the vehicle and one passenger, and $33.50 for each additional person.

Mike Porch, Marketing Manager for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, who was interviewed for the piece, estimated that a family of four could save about 50 percent with the deal.

Boardwalk again makes NatGeo's "Top 10" list

For the second straight year, the Wildwoods have been named home to one of the "Top 10 U.S. Boardwalks" by National Geographic Traveler. (See 2010)

Here's the official release from the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA)...

THE WILDWOODS, NJ - The Wildwoods have received a major honor this month as the Wildwoods Boardwalk was named among National Geographic Traveler’s “Top 10 U.S. Boardwalks” for 2011.

According to the National Geographic Traveler website, the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk was recognized and awarded membership on the list due to being “one of the kitschiest boardwalks in the country” and a “two-mile stretch of neon” packed with all of the necessary shore attractions like funnel cakes & boardwalk fare, arcades, water parks and amusement piers with more rides than Disneyland.

National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine – celebrating journeys that are about place, experience, culture, authenticity, living like the locals and great photography while making a distinction between tourism and travel and employing storytelling that inspires readers to pick up and go.

National Geographic Traveler's "Top Ten U.S. Boardwalks" list can be found at
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/us-boardwalks/

“Recognition from a reputable and well-known publication like National Geographic Traveler further enforces the fact that the Wildwoods Boardwalk is one of the major reasons why the Wildwoods are one of the top family resort destinations in the country,” said John Siciliano, Executive Director for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA).

“On behalf of GWTIDA, we thank everyone involved in making the Wildwoods Boardwalk one of the country’s most incredible attractions, along with each and every one of the nine million visitors that visit our island every year.”

The Wildwoods were also recognized as one of TripAdvisor’s top three “Travelers’ Choice Family Award-Winning U.S. Amusement Park Destinations” in 2011; Smarter Travel’s “Best Beach Town In America For a Classic Experience” in 2010; one of Sherman’s Travel’s “Top Ten American Boardwalks” in 2009 and 2010; and one of Forbes Traveler's "Top Ten American Boardwalks" in 2009.

In addition to its award-winning boardwalk, the Wildwoods are also home to nationally-recognized beaches – voted “Best Beaches in New Jersey” – that are FREE to enjoy, along with over 180 festivals and events throughout the year, plus the country’s largest concentration of mid-century “Doo-Wop” architecture.

Cornhole tournament photos posted

The 2nd Annual Wildwood Cornhole Tournament was held over the weekend, with the Diamond Beach Holers beating out 51 other teams to claim the $500 first place prize.

Juan Pablo's Margarita Bar, the official host of the event, has uploaded an album of photos from the festivities to its Facebook page. Check them out HERE.

The next event for Juan Pablo's will be Xmas in July on July 25th.

The Jersey War MMA event canceled

According to a statement posted on the official website of Xtreme Caged Combat, "The Jersey War" mixed martial arts event which was to take place on the beach this Saturday, July 9th, is now off.

"The Jersey War, presented by New Breed Fighters has been officially canceled by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board," it read. "We deeply apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to a possible postponement date in August."

No details as to why the NJSACB pulled the plug on the event are available.

Second annual Cornhole Tournament this weekend

The 2nd Annual Wildwood Cornhole Tournament will be held this Saturday and Sunday (July 9th & 10th) on the beach between Wildwood & Oak Avenues.

Separate competitions will be held each day...

Saturday will feature two tournaments (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), with teams of two competing for a chance to win custom cornhole sets. Registration is $20 per team and is open to all ages.

Sunday's tournament is the "main event," with a $500 prize to be awarded to the winning team. The top six teams will also receive a cash payout.

The event begins at 10:30 a.m. Registration is $40 per team if form and fee are received before the day of the event, and $45 that morning. The tournament is only open to those 18 years or older.

New this year for the Sunday event will be a Creative T-shirt Contest, with a chance for participants to win a $50 gift card to Juan Pablo's Margarita Bar.

For more info, to register, and/or for a complete set of rules, check out the Wildwood Cornhole Tournament's official Facebook page or visit www.wildwoodcornhole.com. Or call 609-729-8870.

Holy Cannoli! Potito's debuts on the Boardwalk

One of the highlights of yesterday's grand opening of Boardwalk Central was the subsequent debut of Potito's Italian American Pastries.

Owners Matt and Cristina Benigno have brought their world class baking and pastry-crafting skills to the Boardwalk with the first expansion of their South Philly location (1614 W. Ritner Street).

The new stand is located right next door to the also-brand new Chickie's & Pete's, along the Cedar Avenue extension.

I had the chance to sample Potito's trademark cannolis at the ribbon-cutting event, and, well... lets just say that there is good reason why they were the talk of the event!

(In case you missed it, the Benignos also created a beautiful cake which depicted images of all of the Boardwalk Central businesses for the occassion. Glad we snapped a few pics, because it sure didn't last long!)

Yet another great addition to the Boardwalk this year (seriously, how long has it been since we've had a quality bakery on the boards?), Potito's offers a wide variety of baked goods, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and, um... have we mentioned the cannolis?

We highly recommend that you stop by and visit Matt and Cristina on your next visit!

Boardwalk Central celebrates grand opening

A number of Wildwood dignitaries were on hand to mark the official dedication of Boardwalk Central this afternoon. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a reception catered by the various businesses that comprise the newly-named 3400 block.

Splashzone Waterpark owner Andy Weiner greeted the crowd and spoke of the many changes made to the area, including the additions of The 5-Mile Marketplace, Chickie's & Pete's, The Original Idaho Potatoes, Little Roma Pizza, Polish Water Ice, and Potito's Italian American Pastries (which debuted this morning).

Weiner was then joined by mayor Ernie Troiano and commissioners Pete Byron and Anthony Leonetti. Troiano recalled the history of the Cedar Avenue corner and cited the continued development of the area as an essential component of the Boardwalk's progression. He then declared July 1st "Boardwalk Central Day" in Wildwood.

(Troiano also got off a good line, asking Weiner if he could borrow the Super Bull during the offseason "because no one gets the bull out like City Hall.")

Afterward, Weiner cut the ribbon to commemorate the official opening of Boardwalk Central; a new sign (and logo) was then unveiled above the Splashzone offices.

To close out the ceremonial portion of the event, Potito's owners Matt and Cristina Benigno presented Weiner with a cake adorned with images of the Boardwalk Central businesses.

Below are several photos from the dedication. Click any (including those above) for a larger view...

 

 

 

Phase 1 of Gateway 26 revamp nearing completion

The dramatically-renovated facade of Gateway 26 and the entire 2600 block of the Boardwalk is nearing completion.

Red lettering with neon tubing is being installed today above the Kohr Bros. stand at the main entrance to the casino/arcade.

Rumor has it that the entire facade may be lit up for the first time tonight!

Click each photo for a larger view...