We look forward to this particular press release every year!
With Memorial Day Weekend just over a month away, here's an overview of events scheduled for the summer season. The list includes dozens of annual favorites, several new ones, and over 100 free events...
PRESS RELEASE
The best time of the year in The Wildwoods is right around the corner – summer – and that means endless events filled with warm-weather fun.More than a hundred events, concerts, contests and celebrations for all ages are planned – including quite a few that are new for 2013 – from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
“We are so grateful that we came through Superstorm Sandy virtually unscathed, and we are ready to host the millions of visitors who grace our shores each summer and enjoy the many events and festivals we have planned,” said John Siciliano, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority.“There is most certainly something for everyone to enjoy here, and best of all, most of the events and festivals are free,” he added.
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer fun with lots to see and do. From Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 27, the 28th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest kite festival in North America, takes place on the beach at Rio Grande Ave. and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. This event is FREE to spectators. Also from Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26, the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs will hold the New Jersey State Gymnastic Competitions at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Competitions will take place on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
June events kick off with the North Wildwood Beach Writers' Conference Tuesday & Wednesday, June 4 & 5 at the Wildwoods Convention Center, featuring speakers, workshops, writing contests and an opportunity to meet authors, publishers and agents.
The FREE Mummers Brigade Weekend takes place on Friday & Saturday, June 7-8. The fun starts at Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood on Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m. with a pub crawl and friendly competition amongst various clubs and local businesses.
The festivities continue on Saturday, June 8 with a block party on Olde New Jersey Avenue from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.; and the Mummers Parade steps off on 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues at 4:45 p.m., featuring 10 brigades from this year's New Year's Day Parade in Philadelphia, PA. Spectators will be able to get up-close views of the beautiful costumes and intricate dance steps these eccentric performers display.
From Sunday, June 16 – Friday, June 21 you can wine and dine at some of the Wildwoods’ best restaurants at affordable prices during Restaurant Week in the Wildwoods. Participating restaurants will offer a four-course meal for one low price.
The 90th official National Marbles Tournament takes place at Ringer Stadium on the beach at Wildwood Avenue from Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 20. This national competition for boys and girls ages 8-14 that have qualified by winning local tournaments throughout the United States encompasses more than 1,200 games of marbles played 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. daily with the "King" & "Queen" of marbles to be crowned at the end of 4 days of spirited competition. This event is FREE to spectators with great views of the competition rings from the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
The North Wildwood Original Italian-American Festival, a celebration of Italian-American heritage, will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood, from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30. Friday’s festivities include vendors, food and entertainment from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. and a procession in honor of Saint Anthony at 7 p.m. beginning at Chestnut and Central Avenues. The weekend’s opening ceremony takes place at 7:15 p.m.
On Saturday, vendors, food and entertainment will be ongoing from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Olde New Jersey Avenue; and the 4th Annual Meatball Rally takes place at 7 p.m. Vendors, food, and free entertainment continues on Sunday, along with the 3rd Annual Little Miss Italy contest at 1 p.m.
Also taking place Saturday & Sunday, June 29 & 30 is the Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer event, where teams play barefoot on the Wildwoods beaches at Cedar and Poplar Avenues from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. This event is FREE to spectators.
A NEW event in the Wildwoods – the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival – will take place on Saturday, June 29, on the beach at Heather Road in Wildwood Crest, near the Beach Pier. The event will feature an amateur sand sculpting contest, amazing sand sculpture designs by 'Can You Dig It' professional sand sculptors, live music right on the beach and more! This event begins at 10 a.m. and is FREE.
To celebrate summer’s favorite holiday, Fourth of July, the Wildwoods are holding a number of events. The Independence Day Parade on Thursday, July 4, beginning at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues, North Wildwood and proceeding north to 1st & Surf Avenue, North Wildwood. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated bikes in red, white and blue theme.
The Fourth of July Beach 'n Boardwalk Patriotic Run/Walk also takes place on July 4 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. The 5K Fun Run will begin at the Wildwoods Sign and travel north to the Wildwoods Convention Center and then down the boardwalk extension to the beach. The 1 Mile Walk will go down the Wildwoods Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue and back to the Wildwoods Convention Center. Awards will be presented for Top Finishers and Most Patriotic Dressed in Family, Adult, Child and Baby. All funds raised from this event will be used to help maintain the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
The evening of Thursday, July 4 features "Changes in Latitudes" – a Jimmy Buffett tribute band – performing at Fox Park in Wildwood at 6 p.m. Bring your own blanket or beach chair and prepare for some great FREE family fun! A FREE Fourth of July Patriotic Show will also be taking place at
Fern Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest at 7:30 p.m. at the Centennial Park Entertainment Pavilion, featuring the Manhattan Dolls. Bring a blanket or beach chair.
The Mummers will also be performing on the boardwalk from 7p.m. – 9 p.m., followed by a FREE Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood at 10 p.m. The show will be visible from almost anywhere in the Wildwoods!
WWE Live is back again on Friday, July 5 at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Also at the Wildwoods Convention Center from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7 you can find the FREE Sports Card, Toys, Comic and Collectibles Show. And from Monday, July 8 – Saturday, July 13, from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily, Dance Xplosion National Dance Finals will be held at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Finalists from all over the country will be competing against one another to win the National title.
The annual New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival is always a fun-filled three-day event.The festival takes place Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14 at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues, as well as at surrounding pubs in North Wildwood. Experience the BEST in Barbeque & Blues at this exciting three day festival, with live cooking demonstrations, incredible food and top regional and national blues acts on our FREE main stage. Hours are Fri: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sun: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Morey’s Piers will be presenting one of the largest multi-sport beach tournaments in the world from Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. The Beach Sports Weekend will include Lacrosse and Hockey on the beach at Cedar Avenue in Wildwood.
At the same time, The 4th Annual Maritime Festival at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21 on the grounds and surrounding streets of the historic Hereford Lighthouse and Museum at 111 North Central Avenue in North Wildwood.A celebration of life by the sea, visitors can enjoy two full days of artists, crafters, authors, historians, lighthouses and a maritime museum. Thereare also pirates, performers and demonstrations by men and women of the sea - plus great food! The event is FREE and open to the public.
Also on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21 is the Handcraft Unlimited Christmas in July Craft Show at the Wildwoods Convention Center. This show features quality crafters featuring country, modern, primitive, folk art and much more! Hours are Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $3 and Children 12 and under are free.
A family favorite, the NJ State Crab Festival, is back again with exciting vendors, fun activities for the kids, including a crab race and much more. It takes place starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 along Park Blvd. in front of the Ice House Restaurant in Wildwood.
The co-ed Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament will be held in Wildwood from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 26 – 28, on the beach from Oak to Rio Grande Avenues.The largest beach Frisbee tournament in the world, it is a 4-on-4 team competition for players of all levels, ages 18 & over. More than 400 teams from all over the U.S. are expected to compete in the tournament. This event is FREE to spectators.
Morey's Piers invites kids to get fit and participate in a "marathon" on Saturday, July 27 at 10:30 a.m. The Wild Half Mile Kids Marathon, a run for kids 12 and under, will begin at the Wildwoods Convention Center and follow a one-half mile route on the Wildwoods’ Boardwalk ending at Mariner's Landing Pier on Schellenger Avenue. Registration is at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and kids are encouraged to show their "wild side" by dressing in animal print gear or wearing animal ears, tails and/or noses.
Another NEW super-fun and super-cute event taking place on Tuesday, July 30, is the Wildwoods Waddle!This event is an opportunity for infants and toddlers to show off their speedy crawling or "waddling" technique the day before the official Wildwoods Baby Parade on Wednesday, July 31.The Waddle race event will take place at 10 a.m. on the grassy circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Waddlers are encouraged to participate the next day in the 104th official Baby Parade on Wednesday, July 31, a Wildwoods’ tradition since 1909! This year's theme is 'Love those Wildwood Days – Past, Present and Future' and participants are encouraged to theme their attire, decorations and floats. Registration will take place at Wildwoods Convention Center from 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Line-up begins at 5:30 p.m.,on the Boardwalk outside the Convention Center.The parade steps off promptly at 6 p.m. and proceeds up the Wildwoods Boardwalk to 16th Street in North Wildwood.
August kicks off with the Battle at the Beach Grappling Tournament, a mixed martial-arts competition featuring contestants from the tri-state area, taking place Friday through Sunday, August 2- 4. Also taking place this same weekend is the Wildwood Crest Antique, Classic and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday, August 3 at the First United Methodist Church in Wildwood Crest, featuring antique and classic cars over 25 years old on display for all to see.
The Wildwood Crest 5K Beach Race also takes place on Saturday, August 3 at 8:45 a.m. beginning and ending at the Wildwood Crest Beach Pier on the beach at Heather Road. The run will be held on an out-and-back all-beach course. The event also includes a one-mile fun run/walk. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as the top male and female finishers in categorized age groups.
Refreshments will be available following the completion of the races. Registration fees are $15 for the 5K run and $10 for the one-mile fun run if registered by August 1. Fees are $20 and $15 after August 1. Race-day registration will be held at the Crest Pier Recreation Center at Heather Road and Ocean Avenue at starting at 7 a.m.
The Harlem Globetrotters return for their third consecutive summer series at the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena. Four fun-filled games will be played Wednesday through Saturday, August 7 – 10 nightly at 7 p.m. This is the only summer appearance that the Harlem Globetrotters make all year.
Rebel Image Tattoo presents the Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash Convention,a full blown tattoo expo and show in the Wildwoods Convention Center from Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August18. It's a weekend full of incredible tattoo artistry and fun events - famousnational tattoo artists, live tattooing, a traveling tattoo museum, contests, and so much more. The show takes place 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
It wouldn’t be summer in the Wildwoods without one more Wildwoods walk/run event! ‘Tri the Wildwoods’ Triathlon& 5k Run will take place Saturday, August 17 at 15th Avenue and the beach in North Wildwood beginning at 7 a.m. This is the event’s 10th anniversary and a rite of passage race encompassing a ¼-mile swim, a 10-mile bike trek and 3.1 mile (5K) beach run. Or you can participate in only the 5K beach run. Also this year is the Wild Child Splash & Dash for ages 7-15, which focuses on finishing rather than competing. This is a USA Triathlon Sanctioned event.
The Colossal Coastal Roller Derby Expo takes place in the Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday & Saturday, August 23 & 24 with hundreds of roller derby enthusiasts, skaters and vendors, featuring hard-hitting games and various other skate-inspired festivities. Male and female roller derby skaters throughout the country are expected to attend and will be playing using the Modern Athletic Derby Endeavor Rule Set.
The Wildwoods’ second Restaurant Week of the summer takes place from Sunday, August 25 to Friday, August 30. Wine and dine in some of Wildwoods finest restaurants. All participating restaurants will offer a complete four course meal, including appetizer, salad, entree and dessert for one low price.
The Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25 withcollectibles, memorabilia and guest star appearances, plus more than100 tables of the hottest collectibles on the planet: sports cards old and new, sets, autographed memorabilia, posters, supplies, toys, coins, beanie babies, comics, jerseys, videos and much more! Hours are Fri: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and admission is FREE.
The Wildwoods will present a super special FREE Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, August 30 at 10 p.m.This extravaganza to end the summer season will be visible from almost anywhere in the Wildwoods.
The Handcraft Unlimited Labor Day Craft Show takes place on Saturday & Sunday, August 31 and September 1 in the Wildwoods Convention Center. Quality crafters and merchandise of all kinds will be on display. Hours are Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $3. Children under 12 are free.
The Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival returns on Sunday, September 1 starting at noon at
Fox Park on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues.
This FREE fun family festival includes crafts, games, rides, great food and continuous live entertainment. Also on Sunday is the
All American Car & Truck Show on the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
If there weren’t already enough fun and exciting events scheduled for the summer of 2013, the Wildwoods have outdone themselves with FREE fireworks every Friday night all summer long, FREE concerts four nights a week all summer long, and as always, FREE beaches every day!
Be sure to visit the Wildwoods website at www.WildwoodsNJ.com for a full calendar of summer events and details, as well as additional information about the Wildwoods, or call 800-992-9732.
Below is a partial list of the Wildwoods’ Summer 2013 events – from Memorial Day to Labor Day:*
May 24 – Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony
May 24-26 – State Gymnastics Competition
May 24-27 – 28th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 25 – River Adventure Cardboard Boat Race
May 25-26 – Boardwalk Craft Show
May 27 – Wildwoods’ Memorial Day Services and Ceremonies
May 31 – Music in the Parks
June 4-5 – North Wildwood Beach Writers' Conference
June 7-8 - Mummers Brigade Weekend
June 16-21 - Restaurant Week in the Wildwoods
June 17-21 - 90th Annual National Marbles Tournament
June 28 – 30 North Wildwood Original Italian – American Festival
June 29 - Sand Sculpting Festival
June 29-30 - Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer
July 4 - Independence Day Parade
July 4 - Fourth of July Beach ‘n Boardwalk 5k Run & 1 Mile Family Walk
July 4 - Fourth of July Fireworks Display Spectacular
July 4 - ‘Changes in Latitude’ Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band FREE Concert
July 4 - Wildwood Crest July Fourth Patriotic Show
July 5 - WWE Live
July 5-7 - Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show
July 8-13 - Dance Xplosion National Dance Finals
July 12-14 - New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival
July 19-21 - Morey’s Piers Beach Sports Weekend including LAX & Hockey
July 20-21 - Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival
July 20-21 - Handcraft Unlimited Christmas in July Craft Show
July 20 - NJ State Crab Festival
July 26-28 - Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament
July 27 – Wild Half Mile Kids Marathon
July 31 - Wildwoods Baby Parade
August 2-4 - Battle at the Beach Grappling Tournament
August 3 - Wildwood Crest Antique, Classic and Hot Rod Car Show
August 7-10 - Harlem Globetrotters
August 16-18 - Wildwood Tattoo Expo & Show
August 17 - Tri the Wildwoods - Triathlon & 5K
August 23-24 - Colossal Coastal Roller Derby Expo
August 23-25 - Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show
August 25-30 – Restaurant Week in the Wildwoods
August 30 - Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
August 31-September 1 - Handcraft Unlimited Labor Day Craft Show
September 1 - Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival
September 1 - All American Car & Truck Show
*Please note that the information and dates above are subject to change.
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The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) was formed in 1993 to consolidate the tourism economy of its three founding municipalities: Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood. The Wildwoods have won numerous travel and tourism awards, heralding the resort for its beaches, boardwalk and attractions.
The Wildwoods were selected in 2013 as One of America’s Top 10 U.S. Tourist Towns by families voting in FamilyFun magazine. The Wildwoods were named “Best Beaches in New Jersey” in the 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 Top Ten New Jersey Beaches public survey, sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. Wildwoods’ beaches were also named “Best Beach for Family Vacations,” “Best Beach for Tourism,” “Best Beach for Events,” “Best Beach for Eco-Tourism” and “Best Beach for Day Trips” in the same surveys. The Wildwoods were named #1 Boardwalk in the nation by FamilyVacationCritic.com in 2012; and Smarter Travel also named the Wildwoods Boardwalk, one of “Americas Best Boardwalks.” The 2012 list of “15 Destinations on the Rise” for TripAdvisor included the Wildwoods, and Home.com voted the Wildwoods one of “Americas Top 10 Scenic Seasides of the Summer.” In addition, the Wildwoods were voted “BestTown” in the 2009 and 2011 PHL-17 Philly Hot List, JerseyShore Edition contest; and were one of Sherman’s Travel’s “Top Ten American Boardwalks” for two years in a row.
The Tourism Authority operates the WildwoodsConvention Center and acts as the island’s destination marketing organization overseeing the development, research, planning, marketing, advertising, promotion, public and media relations encompassing the tourism, meeting and convention industry in the Wildwoods. Additionally, the Authority funds, assists with and hosts more than 180 annual special events to enhance the visitor experience and extend the tourism season, including the Beach Monster Mash Truck Races, Family Nights On The Boardwalk, Friday Night Fireworks, the New Jersey State Barbeque Championships and Anglesea Blues Festival, Classic Car Shows, the International Kite Festival, Irish and Italian Festivals and the National Marbles Tournament, among others.
For more information about the Wildwoods, contact the GWTIDA at 1-800-WW-By-Sea (800-992-9732) or visit its web site, www.WildwoodsNJ.com.
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