Last week, Philadelphia's NBC10 reported on growing concerns among business and community leaders regarding the BeachGlow EDM (electric dance music) concert planned for July 4th.
Today, Will and Jack Morey of Morey's Piers issued a letter to the public that addressed their opposition to the event - specifically its timing, location, and the clash between the EDM culture and the "family values" brand many in the Wildwoods have been working to foster.
While supporting the Wildwood commissioners' efforts to seek "new and inventive" options for beach events and drawing visitors to the island, in general, the Morey Brothers made clear their opinion that this EDM event is not in the resort's best interest.
At last year's inaugural BeachGlow, there were multiple arrests (the number is disputed between the Moreys and Mayor Ernie Troiano), and reports of illegal drug use and underage drinking; profane language by performers was also easily heard from the amusement piers and Boardwalk throughout the concert.
(On the plus side, BeachGlow 2014 drew over 7,000 people and raised $40,000 for the American Red Cross.)
This year's version is expected to double last year's in scope, with an estimated 15,000 concertgoers on what is already one of the town's busiest days of the year.
Mayor Troiano continues to defend the event, telling The Wildwood Leader that last year's concert went off with only "minor problems" considering the attendance, and that the city would work hard to make the beach concerts work.
He also reiterated his vow to pull the plug immediately if profanity was used on stage this year.
In closing, the Morey's urged local businesses and organizations to join them in opposing the event, noting in the emotional plea:
"It takes a generation to build a quality brand, but it can take just one night to destroy it."
Click HERE (or the banner image above) to read the letter, and let us know what you think.
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