The Wildwoods' Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony ~ Friday, May 27th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Tourism state, county and city officials, along with guest speakers, are scheduled to participate in the Wildwoods' official start of the summer tourist season - the Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony - on Friday, May 27 at 11 am.

Taking place simultaneously with the annual International Kite Festival - the largest Kite Festival in North America - on the beach, a colorful, kite-filled sky will serve as the backdrop while invited dignitaries and more than 300 elementary school children participate in the ceremonious "unlocking" of the ocean for the 2022 summer season, using an oversized, ornate "W" key.

The key will be delivered by a professional sky diver at the precise time for the "unlocking," which should prove to be an exciting photo op.

Who

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) representatives, tourism, state, county, local and city officials, guest speakers and more than 300 elementary school children.

What

The official Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony & Media Event, and kick-off of the International Kite Festival.

When

Friday, May 27 at 11 am

Where

On the beach at Andrews Avenue next to the Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held indoors at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Why

To officially launch the summer tourist season in the Wildwoods

Taking place immediately after the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony at 11:45 am is the official launch of the all-new Wildwoods Island Shuttle at the "WILDWOODS" sign, located on the Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue. GWTIDA, along with the Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood mayors and officials from the Jitney Association, will hold a joint press conference to announce the service. Two brand-new Wildwoods Island Shuttles will be on display in front of the "WILDWOODS" sign for inspection and photo opportunities.

The Wildwoods Island Shuttle will begin service in the Wildwoods on Thursday, May 26, starting with weekends-only service Memorial Day Weekend through Sunday, June 19. Service will transition to a daily route Monday, June 20 through Labor Day, Monday, September 5, with shuttles returning to weekend-only service Friday, September 9 through Saturday, October 22.

A free app, Jitney Surfer, can be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple App store - it allows riders to view a map of shuttle routes, pay for your ride ticket and track real-time locations of each shuttle. The cost to ride will be $3 one-way, and $4 on the late-night route. Service will be "Stop on Demand" for the entire route.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.