"Hunt's Pier" book release, website, signing event

Well, today is the day!

I am thrilled to announce that the book I co-authored with my good friend Rob Ascough - Images of America: Hunt's Pier - is now available in bookstores across the region (and, of course, via Amazon and various online outlets).

To coincide with its official release, we've put together a little website with some info on the book and a few links. As time goes by, we may expand the site to include some more Hunt's Pier-related "stuff." Check it out HERE.

And, don't forget, if you plan to be in Wildwood this coming weekend, we'll be holding our very first book signing event on Saturday at Lime Ricky World (3409 Boardwalk), starting at 3 p.m.

Come on by and say hi. We look forward to seeing you and sharing memories of the glory days of the "Oceanic Wonderland!"

Restaurant Week is underway

The first of two "Restaurant Weeks" to be held in the Wildwoods this year begins today, with 22 establishments participating.

At these locations, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a four course meal - including appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert - for $30, through Friday.

The weeklong event is hosted by the Wildwood Restaurant Association and is being sponsored by 98.7 The Coast and GWTIDA.

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants and menus, click HERE or call 609-522-8300.

The second Restaurant Week will take place August 28th through September 2nd.

A Peek at the Week (starting 6/19/11)

A breezy rundown of what's going on in the Wildwoods this week...

Today marks the beginning of Restaurant Week, during which a number of restaurants around the island will be offering four course meals at discount prices. For participating locations and menus, check out www.wildwoodbythesearestaurantweek.com or call 609-522-8300.

On Monday, the 88th Annual National Marbles Tournament will get underway. This great Wildwood tradition will run through Thursday, with competition held daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ringer Stadium, on the beach at Wildwood Avenue.

The popular Doo Wop Back to the '50s Tours will be running on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and 98.7 The Coast will continue its series of live broadcasts from the Boardwalk on Thursday afternoon.

On Wednesday at 10 a.m., a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the newly-renovated Harbor Light Family Resort at 301 Ocean Avenue in North Wildwood. Mayor Bill Henfey and City Counsel President Patrick Rosenello will be on hand to join the Del Monte family in celebrating this special event.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the North Wildwood Original Italian-American Festival will begin on Friday. This three-day celebration of Italian-American heritage will feature vendors, food, and live entertainment, and much more along Olde New Jersey Avenue in Anglesea.

On Saturday and Sunday, Morey's Piers will host the annual spectacle that is the Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer Tournament. Hundreds of barefoot soccer teams in different age groups and divisions will battle for supremacy on the sand. Check out www.moreyspiers.com or www.capeexpress.com for more info.

... And now, it's... "Cheap Plug Time!"

On Saturday, Rob Ascough and I will be at Lime Ricky World (3409 Boardwalk) to sign copies of our new book Images of America: Hunt's Pier from Arcadia Publishing, which will be out in bookstores tomorrow.

The event starts at 3 p.m. Hope to see you there!

If you know of any other events or activities of note in the Wildwoods this week (perhaps you are hosting one!), drop us a line so that we can include it in our listings - wildwood365@gmail.com

WWE Raw World Tour coming to town July 23rd

Pro wrestling has been a tradition on the Boardwalk for decades.

Some of the "oldtimers" might recall the days when Gorilla Monsoon used to stand at the entrance to the old Convention Hall, promoting the next card or greeting ticket holders on the night of an event.

How about the days when the heroic, barrel chested Bruno Sammartino would defend the honor of the people against the likes of the evil Ivan Koloff, Killer Kowalski, or George "The Animal" Steele?

... alright, did I lose ya, kids?

Don't worry, while I may wax poetic about the old days, the modern stars of WWE are coming to town.

John Cena, Rey Mysterio, The Big Show, and company will invade the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, July 23rd when the Raw World Tour makes its annual stop.

"Bell time," as Gary Michael Cappetta might say (sorry, couldn't resist) will be 8 p.m.

Tickets start at just $15 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster or call 800-745-3000, as well as the Wildwoods Convention Center Box Office.

For more information call 609-729-9000 or visit www.wwe.com.

Marksman Entertainment launches new website

Marksman Entertainment, Inc., the film production company that specializes in historical documentaries of beloved Wildwood landmarks and personalities, now has an official website.
Producers Scott Hand and Diane Pooler launched the new venture this week. The site includes information on Marksman films - such as The Hunt's Legacy series and Fun Pier: Roaring Back to Life! - and aims to keep visitors updated on the status of ongoing and future projects.

(The first Marksman DVD production, Jim DeMusz: Master Innovator, is now available for purchase HERE.)

Check out the site, and be sure to sign the Guestbook!

Also, "like" Marksman Entertainment on Facebook for additional info, updates, and exclusive photos.

"Fallen Heroes" motorcycle ride set for Sunday

The 4th Annual Philly's Fallen Heroes Motorcycle Ride from Philadephia to the Wildwoods will take place this Sunday.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Philadelphia Police Adademy (8501 State Road). Kickstands go up at 11:30 a.m., and the ride will end up at The Wharf (708 W. Burk Avenue).

ALL proceeds will go directly to the FOP Survivors Fund, which was established to support the families of Philadelphia policie officers killed in the line of duty.

The after-party at The Wharf will feature a custom designed and baked cake by Buddy and is crew at Carlo's Bake Shop.

Check out the event's official Facebook page for more details and info.

"Look Inside" the new Hunt's Pier book

I just noticed this morning that Amazon has added the "Look Inside" feature to the listing for the soon-to-be released book Images of America: Hunt's Pier, which I co-authored with my good friend (and frequent Wildwood 365 contributor) Rob Ascough.

The majority of Chapter 1 ("Hunt's Amusement Enterprises") and the beginning of Chapter 2 ("Laying The Foundation") are now available for your viewing pleasure. I hope you'll check it out, and would love to hear some feedback on this small sampling from the 128-page product.

The book will be hitting store shelves on June 20th. It is available for pre-order on Amazon and other fine outlets, retailing for $21.99.

The Wildwoods - There's an App for that!

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of "the first official App of the Wildwoods."

Created as a Summer 2011 Guide to the resort, users can view lists and find out detailed information about accommodations, restaurants, events, and other activities.

You can also map a route from any location to the Wildwood location of choice, in addition to other features.

The App - simply titled "Wildwoods" is now available for FREE download in the Apple App Store.

As this is a brand new function, the GWCOC noted that there may be a few kinks to be worked out.

Feedback is welcome at 609-729-4000 or info@gwcoc.org.

The Dead Zone coming to Sportland Pier

It's starting to get downright scary up at 23rd & Boardwalk!

The recently-opened Morbid Manor is scoring rave reviews, but visitors may also notice ongoing construction near the rear of Sportland Pier.

There, the wooden frame of The Dead Zone is quickly taking shape. That's right, another haunted attraction is coming to the former home of the Hell Hole and Dr. Blood's House of Horror.

The Dead Zone is the latest project by Bridgeton, NJ-based All Seasons Entertainment LLC. The "open air," 5,000 square foot walk through will take guests through the dilapidated streets of a city overrun by zombies.

The theme is reportedly being loosely based on the hit A&E series, The Walking Dead.

The attraction is set to open later this summer.

Check out The Dead Zone's official Facebook page for additional information, photos, and updates.

Photos courtesy of The Dead Zone

A message to our readers

First off, we'd like to thank everyone for the heartfelt messages posted here and on our Facebook page, as well as those sent to us via e-mail over the past few days.

To those who have asked, we will resume blogging tomorrow. While no conscious decision was made not to post content over the weekend, our inactivity was a reflection of the sadness that lingers (and will for some time) after the tragic accident at Mariner's Landing on Friday.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the young girl, and with our friends at Morey's Piers during this difficult time.

The Moreys have long upheld a standard of safety that has been the envy of the amusement industry. The wonderful people that run the organization take such pride in everything that they do, with customer care always being the top priority.

As we resume posting news and info on the "fun" aspects of the Wildwoods, we will do so with very heavy hearts. And we offer our deepest condolences, and wishes of healing for all affected by this terrible tragedy.

Be well, everyone. And thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Al, Dave, & Mike
Wildwood 365

Girl dies after fall from Giant Wheel

We are deeply saddened to report that an 11-year-old girl has died after falling from the Giant Wheel at Mariner's Landing earlier this afternoon.

Wildwood 365 would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the child. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as the Morey family and staff during this difficult time.

Update, 4:15 p.m.:  In the aftermath of the tragedy, Morey's Piers has announce that it will be closed this evening. The piers will reopen tomorrow, Saturday, June 4th, on normal operating schedule.

Media coverage:  NBC 10,  Philadelphia Inquirer,  Press of Atlantic City

Video: 2nd Annual Curley Fry Eating Contest

There was no shortage of fun throughout the Wildwoods over Memorial Day Weekend, but those who came out to enjoy the 2nd Annual Curley Fry Festival at Surfside Pier on Saturday witnessed something entirely unique.

The event was highlighted by the 2011 Curley Fry Eating Contest, which we were fortunate enough to observe from a "ringside" vantage point.

A diverse roster of competitors took their places on the patio at Joe's Fish Co., each determined to obliterate ("devour" is too soft a word) as many french fries as possible in 5 minutes.

Here's how it all went down... literally...

(SPOILER here, if you haven't seen it already)

The artist at work (really, really FAST)

Artist extraordinaire Ed Peahota wowed the crowd with his speed painting show at the Boardwalk Talent Stage on Saturday afternoon.

Below are some photos of the man in action. We will have video from the show up early next week.

For more info and photos, check out The Art & Music of Ed Peahota on Facebook!

(Click each image for a larger view)

 

Morbid Manor opens to rave reviews

Are we witnessing a renaissance of the "dark ride" genre in the Wildwoods?

It would appear so...

Morbid Manor, the highly-anticipated haunted house at Sportland Pier, opened to the public for the first time Saturday evening. It is now open nightly (hours and admission listed below).

The walkthrough attraction, previously under the working title "House of Haunts," is already receiving rave reviews. Check out what people are saying on Facebook, and be sure to "like" the page for more info and updates.

Morbid Manor is over 3,000 square feet long, designed with a unique layout that gives the feel of being inside of a large haunted mansion.

Featuring a mix of live actors, animatronics, and state-of-the-art special effects, the attraction claims to be the scariest haunt on the Boardwalk.

We can't wait to check it out!

(Also check back for info on another haunted attraction set to debut at Sportland Pier this summer. Between these, the debut of Morey's Piers' Ghost Ship last year and the announcement of the Morey's Fears Halloween event, these are good times for fans of the haunted amusement genre in the Wildwoods...)

________________________________________________

Morbid Manor     Info

Address:  23rd & Boardwalk (Sportland Pier)
Admission:  $8.00

Hours of Operation  (Subject to change)

Mon - Thurs:     6 p.m.  -  9 p.m.
Friday:               6 p.m.  -  12 a.m.
Saturday:           6 p.m.  -  1 a.m.
Sunday:              6 p.m.  -  12 a.m.

The Boardwalk pizza shuffle

It's not a new dance craze, just a few observations.

During the early stages of the season, it's always interesting to take a stroll along the Boardwalk to see what's new. Have you ever come upon a place that looks new, but you can't remember whether or not it was there the year before? Happens to us all the time.

Sometimes, we look for something only to learn that it's no longer around. And we're left to stop and wonder... "Hey, how long has that place been gone?!"

The Boardwalk is a dynamic entity by nature (in more ways than one) and as we know, businesses tend to come and go with a fair degree of regularity.

In the coming weeks, we'll be taking a look at all of the changes up on the boards and elsewhere on the island; for now, here's a quick look at three new pizza places that have popped up at the beginning of the 2011 season...


Wally's Restaurant & Pizzeria   (2222 Boardwalk)

We start up on the North Wildwood portion of the Boardwalk, where Wally's Restaurant & Pizza has taken over the former location of 3 Brothers II.

This pizzeria sits on the south side of the 22nd Street ramp, under the sundeck of the King's Inn Motel.

The original 3 Brothers remains in operation a few blocks north.


Joe's Italian Pizzaria   (2810 Boardwalk)

In the middle of the Boardwalk is a location that seems to change names every year. Joe's Italian Pizzaria makes its debut this year after a brief existence as Duva's Italian Grill in 2010.

Prior to a major renovation, this was the site of Boyd's BBQ for two seasons. However, this is best known as the longtime location of Pierre's Restaurant (which operated under a variety of names during its final seasons).

Like Duva's, Joe's prominently advertises its brick oven pizzas and continues to lay claim to serving the "Largest Pizza on the Boardwalk!"


Little Roma Pizza   (3504 Boardwalk)

We continue south to the 3500 block (between Cedar & Schellenger Aves.), which is now entirely under the ownership of Splash Zone Waterpark and has been named "Boardwalk Central."

Amid a number of changes and new additions (including Chickie's & Pete's, The Original Potato, and a mechanical bull) you will find Little Roma Pizza, which was formerly Little Angelo's.

The stand is now run by the owners of Shooters Old Time Photos / Pirates of Wildwood 3D Mini-Golf.

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If you have any info on other new pizza shops or happenings, or if you have tried out any of the above and would like to share your thoughts with us, we'd love to hear all about it. Drop us a line anytime at wildwood365@gmail.com

For more info and reviews of all your favorite (or even not-so-favorite) Boardwalk pizza parlors, be sure to check out the Wildwood Pizza Tour.

(And, for those who have been asking, the 2011 Wildwood Pizza Tour has been scheduled for August 5th. Stay tuned for more info!)