Wildwood Crest Celebrates Centennial

By DOROTHY ZOLLO and JUDY CARR
WILDWOOD CREST — Wildwood Crest residents are preparing to celebrate their town’s Centennial this year. The official date of incorporation was April 6, 1910. A hundred years later we are ready to honor our borough. A variety of events, geared for all ages, are scheduled throughout the summer months.
The “Kick Off” festivities will commence on Sunday, May 16 with an “Olde Tyme” Family Fun Festival featuring a variety of games and events for the entire family. Opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. at Crest Pier. Cape Shore Sweet Adelines will entertain from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Many surprises are planned including a pie-eating contest, a retro dress contest for the entire family, pony rides, “games your grandparents played”, a photo booth, and much more. Be sure to bring your cameras.
“The First Hundred Years…” will be available for sale. J. Byrne Insurance, Crest Savings Bank and Van Note-Harvey Associates have generously sponsored this book. The Committee has endeavored to make it a wonderful tribute that both residents and visitors will enjoy browsing again and again. The book is a walk back through time, featuring homes from 1910, the History of Turtle Gut, early transportation, graduation pictures and lots more.
Joyce Gould remarked, “My idea for a remembrance book was always to feature the people”. Dot Zollo and Judy Carr were interested in the “Then and Now” changes in the community. The book is a circle of life history of Wildwood Crest, which will rekindle your memories of days gone by. The three ladies, with the help of David Williams and Pat Johnson, have created a truly wonderful book that will be enjoyed by all.
The Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Company is also celebrating its 100th anniversary. The members are currently in the planning stages for their celebration in October.
Wildwood Crest is fortunate to have many residents over 90 years of age. A “nonagenarian” celebration to honor the seniors is scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 7 p.m. at Crest Memorial School. A free concert presented by “Shaken not Stirred” will feature Broadway musical selections from the past century. All are welcome to attend.
A variety of free musical concerts is scheduled for the summer and will be held at the Fitness Park located on Ocean Ave. between Forget-Me-Not Rd. and Palm Rd. The last weekend in August will feature a community gathering including music, food, and other surprises. We will keep you posted on all upcoming events.
Sweatshirts, long and short sleeve tee-shirts, golf shirts, “The First Hundred Years…”, and logo decals will be available for purchase at all events or from committee members.
Please mark your calendars, gather your family members, and come out and enjoy the festivities on May 16 while meeting and catching up with your friends and neighbors. It’s a party for Wildwood Crest’s 100th birthday and who doesn’t like a party.