Lower Township Independence Day Draws Record Crowd

NORTH CAPE MAY – Lower Township’s July 3 Independence Day celebration drew the largest crowd in its history.
According to Township Manager Mike Voll, it was impossible to estimate the total number of people that attended the event. He said the beaches and Bay Drive were full.
The median strip on Ferry Road was filled with vehicles and spectators in lawn chairs stretching almost to the Bayshore Mall. The lawn behind the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal was also full of spectators.
“We’re always getting compliments from the tourists and residents that our fireworks are the best in Cape May County,” said Voll.
He complimented the township’s Recreation Department for their excellent work in staging the event.
According to Jim Ridgway, assistant superintendent of parks and recreation, Bay Drive was impassable by 7 p.m. from Lincoln Boulevard to Townbank Road.
“The beachfront was a sea of people,” he said.
Ridgway said the fireworks finale was spectacular at the conclusion of the 22- minute show.
More than 50 vendors were lined up on Beach Drive. They reported long lines of customers.
“This was one you didn’t want to miss,” he said. “We feel it was our greatest ever.”
Ridgway said the extra support from the business community allowed the township to present a first-class Independence Day celebration.
A steady breeze kept mosquitoes at bay.
Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana said it took more than two hours to clear traffic from the scene after the fireworks show. He said there were no incidents at the July 3 event other than a lost child that was quickly reunited with his family.