Beach Concert Profanity Irks Pier Operator

WILDWOOD – Will Morey, president and CEO of Morey’s Piers, voiced concerns in a letter to Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. July 6 regarding vulgar language heard throughout the BeachGlow Electronic Dance Music Festival event held over the Fourth of July Weekend.
Morey provided a list summarizing the types of profanity heard by him or staff members assigned to the concert, with times of when they were heard. There are about 20 items on the list.
The listed items are “clearly in violation of Wildwood’s Profanity Ordinance and was easily heard and distinguishable by very significant numbers of families leaving the beach (occurring up until approximately 8 p.m.), and to varying degrees by families on the boardwalk, at the Raging Waters waterpark, and throughout the southern sections of the Mariner’s Landing children’s ride area,” wrote Morey. “In my view and that of Morey’s Piers corporately, this is simply and utterly unacceptable.”
“Personally, I don’t like it, but it’s a common word,” said Troiano Wednesday, referring to the profanity claims. “That doesn’t mean we should accept it, but it’s a different world.”
Troiano said that there were a few arrests for underage drinking and drug use at the concert, but that Alcohol Beverage Control agents and security were there in force to control the crowd.
“Every event has pitfalls and problems,” said Troiano.
Troiano pointed out that not one fight broke out among the 7,000 in attendance, the parking lots were filled and concert goers went to the boardwalk after the concert ended.
According to BeachGlow’s website, profits from each concert go to a carefully selected charity.
Proceeds from Wildwood’s BeachGlow concert were donated to the American Red Cross.
“Sometimes you have to overlook the negatives for the positives,” said Troiano. “But we will do everything we can to control the situation.”
Morey continued by writing that he believes it is possible for the Wildwoods to host an event like BeachGlow in a way that wold not “undermine our collective desire to re-establish Wildwood as a safe and wholesome family resort.”
In order to do so, Morey suggests adhering to public safety and profanity standards outlined in the ordinance. He also suggests a contract be put in place between the city and entertainers to prevent profanity, and have the city enforce the ordinance if profanity occurs.
Morey also proposed commissioners use the inside of Wildwoods Convention Center or the location east of the center for future BeachGlow events in order to keep the crowd contained, and that there be adequate special event parking provided in the future.
Troiano agreed with some of the points addressed in the letter.
“There will be a no-cursing clause in future contracts,” said Troiano. “Concerts need to be moved away from the public because they get loud and the language gets colorful.”
Morey finished the letter by asking for the city’s cooperation.
“We wish, in all possible ways, to work productively with you and the leaders of the Wildwoods. The Wildwoods are a unique and special family place where room exists for a modest amount of ‘edge.’ However, please know that we will assert all available resources to prevent a repeat of what we saw two weeks ago and yesterday. Fortunately, we do not think it is necessary for us to be in such a position and prefer to work together in good faith to address the issues required in order to acceptably host a future EDM/ Beach Glow event within the islands’ market should doing so be desired,” wrote Morey.
“We hear Morey’s concerns and will address them,” said Troiano. “And we will do everything we can to bring crowds into town.”
To contact Erin Haskell, email ehaskell@cmcherald.com.