WILDWOOD — Wow! A hundred years old, and a crowd gathered at Rio Grande’s east end by the Wildwoods Boardwalk sign to mark the festive occasion Sat., May 19.
There were plenty of hugs to go around, and Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano was the recipient of many of them.
U.S. Rep Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) led of delegation of legislators who lined up to offer congratulations to the city as it began it’s 101st year as a tourist destination. Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Nelson Albano and Assemblyman Matthew Milam all joined to wish the city and its residents well on the occasion.
Grace Hanlon, director, Division of Travel and Tourism delivered official greetings from Gov. Chris Christie and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.
Neighboring Five Mile Island mayors, William Henfey of North Wildwood, Carl Groon from Wildwood Crest and Christopher Fox from West Wildwood all extended their municipality’s best wishes. Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters represented the Seven Mile Beach.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Commissioner Peter Byron led “Happy Birthday to You!” However, with the steady wind that kept skies deep blue, it was impossible for candles to be lit on the two birthday cakes in front of the stage.
After the wishes were over, the official start of the summer was held with a tram-car race south on Ocean Avenue,
The block-long race of three tram cars, driven by Mayors Troiano, Henfey and Groon took place with well wishers from each of the towns holding placards and shouting encouragement.
Was the fix in, or was it just birthday luck that brought Wildwood’s tram car, driven by a smiling Ernie Troiano across the finish line to a winning decision? It’s a question that will be lost to the ages.
Later in the day, at about 10 p.m. a bonfire on the beach was to be lit to mark the occasion.
Wildwood Crest – Several of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks have created quite a bit of controversy over the last few weeks. But surprisingly, his pick to become the next director of the FBI hasn’t experienced as much…
