Hot dogs, baseball, and plenty more in On Deck

So the fireworks fizzled on this Fourth of July, much to my visiting grandkids’ disappointment. Then the gloomy Fifth kept them off the beach.
No problem. On Deck saved the (holi)day. We checked the What’s On Deck calendar and found plenty of activities that are not weather-dependent, like the indoor Independence Day Beach Deck Party at Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday, and the sports cards/comics/toy expo on Saturday.
Ah, happy, occupied kids—happy, stress-free parents and grandparents.
I see by the On Deck in your hands (or on your monitor) that you, too, are well prepared. Read all choices, make your plans, and then be sure to keep On Deck on hand all week in case the weather changes.
This week’s best bet: the New Jersey State BBQ Championship and Blues Festival in North Wildwood.
And next week’s? Perhaps the most exciting challenge since Joey Chestnut challenged Takeru Kobayashi for the Yellow Mustard Belt in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The Herald/On Deck Skeeters have called Exit Zero out for a “friendly” competition on the baseball diamond. Senior Columnist (and crack first? second? third? baseman) Jim Vanore reveals how his youth prepared him to step up to the plate on July 17. (EZ: better not read this lest you surrender before the first pitch.)
Plan to come. It’ll make you feel good to cheer for us (the winners). Besides, all the proceeds go to Volunteers in Medicine.
In other news, Carolyn Miller’s fisher friends do well rain or shine. Turn to The Fishing Line for great photos. Your photos can be in print, too. Miller tells how.
Jack Fichter (crack reporter and batter to be feared) tells all about a tell-all book written by Stone Harbor lifeguard Alexander Jackson.
Want to know about some of Cape May County’s best entertainers? Read Bob Ingram’s profile of world famous jazz pianist George Mesterhazy, who plays Cape May’s Merion Inn regularly.
And alongside our world famous Entertainment Grid we always profile the best performers in local clubs. This week we have Shannon and Wesley and Music Magic.
Prefer shopping? Maureen Cawley tells how you can spend an afternoon in a luxurious Cape May home, and take a designer look back to your own home.
Sure there’s more inside. Turn the page and enjoy—indoors or out.