Morey’s hits the big four-O

Morey’s Piers celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, and everyone’s invited.
Morey’s Piers will pay homage to its future and its past throughout the summer of 2009 with special events, the release of an anniversary book, and even a new Web site.
Special events include:
• Opening Weekend at Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier, Saturday, April 4, noon-6 p.m.
• Morey’s 40th Birthday cake celebrations throughout the season, starting on Easter Sunday with cupcakes for kids.
• 40th Anniversary book, “A Wild Ride,” which tells the Morey story.
• 40 great prizes awarded to those who enter and win our “Text MOREYS to 38714” drawing, including overnight stays and free passes.
• 40th Anniversary staff photo – Morey’s team standing barefoot in the ocean.
• 40th Anniversary web site, redesigned for easy surfing, launching in April.
Ever since Will Morey Sr. and Bill Morey launched a giant slide on the Wildwood boardwalk in 1969, the family venture has grown to include three piers and two waterparks in Wildwood and North Wildwood, with 111 rides and attractions, six coasters, 37 games and 25 food outlets.
Plans are on the drawing boards for one of the most unique coasters ever built, taking riders over the beach between two piers. The ride, based in part on feedback from coaster enthusiasts, is being seriously considered for construction during the 2011-2013 timeframe.
While change is important, Jack Morey strives to avoid the high-tech cutting-edge virtual reality attraction world.
“We need to be the good old fashioned, air-in-your-face kind a place,” he said. “We are about families first. And remember that adults are looking to be young too.”
Visit Morey’s Piers at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Landing Pier, featuring Raging Waters Waterpark at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue.
For more information, visit moreyspiers.com or phone 609-522-3900.