WILDWOOD – Wildwood pulled out all the stops, May 26, by opening the ocean, celebrating 75 years of tram car service, and hosting the Wildwoods International Kite Festival.
The mayors and others from North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest came out and promoted the Wildwoods, and the great weather, while reminding everyone to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron took care of essential business first, giving a shoutout to his granddaughter, Nina Rae.
“I have 10 grandchildren, so it seems like there is always one to give a shoutout to,” he said.
Byron said he feels Memorial Day weekend is the best time to be at the shore, and he said he still gets chills every time it rolls around. Still, he said to thank a veteran when you see one.
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello echoed Byron’s sentiments, saying everyone should remember the meaning of the holiday and be ever thankful for those who died defending American freedom.
He also recognized retiring members of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA), including Executive Director John Siciliano, Board Chairman Tom Byrne, and Board member Jack Morey.
Wildwood Crest Deputy Mayor Joseph Franco reminded everyone that Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season and said judging from the weather, it was going to be a great start and a great season.
Franco took the opportunity to announce, “The Wildwoods are open!”
Joining the municipal leaders were Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan and state Sen. Michael Testa (all R-1st), who spoke on behalf of the First District Legislative team.
Testa began, as well, by commenting on the good weather, wondering if the Wildwood Catholic Academy children had prayed for a fine day.
“It’s a good day to be here, but keep in mind those who made the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom,” Testa said.
Testa, who said his first paycheck came in 1990 as a member of the Wildwood Beach Patrol, said the Wildwoods had the greatest beaches and they “didn’t cost a dime” to visit.
Testa said the all-Republican First District Legislative team fought alongside Democrats, including Gov. Phil Murphy, to get $4 million in funding for rehabilitating the Wildwood Boardwalk, which is close to being completed.
Jeff Vasser, executive director, New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, said he believed 2023 would exceed 2019, which was the peak year for tourism in Cape May County.
He said tourism revenue and visits came back to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, but that 2023 was expected to exceed everyone’s expectations.
Tram Car Turns 75
Immediately following the unlocking, GWTIDA representatives, as well as tourism and governmental officials, VIPs, Gigi, the tram car driver, and Floss Stengel, the original voice of the tram car’s famous, ‘Watch the Tram Car Please!’ announcement, participated in a photo opportunity that celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Sightseer Tram Car on the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Beatrix Pelton and Angelo Mazzara, of Ocean County, New York, brought the Wildwoods International Kite Festival to Wildwood for another Memorial Day weekend event.
Pelton first experienced a Wildwood Kite Festival in 1998 and started to meet people and got more involved. She eventually became the producer of Sky Festival Productions, which puts on the event. Pelton said they will start organizing the 2024 event as soon as this weekend.
“This is the biggest, longest-running kite festival in the nation,” Pelton said, “and with anything like this, there is a lot of work behind the scenes that no one ever sees.”
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival started May 26 and ran through May 29. Pelton and Mazzara said the Friday evening portion would include lighted kites.
The event participants all come under the umbrella of the American Kite fliers Association, and Pelton said, “We are very blessed and humbled to be able to do this.”
Pelton said the festival literally has something for everyone, and everyone of any age can enjoy and participate in it.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com.
