View of Mother Nature's fury from the Matador

Check out the view from the Matador Oceanfront Resort Motel this afternoon...

Earl's gone, but wrath will be felt Labor Day Weekend

PRESS RELEASE

In the wake of Hurricane Earl, the threat for rip currents will continue through the Labor Day weekend along the East Coast.

While the wind and rain effects of Earl will pull away from the New England coast by early Saturday, beachgoers and surfers should be aware of another danger lurking in the ocean waters: deadly rip currents.
Beaches in Cape Cod are taking precautionary measures.

Daniel Tobin, director of Chatham's Parks and Recreation said the "east-facing beaches [of Chatham] are closed for swimming." He anticipates that these closures will continue through Saturday and possibly in to Sunday.

However, Tobin said the south-facing beaches of Chatham are open and likely to remain so. Tobin also noted that they are also starting to see rain from Earl.

Bob Rosenberg, assistant supervisor of lifeguards for Bradley Beach in New Jersey, said that a full staff of lifeguards will be on duty this weekend. Rosenberg said swimming will not be allowed on Friday as Earl has created rough conditions.

Rosenberg said they are expecting a lot of visitors over Labor Day weekend. He said "there will be some restrictions" for swimming, depending on water conditions.

While Rosenberg said it is to early to know exactly what the water conditions and the subsequent restrictions will be, he said there won't be unlimited swimming. For example, he said people may only be allowed in as far as waist-level water.

These restrictions are established to help diminish the risk of people getting caught in rip currents.
Rip currents are dangerous swift-moving channels of water that originate at the shoreline and flow out to sea. Their development is aided by rough surf from tropical systems.

Long swells generated by Earl will travel thousands of miles up and down the East Coast, allowing the threat for rip currents to extend all along the coast. This will be true even farther south through the Carolinas and Florida, where wave heights will be subsiding.

Last week, as Hurricane Danielle passed far offshore, there were hundreds of water rescues along the East Coast. Since Earl is stronger and tracking closer to the coast, the strength and frequency of rip currents is expected to be worse.

Be sure to heed the advice of beach patrol when venturing into the ocean this weekend. If you become trapped in a rip current, act calm and swim parallel to the coastline while signaling for help.

AccuWeather.com Staff Writer Kirstie Hettinga contributed to this report. 

Tattoo Beach Bash coming to Wildwood

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD — Whether you enjoy having tattoos or are just interested in the unique art form, you won’t want to miss the Wildwoods’ first Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash Fri., Sept. 10 through Sun., Sept. 12 at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

The Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash will bring the body art community to the Wildwoods for a weekend full of fun events. The ‘bash’ will host major national tattoo artists, as well as activities including: tattoo contests, a traveling tattoo museum, seminars, art exhibits, trick skateboarding demos, door prizes and more.

Celebrity judge Chris Longo, well-known in the body art community for his body “suit” of tattoos, is expected to attend and judge the bash’s tattoo contests. Carl Murray, an award-winning professional broadcaster, comedy writer, and disc jockey will be Master of Ceremonies during the weekend’s events.

The weekend will also feature daily performances from the Lucky Daredevil Thrill Show – a fast paced and funny, death-defying daredevil stunt spectacular with the glitter, glamour and gut-wrenching thrills of a Vegas review show.

Hours for the Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash are: Fri., Sept. 10, noon-10 p.m; Sat., Sept. 11–10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sun., Sept. 12 – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Daily passes for the event’s activities are $20. Weekend passes are also available for $45 for all three days.

The first Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash is being held in conjunction with the 15th annual Roar to the Shore Motorcycle Rally. Thousands of bikers are expected to migrate to the Wildwoods for a weekend of motorcycling vendors and demos, plus live musical entertainment all weekend.

For more information about the First Annual Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash visit www.wildwoodtattoobeachbash.com or call 609-889-2422

Ancient Order of Hibernians 19th Annual Irish Fall Festival

PRESS RELEASE

NORTH WILDWOOD — The largest Irish festival on the east coast begins on Thurs., Sept. 23rd, 2010 and concludes on Sun., Sept. 26. This festive four-day event is sponsored by James J. Reilly, Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). The AOH is an organization, which fosters and preserves Irish culture and heritage.

The success of this festival has been overwhelming, and continues to draw more and more people each year. With over one hundred vendors, sixteen food vendors, and an estimated crowd of over 200,000, this gathering will definitely be the place you want to be.

The activities begin on Thurs., Sept. 23rd, at 7:30 a.m. with a round of golf at the Avalon Golf Club on Route 9 in Swainton. The $90.00 fee includes golf fees, cart, cap, buffet, beer and many prizes. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. For additional information, please contact the AOH.

On Thursday evening, the festival will begin where Olde New Jersey Avenue meets the ocean. The tent at The Pointe at Moore’s Inlet will be transformed into a boxing arena. Ten amateur boxing bouts, sanctioned by the Middle Atlantic Boxing Association, will feature the Harrowgate Boxing Club, Philadelphia, Pa. vs. the Holy Family Boxing Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For advanced ticket sales please call 215-465-1778 or contract the AOH.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the festivities will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Here the street vendors will display their Irish memorabilia, and the food vendors will offer a variety of Irish and non-Irish treats. This activity begins at 8 a.m. each morning and continues until 7 p.m. There is sure to be something for everyone. Stop by and visit the AOH table for additional information.

On Friday and Saturday, there will be free live entertainment continuously from 1 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. As always, the concert will begin with the National Anthem sung by Dolly McGee, followed by the Irish National Anthem sung by Mary Pat Hastings. Other featured performers include: Timmy Kelly, Maura McKinney-Mastro, Ballina, Broken Shillelaghs, Birmingham 6, Celtic Pride and many, many more.

Saturday begins with a 5K Run. If you are interested, you can sign up at 8 a.m. at the AOH tent (between First and Second Avenues) on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Saturday at 10 a.m. the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition will take place at the field located at Eighth and Central avenues. This event attracts thousands of spectators. Come see and hear some of the best pipe bands in the East.

Also on Saturday, the AOH will host free Irish dance lessons at the Anglesea Volunteer Fire House, located in the heart of the festival activities at Second and Olde New Jersey avenues from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Later that evening join in the action and spend the evening at the Ceili taking place from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. The Pearl River Ceili Band will be performing at this event. There is a $15 admission fee and includes a light fare (coffee, tea, cookies and cakes). Other refreshments will be available.

On Sunday, everyone is welcome to celebrate our faith and heritage at Saint Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, Glenwood and Atlantic Avenues for 10:30 a.m. Mass. There will be a procession from the main entrance to the altar by the Protectors of the Faith Guards, the Cape May County Emerald Society Color Guard and a liturgical bag piper soloist.

Sunday at 1 p.m., the parade begins at 24th and Surf Avenues and will continue to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues. The Irish Fall Festival is honored to announce that U. S. Spc. 4 Kevin McCloskey, graduate of North Catholic High School and a Afghanistan war hero, will serve as the 2010 Grand Marshall.

Once again, we are honored to have Shamus Boyle, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as a special guest. All AOH organizations are welcome to be a part of this celebration of Irish history and heritage.

The parade will also feature Miss North Wildwood, many fraternal organizations, bagpipe bands, Irish dance groups and much, much more.

The official irish music tent, featuring continuous Irish entertainment throughout the weekend is located in the municipal parking lot across from The Pointe at Moore’s Inlet. The Irish Music Tent will feature non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend with Paddy’s Well (and Paul Moore) and other featured Irish entertainers.

Irish food and entertainment will be available at most of the clubs and pubs in North Wildwood all weekend long.

As always, bus service will be available from the Anglesea Fire Hall – Second and Olde New Jersey Avenue along Surf Avenue to 26th Street.

As a reslt of this extremely successful annual fund raising event, the AOH achieves significant charitable accomplishments. These contributions reflect the loyalty and ideals, which have helped to strengthen our families, community, and national character.

The AOH would like to acknowledge and thank Mayor Bill Henfey and the City of North Wildwood for their annual support of this event.

For additional information, contact the AOH at 1-800-IRISH-91 or www.cmcaoh.com

See you in September!

Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest, through the camera lens of Lu Ann Flacco.

We'll be taking a break from posting for the next week or so, to soak up and savor the dwindling days of Summer 2010 in the Wildwoods.

When we return on Wednesday, September 1st, we'll have a new slate of daily features, and will also begin the official countdown to the launch of our supplemental site - Wildwood Memories & Nostalgia.

Enjoy the sunset, everyone!

Photo update on Tony Luke's construction

Photo courtesy of Tony Luke's Wildwood (6200 New Jersey Ave.)

Tony Luke's Wildwood is on target for a September opening at the southwest corner of New Jersey & Sweet Briar in the Crest.

Click the photo above to view a gallery from the store's Facebook group page, detailing the progress of construction.

Also see Tony Luke's official website HERE.

North Wildwood surf fishing tournament, Sept. 10-12

PRESS RELEASE

NORTH WILDWOOD — Surf fishermen with a penchant for competition should prepare their rods and reels as the North Wildwood Recreation Department revs up for its 41st annual Surf Fishing Competition over the weekend of Sept. 10-12.

Anglers are invited to register at the George Schmidt Gazebo, Third Avenue and JFK Boulevard.

The registration fee is $10 and fishing takes place on the beach between Third Avenue and the Inlet.

Fishing hours are:

Fri., Sept. 10, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 11, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 12, 6 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Prizes will be promptly awarded at noon on Sunday under the Gazebo. Prize winners must be present to claim their prizes.

For further information call the North Wildwood Recreation Department at 609-522-2955.

Mango Men next up in Crest Centennial concert series

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST – The Wildwood Crest Centennial Summer Concert Series continues Sat., Aug. 21 as the Mango Men take the stage at Centennial Park at 7:30 p.m.

Now in their 15th year of entertaining music fans throughout the Delaware Valley, the Mango Men feature the songs of Jimmy Buffett, today’s country and classic rock, as well as original summer-themed party music from their first all-original CD, entitled Everyday’s A Saturday.

Two summers ago, the Mango Men performed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as the opening act for country music star Kenny Chesney after winning Chesney’s “Next Big Star” competition the night before at Philly’s Hard Rock Café.

The band’s energetic and interactive performances have created a large base of loyal fans and appeal to music lovers of all ages.

Saturday’s all-ages show is free and open to the entire family. Those attending the show should bring a blanket or a chair. Food will be available at the event.

Centennial Park is located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue (6601 Ocean), just steps away from the beautiful beaches of Wildwood Crest. Free parking is available two blocks away at Myrtle Road and Ocean Avenue.

In the event of inclement weather, the show will be held inside the Crest Pier Recreation Center at 5800 Ocean Avenue.

YouTube Tuesday: Wildwood Pizza Tour

The gang at the Wildwood Pizza Tour has posted a video of their slice-sampling expedition to go along with the results of their 2009 review.

Lets join Chris, Brian, Mike, Tim, and Frank for some fun on the Boardwalk, filmed on Friday night, August 6th...

Wildwood Pizza Tour results posted

The results of the 2010 Wildwood Pizza Tour have been revealed.

Head on over to the official site to check them out!

This year, 23 places along the Boardwalk were reviewed over a three-hour span. Notes include new winners in the Best Slice category and the highest slice rating to date (a 4.0 out of 5.0!).

The reviewers - Chris, Brian, Mike, Tim, and Frank - began at the North Wildwood end and worked their way south, wrapping up the tour around 11 p.m. on the night of Friday, August 6th.

In addition to the results, the site has also added a new Pizza Map feature and a "You Decide" pizza poll. 

Be sure to vote and support your favorite Boardwalk pizza place!

"Memories & Nostalgia" site coming soon

On Labor Day (Monday, September 6th), we will be launching a spin-off site called "Wildwood Memories & Nostalgia"; the project is based on our Facebook page of the same name.

The site, a collaborative effort with Mike Crater's Crazy About Wildwood, will feature hundreds of entries and photos of landmarks from the Wildwoods' past, with the ability for visitors to share personal memories of each.

To share a photo or suggest a place to include in our database, please leave a comment here or on our Facebook page, or drop us a line at wildwood365@gmail.com.

Irish Summer Fest kicks off today

The two-day Irish Summer Fest begins in the Wildwoods today, with daytime activities starting at 10 a.m.

Events include performances by an assortment of Celtic folk and rock genre musicians, Irish vendors, workshops in various musical instruments, dance and songwriting, Irish food, and childrens' activities.

Admission is $10, or free with purchase of a ticket to the Celtic Crossroads concert at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m., headlined by Celtic Crossroads, a full production music and dance performance group from Ireland.

For more information and tickets call 609-849-6365 or see the Irish Summer Fest official website.

Ducky regatta at Morey's Piers this Sunday

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD — The year’s ‘quackiest’ event returns to Morey’s Piers during the United Way of Cape May County Rubber Ducky Regatta on Sun., Aug. 15.

Thousands of rubber duckies will race down the Lazy River at Morey’s Pier’s Raging Waters waterpark, located at Schellenger Avenue and the Boardwalk during the annual fundraiser, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Heaps of rubber ducks will be dumped into the Lazy River on a quest to reach the finish line.

The first 100 rubber ducks to cross the finish line are winners. Each rubber duck will have a number printed on its bottom, corresponding to a matching ticket purchased by its owner. The owners of the winning ducks will take home prizes ranging from a grand prize of season passes for Morey's Piers to gift certificates for local restaurants and salons.

Rubber ducks can be purchased for $5 each or in a five-pack bundle for $20. In addition to entry to the race, each rubber duck purchased comes with vouchers for a free ride on the Giant Wheel at Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier; a free hot dog and soda from Wrecker’s Beach Grille, located at Morey’s Raging Waters waterpark, on race day; and buy one get one free ice cream from Wildwood Dairy Queen. All proceeds from the event will go to United Way of Cape May County.

“We’re excited to host this uniquely ‘quacky’ fundraiser again,” said Merideth Fiorucci, director of Group Services at Morey’s Piers. “United Way of Cape May County provides an excellent service to our community and its families, and Morey’s is proud to support this great cause by hosting the Rubber Ducky Regatta at our Raging Waters waterpark.”

For more information on UWCMC and the Rubber Ducky Regatta, call 609-729-2002 or visit www.uwcmc.com.

WWE to invade Wildwoods Convention Center

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD — For one night only, Sat., Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. – World Wrestling Entertainment will present a special Raw World Tour in the Oceanfront Arena at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Don’t miss your chance to witness these thrilling superstar matches: “The Viper” Randy Orton vs. Sheamus in a Lumberjack Match for the WWE Championship; John Cena and Chris Jericho vs. The Nexus in a Raw Tag Team Match; plus all of your favorite superstars from Raw in action including The Miz, Evan Bourne, Mark Henry, Eve, Alicia Fox, John Morrison, The Hart Dynasty, William Regal and many more! Please note that the WWE line-up is subject to change.

Tickets start at just $15 and are available at the Wildwoods Convention Center Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or Charge-By-Phone at 1-800-745-3000.

For additional information, visit www.WWE.com.

For more information about the Wildwoods visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 609-729-9000.

New in 2010: Duva's Italian Grill

As the summer winds down (yes, I hate tying those words as much as you likely cringe while reading them), we will be taking a look at many of the entities that debuted in the Wildwoods this year.

First up is Duva's Italian Grill at 2810 Boardwalk.

This new eatery opened in June, taking over the spot occupied for years by Pierre's Restaurant and, for the past two seasons, Boyd's BBQ...