Hear Philly: The Shore Thing - Labor Day Weekend Always Bittersweet
By Andrew Kramer
CAPE MAY COUNTY, N.J. (CBS) - Labor Day weekend is another fun-filled weekend for beachgoers.
One the other hand, it also happens to be the end of the summer season, although Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio says that continues to change:
"Years ago it was the last weekend of the summer, it's not. What you do lose is, of course, the guys and girls that have to go back to school, but weekends are strong in Sea Isle, restaurants are still open, you can get around, you can move around and there's things to do."
Ed Berger with the Margate Business Association says things start slowing down a little bit Labor Day weekend, but certainly don't end:
"Labor Day is kind of like the gear down. A lot of folks still continue to come throughout the fall, which is, to me, the nicest time of the year throughout the Jersey Shore. There are events...sidewalk sales throughout the course, we do again run a Farmer's Market Labor Day weekend, and we try and just make it a nice, laid back weekend."
And like other summer weekends, there's no shortage of things to do, as John Siciliano with the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority points out:
"We have the Wildwood block party in Fox Park. This year is the 55th anniversary of Chubby Checker doing The Twist in the Wildwoods, so this year, they're bringing Chubby back on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend."
Other activities that weekend in the Wildwoods include WWE's return and Boardwalk craft shows.
Michele Gillian with the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce calls Labor Day weekend "unique:"
"It really is a little bit we know of the end of summer, but it's still that one last time to come down with your family and friends to enjoy Ocean City, enjoy the five miles of the beach run on Labor Day, and get to see all your old friends. All of our attractions are open, out stores our open."
And as Gillian and everyone else who spoke with HearPHILLY Radio were quick to mention, the activities down the shore continue well into the fall...and beyond.
CLICK HERE to learn more about all events taking place throughout the Jersey Shore.