Earlier this month, the Somers Point Historical Society saluted the annual Good Old Days Festival and its long-lasting impact and legacy on the community during a dinner event held Feb. 9 at the Crab Trap. Local officials were in attendance, along with longtime volunteers, residents, and supporters.
Held every year on the first Saturday after Labor Day, the Good Old Days has become a long-storied tradition that celebrates our hardworking community with a day of food, live music, and activities.
The Good Days Festival started in 1979 in honor of local resident Lawrence “Bud” Kern, a prominent community leader who supported local recreation programs and youth sports. He served as Chairperson for the Somers Point Recreation Commission and President of the Little League. Kern devoted eighteen years of his life to service before passing away suddenly from a heart attack on Aug. 5, 1979. He was 52 years old.
After his passing, the city’s football and baseball fields were renamed in his honor. What was known as “the pit,” a former car junkyard, became the Lawrence “Bud” Kern Memorial Field. A short month later, the city hosted its very first Good Old Days Festival, organized by former Recreation Director Nick Regine.
Maureen Kern, Atlantic County Commissioner and daughter of “Bud” spoke about her father’s impact during last week’s event. “More than 45 years ago, he had an idea, a simple one: bring the town together at the end of the year to celebrate who we are, long after the summer tourists have gone home.”
“He gave everything he had to this town,” she continued. “My father was a man who never took credit for anything he did. If you thanked him, if you praised him, he’d shrug it off. And if you saw him around town, he was almost always wearing a baseball cap with the letters “SP” – not for himself, but for Somers Point. For this place, for all of you.”
“Bud” was known for bringing people together, whether it was carpenters, plumbers, electricians, even parents. He cared about the kids that lived in Somers Point. “He had a very particular method of recruitment. Let’s just say it usually involved a friendly smile, a big idea, and the promise of a cold beer or two.”
Today, the Good Old Days Festival lives on thanks to the Somers Point Historical Society and City Councilman Sean McGuigan. He spoke about the social and community aspect of the event. “Every year, when the event comes to an end and I see the row of bicycles along the fence, I know that all those friends of mine have gathered,” McGuigan said.
The festival has become a staple for many in our community to spark new memories and renew long-lost fellowship. “We’re creating that tradition of seeing your friends and renewing your old friendships and making sure that you’re continuing those friendships, and I hope to continue that,” McGuigan said.
Today, the spirit of “Bud” continues, thanks in large part to the countless volunteers and community leaders who selflessly devote their time to making the festival a success. Kern recognized their dedication to service. “You’ve shown up, volunteered, planned, organized, and worked behind the scenes, often without recognition – just like he did,” she said.
She commended everyone in the community for carrying his vision forward and keeping the festival alive. “Thank you for proving, year after year, that the spirit of Somers Point – the spirit he wore proudly on his cap – is still strong.”
