Businesses Welcome the Summer Season in Ocean City
By Steffen Klenk
Photos by Donald B Kravitz
Local businesses and the community gathered next to the Ocean City Music Pier this afternoon for a unique tradition. Ocean City officially welcomed summer today at the city’s annual Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge. The cool ocean breeze and sandy beaches provided a perfect backdrop for today’s festivities.
The tradition of unlocking the ocean goes back decades as it marks Ocean City’s annual kickoff of the summer season. Mayor Jay Gillian and city officials presided over the event as longtime resident Mark Soifer turned the key to officially open the shore town. Afterwards, the Ocean City High School Marching Band performed Pomp and Circumstance as local business leaders marched into the chilled Atlantic Ocean dressed in business attire.
Leading the procession was Doug Jewell, owner of Air Circus. Doug says he is ready for the start of summer at another great season in America’s Greatest Family Resort. “We had a long winter; three snowstorms followed by four nor’easters; everybody is ready for the season to begin.” “We have the best beaches, the best lifeguards and the best town.”
Susan Adair of Crazy Susan’s Cookies says she is most excited for the holiday weekend and gorgeous weather. “It’s going to be a great summer in Ocean City.”
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to arrive at the Jersey Shore this weekend to celebrate the long Memorial Day holiday and the unofficial start of summer. The beaches and boardwalks will be bustling.
While we relax and enjoy the extended weekend, let us not forget about our brave men and women in service who gave their lives to project the values we cherish. Please be safe on the roads while traveling this weekend so we can all have a safe and wonderful holiday.
