By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
It’s been quite a year for locals and visitors down the shore. It’s easy to gloss over the big changes in our area, so let’s celebrate and honor the major happenings in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Here are 20 highlights from 2022:
1. Phillies play in the World Series
Thanks to Bryce Harper and an underdog spirit, the Philadelphia team surprised the nation by playing great in the World Series this past October, finishing second in the MLB.
2. Major Fire in the Pinelands
Almost 15,000 acres of the Wharton State Forest got scorched this past June, ranking one of the biggest fires in New Jersey history
3. We Say Goodbye to
Local Businesses
Many businesses put up the “closed” sign one last time in 2022, including Voltaco’s, Ward’s Pastry, Gaspare’s Bistro, English Creek Auto, and the Ocean City Surf Cafe.
4. Welcome a New Era for Businesses
The Deauville Inn purchased Yesterday’s and plans to revitalize the Upper Township tavern, and Bourre of Atlantic City will come back as Cardinal Restaurant at some point in 2023.
5. Vice President Pays a Visit to AC
Atlantic City proudly hosted the NAACP national convention this past summer, and Vice President Kamala Harris flew in from DC to the AC Convention Center and spoke to thousands on her and President Biden’s goals for America’s future.
6. Lucy the Elephant Dons a New Look
After 15 months of scaffolding and curtains, the New Lucy was revealed in December. Her makeover was pretty expensive, costing over $2 million.
7. Mary J. Blige Attends
AC Mayoral Ball
Early this past summer, Mayor Marty Small welcomed Super Bowl performer Mary J. Blige to his annual gala at Harrah’s.
8. Recreational Marijuana is Legalized
Atlantic County residents celebrated the legalization of recreational marijuana by lining up for hours outside The Botanist, a marijuana dispensary and growing facility.
9. Big Plans for Bader Field
Tower Investments made a press statement in November, unveiling plans to develop the historic airfield to house retail and office spaces as well as 10,000 residential units. An estimated $3 billion will be poured into the space, which will take Atlantic City to the next level. This is the second of two major proposals. The city and state will decide which plan to accept for the public space.
10. B.L. England Gets Imploded
(in part)
This past September, the cooling tower at the former B.L. England power station was imploded. The defunct plant will be completely torn down in coming years and replaced by condos.
11. Plastic Bags are Banned
In early May, a new state law required grocery stores and retail spots statewide to have customers bring their own reusable bags or purchase them at the counter. Supporters of the ban hail the change as a victory for the environment.
12. LGBT Club Affirmed in Ocean City
After years of existing without school sponsorship, the PRISM club was officially formed at Ocean City High School. The school district came under fire for its opposition to new state sex education standards, and students worked hard to garner support from the community.
13, Funny Farm Gets an Origin Story
Laure Zaleski, the founder of an animal sanctuary in Mays Landing, made headlines nationally for her New York Times bestseller, “Funny Farm.” The memoir, published this past February, has been featured in People magazine, The Washington Post, and ABC News.
14. Windmills Create Controversy
Orsted, the Denmark-based company which plans to build two offshore wind farms in South Jersey, hosted several town hall meetings to address ongoing concerns about and opposition to the project.
15.Girls Basketball Team
Fights for Change
The Ocean City Girls Basketball Team stood up for their well-being at multiple school board meetings, ultimately earning a new head coach for the 22-23 season.
16. Moorlyn Theatre Promised a Sequel
Town Square Entertainment, responsible for the Tilton Nine and Ventnor Square theaters, purchased the historic space with hopes of bringing movies back to America’s Greatest Family Resort.
17. Shark Fishing Banned in Sea Isle
After giant sharks were caught on Sea Isle beaches, Mayor Desiderio took a stand for the safety of beachgoers and prohibited hauling sharks onto the shore, mostly for Instagram clout.
18. AC Finally Gets a Christmas Tree
For the first time in 152 years, the Atlantic City Boardwalk has its own live, 50-foot Christmas tree. Check it out outside the Showboat Hotel and Lucky Snake Arcade.
19. 10 Year Anniversary of
Hurricane Sandy
Jersey Shore locals looked back with gratitude that they survived the superstorm that destroyed homes and major infrastructure 10 years ago. May we never forget.
20. Miles Teller Spotted
at the Lobster House
“Top Gun: Maverick” was the highest grossing film of the year’s blockbusters, and one of the stars has been known to enjoy Cape May with his family. Teller was spotted this summer at the Lobster House, hopefully treating his family to delicious Jersey seafood.
21. Festivals, Festivals, Festivals
From the Downbeach Seafood Festival to the Ocean City Block Party, it was a big year for community events. Highlights include Smithville’s Dickens Festival, the Margate Fun Fest, and Christmas at the Mansion.
22. Another Great Summer
Down the Shore
After years of pandemic regulations and fear of COVID-19, families were back and happier than ever in Ocean City, Wildwood, Avalon, Sea Isle, Brigantine, Absecon Island, and Cape May. The 2022 season was one of the top-grossing summers of all time for the Jersey Shore.
