Letter from the editor
April showers have returned to the Jersey Shore, bringing with them a sense of renewal and anticipation. While gray skies and puddles may slow our steps, they also serve as a reminder: spring is a season of fresh starts—for nature, for our communities and often, for ourselves.
Here along the coast, that spirit of renewal is alive and well. You can feel it in the air. The promise of summer is just around the corner, and the signs are everywhere.
Boardwalk and downtown merchants are sweeping off doorsteps, restocking shelves and preparing to welcome visitors with saltwater taffy, handmade fudge, souvenirs and the irresistible scent of warm popcorn. In Ocean City, the rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove have begun spinning once again, and just up the coast, Steel Pier in Atlantic City is back in action. The sound of laughter and delighted screams from kids on their first ride of the season is one of spring’s sweetest sounds.
This weekend marks a beloved tradition in Ocean City—the return of the annual Doo Dah Parade on Saturday. This whimsical event always brings joy, laughter and a touch of the unexpected. The highlight is hundreds of basset hounds trotting (and waddling) along Asbury Avenue, many dressed in playful costumes. It’s a spectacle that is uniquely Ocean City—quirky, heartwarming and full of community spirit.
With Easter and Passover just ahead, there’s no better place to celebrate the season than right here at the Shore. Ocean City’s Great Egg Hunt along the Boardwalk will once again bring families together in a joyful, festive tradition. Details about this and other local events can be found on pages 35-36.
Spring at the Shore is a time of energy, preparation and connection. It’s when our towns begin to bloom again—not just with flowers, but with visitors, traditions and shared memories in the making.
As we welcome the rhythm of this new season—its charm, its messiness and its beauty—I hope you’ll find time to slow down, take a walk on the boards and maybe even cheer on a basset hound in sunglasses this weekend.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
