Stock photo via Pexels
Families from across the Philadelphia region and South Jersey packed Jersey Shore beaches and boardwalks this Labor Day weekend, treating the holiday as a last stand for summer before most local students return to class Tuesday, FOX 29 reported.
From Ocean City to the Wildwood boardwalk, the long weekend brought multi-generational groups seeking one more stretch of sand time.
Donna Taylor-Stewart and her husband Sidney, former Northeast Philadelphia residents now living in Williamstown, were among those making the most of the holiday.
Taylor-Stewart told FOX 29 the beach weather Friday had been ideal, and the couple spent the day eating boardwalk food and enjoying the crowds.
Sidney Stewart noted gas prices had climbed roughly 20 cents per gallon within a week. He said the family offset the cost by fueling at Sam’s Club.
Families Squeeze in Birthdays and Traditions
Richie Noia, 52, of Manalapan marked his birthday at the shore with his wife Pamela and their children, including son Lincoln, who described a weekend itinerary of waterpark visits, a theme park trip, and shopping for squishies.
Pamela Noia told FOX 29 the plan was relaxed: some mini golf, some family time. Two of the couple’s children said they were genuinely looking forward to seeing friends at school.
Eleanor Fortino, 92, of Marlton, told FOX 29 the shore has been a family fixture since her children were small. Three generations now make the trip.
Her son Stephen Fortino said the tradition extends to a third generation — he has three daughters, one of whom has three children of her own, and the family recently sought a larger shore rental to accommodate everyone.
Ocean City Businesses Brace for a Busy Close
In Ocean City, 6abc’s Trish Hartman reported Friday that local businesses were staffing up and checking equipment ahead of what many operators call one of their two or three biggest weekends of the year.
Diana Miguel, a shift manager at Hot Bagels & More in Margate, said the pace gets intense and preparation is everything.
Chris Clayton, owner of Margate Dairy Bar and Burger, said the priority is making sure staff show up and that suppliers are ready before the rush arrives.
He noted that from inside the service window, workers barely have a moment to breathe even as customers outside remark on how fast summer passed.
Staffing was a pressure point for some businesses, with a portion of their student workforce already back in the classroom before the holiday.
Simone Jeffries of Elkins Park told 6abc the summer felt short but full, describing the weekend as finishing strong after a season of activities with her family.
Her daughter Sarah reported the water was still warm.
Young visitor Alexander Manka of Oaklyn was already building an elaborate sand trench with his brother Theodore, who said he was eager to reconnect with friends at school next week.
Their father Sam Manka called the long weekend a useful pressure valve before fall schedules lock in.
Wildwood Events Bookend the Season
Summer goes out swinging on the Wildwood boardwalk.
The season’s final fireworks fired Friday night at 10 p.m., and the World Championship Skeeball Tournament at Ed’s Funcade is set for Saturday evening with free entry.
An End of Summer Block Party takes over Fox Park in Wildwood on Sunday, with live music and food vendors.