Vol. 5, No. 10, October 2008
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Indian Summer
In the Wildwoods, the good times keep rolling through October
As school bells call the kids back to academia and adults reflect on a bygone summer, a sizzling “second season” at the Jersey Shore is just starting to warm up.
In the Wildwoods—home of kitschy doo wop motels, pink flamingos, neon palm trees and rock and roll—it’s fun, fun, fun well into the fall. In October you’ll enjoy some of the best weather and warmest water temperatures of the year. And there’s always something to do.
Friday through Sunday, October 3-5, the Mid-Atlantic Barbershoppers Convention and Concert comes back to the Wildwoods Convention Center. The sweet strains of old-fashioned barbershop quartet harmony, quartet and chorus singing doesn’t stay within the walls of the Convention Center, however; these vocalists like to take their craft to the streets. So take a drive around town and check out these vested vocalists practicing their truly remarkable talents.
Make room for vroom in Wildwood Crest on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5. That’s when the popular Sunset Lake Hydrofest Power Boat Races return for another high-velocity water sports display. Soak in the bay breeze and warm sun and enjoy an accompanying craft and food fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The following weekend brings two major events to the Wildwood beaches. The Fall Thunder on the Sand Pro/Am Motocross Races will be held Friday through Sunday, October 10-12. Expert Motocross racers from across the country compete in an exciting display of motorcycle prowess. And the Great Fall Classic Surf Fishing Tournament casts off Saturday, October 11 to challenge anglers of all ages.
For more about upcoming events in the Wildwoods, call 609-729-9000 or visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com.
Beach & Boardwalk
Did you know Wildwood’s sand is finer and whiter than the sand on other beaches in South Jersey? That makes it firmer underfoot than more northerly beaches. Wildwood’s beaches are renowned as some of the most pristine on the Atlantic coastline, and they are certainly among the broadest. While other beach communities pay millions per year to shore up their shorelines, Wildwood’s beaches are Sahara-like in length, and make a walk to the water’s edge an aerobic exercise.
Boardering the beach is Wildwoods’ phenomenal two-mile boardwalk. This neon delight boasts more rides than Disneyland, including world-class water parks and roller coasters. Not for the faint of heart: the Sea Serpent, the Nor’Easter (an inverted looping coaster) and the Great White, the tallest and fastest wooden coaster on the East Coast.
Some boardwalk shops and amusements remain open through Columbus Day, so be sure to stop by for a last gulp of tangy sea air, a last glimpse of those beautiful wide beaches, and a last taste of saltwater taffy. The beach and boards are great for sauntering or biking, all year round.
The Beat
It’s where Bill Haley supposedly first sang “Rock Around the Clock,” Chubby Checker first warbled “The Twist,” and groups like the Drifters, the Dovells, Danny and the Juniors and the Supremes sang some of their greatest hits.
It’s Wildwood, and the city today is rightfully proud of its place in rock and roll history. The community will celebrate its important legacy with an island-wide Fabulous '50s Weekend Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. To get the party started, legendary disc jockey and “Geator with the Heater” Jerry Blavat will host an old-fashioned sock hop on Friday, October 17.
Additional events include a concert featuring Gary U.S. Bonds, Ben E. King, Terry Johnson’s Flamingos, the Del Vikings and the Mahoney Brothers at 8 p.m. Saturday, October 18 at the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena.
The weekend also includes a 1950s memorabilia show and sale, exhibits of ’50s antiques and pop culture, doo-wop trolley tours and much more.
Retro Metro
No jaunt through the Wildwoods is complete without an appreciation of the community’s world famous mid-century architecture. Because it originated in the 1950s, when rock and roll was in its infancy, it has become fondly known as “doo wop” style.
Though many of those grand old motels have been torn down, the Wildwood Doo Wop Preservation League has launched a valiant effort to save the remaining motels and vintage restaurants from the wrecking ball. US News and World Report has since hailed the Wildwoods as “Must See Americana,” and many of the island’s mid-century buildings have been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
Doo wop architecture can be divided into several categories: Jetson-style, with space-age accoutrements like round windows and glass walls; Tiki-style, with faux thatched roofing, fake palms, bright green Astroturf and bean pole torches; and Chinatown Revival, complete with pagodas, ponds and plump Buddhas. Other doo wop elements include zigzag roofs, kidney-shaped pools, clashing pastel colors, and plenty of neon.
For information about bus or walking tours go to www.www.doowopusa.org or call 609-729-4000.
