OCEAN COUNTY – When you have something as big as the Atlantic Ocean to open, a super large ribbon just won’t cut it, but a big wooden key just may do the trick.
This marked the second year that the Ocean County Tourism and Business Advisory Council coordinated the event symbolizing the kickoff of the summer tourist season with the opening of the ocean and beaches across the county.
With the first name of the county being “Ocean,” a special celebration was in order. Last year the ceremony was held in Lavallette along the northern barrier island of the county. This year’s event showcased Southern Ocean County and the Borough of Surf City.
Borough Councilman Peter M. Hartney and Harvey Cedars Mayor John M. Imperiale joined Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione at the event. Commissioner Bacchione serves as the liaison to the Tourism and Business Advisory Council.
“Well, we have the perfect day for it,” the commissioner said describing the sunny and breezy weather of the day. “We have a great location. This is the beginning of summer. Here we go and let’s hope it will be a good year for businesses and good weather.”
Buster, the popular mascot of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws holds up a rather large key used to unlock the ocean in Surf City just in time for summer. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
The event, also included the council’s director, Sandra Lazzaro-Cifelli and Ocean County College President Dr. Pamela Monaco, Ocean County Tourism Advisory Committee Chair Steve Steiner and a rather tall, yellow individual in the form of Buster the Jersey Shore BlueClaws mascot.
“One, two, three, lets unlock the ocean,” the commissioner said as all present held the large heavy wooden key. “We are hoping for a very, very successful summer season.”
“I’m praying for a good season because my responsibility is for the beach fees,” Councilman Hartney remarked. “The more summer we have the better our season is and on behalf of Mayor (Francis R.) Hodgson I’d like to thank you for coming out here today and opening our beaches for us today. If you drive by our beach badge booth there is a line for people to come and get their pre-season badges.”
Mayor Imperiale said that all the towns of Long Beach Island were united as one large beach community and that he also welcomed the opening of ocean and the start of the summer season. “All the mayors of LBI are united in saying LBI is special. I’m Havey Cedars but I’m also LBI and I’m also Ocean County and New Jersey.”
Steiner said he was happy to see the return of the spring/summer season and that Surflight Theater in Beach Haven, where he holds the position of artistic director, has a busy production season ahead.
Surf City Councilman Peter M. Harney, Harvey Cedars Mayor John M. Imperiale, Ocean County College President Dr. Pamela Monaco, Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione, Ocean County Tourism Advisory Committee Chair Steve Steiner and Jersey Shore BlueClaws mascot Buster were among those who gathered to unlock the ocean, kicking off the tourist season. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Some Surf City History
Surf City has a population of more than 1,200 and borders the Atlantic Ocean on Long Beach Island. The borough was originally formed as Long Beach City borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on September 19, 1894, from portions of Stafford Township.
The community was renamed Surf City by a resolution of the Borough Council on May 26, 1899. The name was changed to avoid confusion with other places on the island and along the Jersey Shore.
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