The Memorial three day weekend in New Jersey proved to be exceedingly welcome. Warm temperatures, blue sky, and beautiful sunshine appeared to uplift people's attitudes after a very dreary spring. The merchants along the New Jersey coastline needed the tourist trade as people from surrounding areas took part in what was termed "glorious beach days and fantastic boardwalk entertainment."
My dear friend Pat, and my son and I ventured to Wildwood, New Jersey to take part in special activities planned for the holidays. There was an interesting craft show on the boardwalk and a great beach kite flying exhibition. After not visiting the Wildwoods in a number of years I enjoyed every moment.
Welcome to the Wildwoods.
There are many craft shows at this time of year, but one item which really caught my attention was the "ya-ya" hat. My regret is I did not buy one.
This young lady was not from the United States, but somehow we were able to communicate and she was happy to let me take her picture in the "ya-ya" hat.
The kites were visible from the boardwalk and we were able to walk on the beach and view the flying from a different angle.
It was not a typical breezy day at the shore and some of the kites had difficulty becoming airborne.
THE BOARDWALK
Look who gets lucky to carry the prize.
He really isn't heavy, he's my little tired buddy.
Taking the tram ride was the best way to travel. A modest fee of $3.00 one way was well worth the money. The ride was quite long and it gave the rider a great view of everything the stores and amusements had to offer.
These two young ladies were from Jamaica. They are Jamaican college students working here in the United States for the summer. They worked on the tram ride and were very pleasant.
It turned out to be another pleasant day with treasured memories and photos.
Once again the Irish entertained the locals and tourists at the Irish Family Festival held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The affair took place at the Surf Stadium. The stadium originally known as the Sandcastle Stadium opened in 1998. It has a capacity of 5500 seats and was constructed at the cost of $15 million dollars. Basically the stadium closed in 2009, and has had limited use since then. Some renovations have taken place, but it is quite sad to see the potential in such a fine construction and location not being utilized to its fullest.
Don't let the ticket sign fool you, parking, entrance, and entertainment were free.
There was constant music and dancing and visitors gave the performers a well deserved applause.
The musicians found time to enjoy the Irish inspired booths and a little Irish laughter was welcomed.
The blowup slide was a favorite attraction. Up and down and around and around the children were having a great time.
This little guy might be small, but the hammer fell hard and he left feeling quite proud of himself.
I asked a Dad if I could take a picture of his children. He graciously said, "Yes," and the children thanked me for taking their pictures. Precious !!!
As we were leaving we came upon some beautiful illustrations reflecting the wonderful world of baseball. Perhaps some time in the future someone will get his/her act together and do something to bring the stadium back to life.
Atlantic City Skyline View
It was a very pleasant day, and a beautiful rainbow welcomed us home. Perhaps some luck of the Irish came home with us.
