It is often rather disheartening reading the daily newspaper, listening to the radio or watching the TV news programs. Perhaps I have become sensitive to the overwhelming concentration on tragedies taking place close to home and around the world. I recently highlighted news articles and the percentage of bad or sad news was so apparent; fires, untimely deaths, accidents and unrest around the world made the headlines. It would certainly have been rewarding reading about neighbor helping neighbor, firemen and policemen doing their difficult job, smiles on the old and young and what attributed to the smiles. Yes, smiles is what I needed so I took my camera and headed to Atlantic City Steel Pier. There I found what I was looking for, smiles, laughter and friendliness.
This young man was very willing to let me take his picture, although I knew he couldn't wait to eat the fries since they filled the air with an aroma difficult to describe.
What basketball players these youths were. It was amazing how many times they made the basket in 20 seconds. Perhaps you are looking at a future Michael Jordan.
What goes up must come down. Once was not enough for the couple they were brave enough to do it again.
The swing attract the young at heart especially those with a strong stomach.
Sorry sir--it was an almost, no stuffed toy for you.
Now this is a happy smile. Mom and Dad will have to save their pennies because she will be ready to ride the rides very soon.
The teacups were slow and easy, would have been good for me.
Dreams are sometimes made on the merry-go-round.
This little princess posed for the picture. She had a million dollar smile.
The best was yet to come, even adults can't resist a delicious custard cone.
A new character is born with a little face paint. Cameron suddenly had the power.
The guys were just hanging out.
Sand and more sand. Over the dune and on to the beach fully geared for a fun day.
Think like a champion and you might win a prize.
No, no, no, this can't be happening to me why did the big dude on the end win?
Did someone say I get another turn, okay that's cool.
It was a gem of a day and the smiles were contagious. Try smiling at the next person you meet.
Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey was once referred to as the Showplace of the Nation. Today as you enter the Pier's walkway you are greeted by a red carpet. We must remember there was the Steel Pier of yesteryear and Steel Pier of today. The one thought we must focus on; regardless of age and numerous changes the Pier continues to entertain both young and old. All the screams and laughter are usually happy sounds and memories are being made.
This towering ferris wheel promotes the Pier with an outstanding view of the boardwalk, beach and ocean. It's a pleasant ride offering may participants a glimpse of an amusement ride dating back to the late 1800's.
Upon entering the Pier nostalgia took over as I walked the incline. This was suddenly reminiscent of the many good times the original Pier offered; a full day of entertainment for under a $1.00.
Many games of chance lined the walkway. These tigers could be won if you were able to shoot a star directly in the center. Consider the star was not very big. Not many tigers went out of the caged area. Perhaps that is why they call it chance.
An individual certainly must have a desire and a strong stomach to partake this ride. It was difficult to photograph, since they were up, down, to the right, to the left, but the best was when riders were upside down. Faces showed different emotions as they made their exit and some very choice words were used.
Colors seemed to be everywhere. The colors were pleasantly overwhelming. Reds, greens, yellows and a gorgeous blue sky highlighted with white billowy clouds made it perfect for photography.
This family did quite well with prizes. I observed the children had difficulty choosing the best prize.
The water game was waiting for some takers.
When all the excitement of the Pier is over, this is what might relax all the muscles or get the sand out from between your toes. Never the less, it was a day of fun and that's what memories are made of.
