Atlantic City Weekly

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With the long awaited colossal marvel of concrete glistening in pre-Memorial Day weekend sun, spectators, local residents and reporters gathered at the waterfront of John F. Kennedy Park in Somers Point to celebrate the grand opening of the largest project ever undertaken by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.


The $400 million, 175,000 cubic yards of concrete bridge stood as the backdrop as James Simpson, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, took to the podium with excitement. 


“Take a look at what we’ve built,” he said, pointing over his shoulder to the final product of years of hard work. “We’ve built ... two large bridges, a highway, two smaller bridges, bike lanes, fishing piers, and a two-story tourist facility.” 


Replacing a deteriorating lift bridge that was built in 1933, and struggled to support seasonal traffic and congestion, the State Route 52 bridge is the most expensive bridge the state of New Jersey ever built, breaking ground in October 2006. According NJDOT, over 40,000 cars pass over the bridge every day during the summer season alone.


READ: Bridge to the Somewhere

Simpson went on to thank the bridge builders who he said could have made a lot more money working in the private sector but said that “There’s something about public service that people love, that’s so enriching it’s bigger than a paycheck.” 


With an aim to reduce traffic, congestion and aggravation as well as making getting to and from the two Jersey shore towns more accessible, the idea behind the bridge was more about quality of life and a true appreciation for the beautiful area itself. 


“Let’s face it, everybody wants to walk, everybody wants to bike, some people want to take their kids in strollers, some people want to take their grandkids, some people just want to get on or off the island without having to deal with traffic,” said Simpson, “and in a community like this, a bike is the best way to do [it].” 


Simpson described the experience of driving over the new bridge as if you’re “cleared for landing” with a view of the ocean and the Longport Bridge and Atlantic City’s skyline. 


Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian praised the project saying that he saw nothing but great things and couldn’t begin to highlight all of the new opportunities when it came to fishing, walking, biking and kayaking. Gillian thanked the elected officials from Gov. Christie to locals; the union laborers who worked tirelessly during high tides, severe cold and heat and the citizens as well as visitors to Ocean City and Somers Point. 


“This will last for generations,” said Simpson, thanking the residents and visitors of the two shore towns for putting up with the hassle and aggravation caused by the ongoing construction to complete what he believes is well worth the inconvenience. 


“Folks tell me tourism will be at an all time-high [and] your bridge is ready for it.” 


After the series of speeches on the Thursday before the big Memorial Day weekend, police officers on motorcycles led an Ocean City fire engine on a parade across the bridge, dozens of bikers following behind. Two trolleys were also included, full of officials as well as participants and journalists.


Over in Ocean City, at the foot of the bridge, the grand ceremony ended with a special ribbon cutting. Rev. Gregory Johnson, assistant pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church read from scripture and said a special blessing over the bridge and the people who will come to utilize it. 


Now, Ocean City and Somers Point residents and visitors can enjoy the massive bridge that is hoped to make this summer a bit more suitable and convenient and open new doors for fun and excitement for many years to come. 


Ocean City Flower Show 


Back on the island, Ocean City is in full bloom for a beautiful commercial and amateur display of flowers at the Music Pier. Celebrating its 40th year, the Ocean City Flower Show begins on Friday, June 1, and continues throughout Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3. 


Local flower experts and nature lovers enter the yearly competition that is staged by the Garden Club of Ocean City. 


Having won the Best of Show awards for the past five years, last year, Joanne DiNunzio from Langhorne, Pa., won a blue ribbon in the category of Oriental Balinese Dance as well as a red ribbon for her Congo Line Dancers entry. 


Each category has guidelines and rules that are presented in a booklet upon entering the flower show. 


Show times are Friday 2-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm. n

OCEAN CITY EVENTS

Friday, June 1 to June 3

Ocean City Flower Show 

Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. Commerical and amateur displays. Show times are Friday 2-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm. 525-9300.


Sunday, June 3

Mitchell McAllister OC Walk

6th St. practice field. The Walk is in memory of teen Mitchell McAllister and raises funds to support the Emmanuel Cancer Foundations Direct Service Programs. Proceeds will support families in South Jersey who are faced with the challenges of caring for a child with cancer. Registration 8:30am. 856-853-4803. emmanuelcancer.org.


Nor’easters vs Jersey Express
Carey Stadium, 6th St. and Atlantic Ave. Soccer. Half time events include a Lil Kickz demonstration and an introduction to our Ocean City FC youth teams. Free entry to any youth soccer player on Ocean City FC summer teams. $8 Adults. $4 children. 7pm. 525-9999. OceanCityFC.com


Wednesday, June 6

Farmer’s Market

O.C. Tabernacle, Wesley Avenue. Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. 8am-1pm. 525-9300.


Thursday, June 7

Wonder’s Brithday Bash at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
Wonderland Pier, 6th St. and Boardwalk. All rides will be only 1 Ticket and at 9pm see a birthday bash fireworks show. Rides open at 6pm and Wonder Bear will be available all night for photos. Celebrating 82 years on the Ocean City Boardwalk. 399-7082.


Friday, June 8
Nor’easters vs Reading United
Carey Stadium, 6th Street & Atlantic Avenue. Soccer. ‘School’s Day’ invites kids from all our local schools to enjoy a game of top quality soccer. Free entry to any youth soccer player on Ocean City FC summer teams. $8 Adults $4 Kids. 7pm. 525-9999. OceanCityFC.com


Saturday, June 9

HSOC Family Golf Tournament

Ocean City Golf Course, 25th & Bay Ave. Family golf outing to benefit Humane Shelter residents. 8:30am. Registration is $30 per person or $100 a foursome and includes lunch. 398-9500. hsocnj.org.


Ocean City Police Chase 5k

Boardwalk, regstration O.C.H.S., 501 Atlantic Ave.. 5K Footrace, 2 Mile Fitness Walk. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Po­lice Benevolent Association who sup­port Scholarships for High School seniors, The Christmas toy drive, and distribution of free bike helmets with the funds they raise throughout the year. 525-9108. ocpba.com.

Sunday, June 10

Nor’easters vs Baltimore Bohemians

Carey Stadium, 6th Street & Atlantic Avenue. Soccer. Half time events includes the 3rd Annual soccer game between the Ocean City Fire Dept and Ocean City Police Dept as part of a long running rivalry to raise money for each department’s Benevolent Fund. Free entry to any youth soccer player on Ocean City FC summer teams. $8 Adults $4 Kids. 7pm. 525-9999. OceanCityFC.com 


Wednesday, June 13

Farmer’s Market

O.C. Tabernacle, Wesley Avenue. Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. 8am-1pm. 525-9300.


Thursday, June 14

Miss New Jersey Pageant Parade

Boardwalk at Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace. Parade route is 6th to 14th Sts. on the Boardwalk. Theme of the Parade is “Nursery Rhymes Travel the Boards.” All 25 contestants will ride in convertibles and portray characters in various nursery rhymes. The Parade will be led by Katharyn Nicolle, reigning Miss New Jersey. 7pm. 525-9300


Thursday, June 14 to June 16

Miss New Jersey Pageant

Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. Pageant preliminaries will be held in the Music Pier Auditorium, June 14 and 15 with the finals on Sat. June 16. Tickets are available by calling Mary Lou Cake at 856-424-3564. The week of the Pageant call 315-1423. Tickets are $35 for preliminaries, $50 for the final with a package price of $100 for all three nights. 525-9300. n

Last year’s flower show