Atlantic City Weekly

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THE SECOND ANNUAL Atlantic City Air show will be held on Wednesday, August 18 at 11am. The first Atlantic City Air Show, held in August 2003, was a resounding success. It was the second-largest military air show in the United States. It drew upwards of 200,000 people and it was a financial success. It is anticipated that this year's show will draw close to a half a million spectators.

As sponsors of the event, the Atlantic City Regional Chamber of Commerce (ACRCOC) is looking for ways to raise the necessary funds to make this show bigger and better than last year's. They are currently seeking a name sponsor to step forward and put their corporate logo on the air show. It is anticipated that all of the Atlantic City casino companies will participate with contributions.

Thanks to the fact that the beach is now 200 ft. wide, the ACRCOC is putting into effect a plan that will encourage many of the area's businesses to become a part of the sponsorship of the air show. There are two plans being proposed to potential sponsors. The spots are in a select area in front of or adjacent to the center of the air show's presentation, at Florida Avenue and the beach. The first plan is for those companies interested in having a private chalet, in the form of a tent, on the beach where they can cater to their clientele with food and beverages and seats in front of the chalet to view the show. The second is a flight-line club offering seats on bleachers that will be on the beach next to the chalet area.

For information on each of these plans, contact Joe Kelly at the ACRCOC: 345-2251, extension 13. There will be plenty of room in front of the chalet area open to the public and free for spectators to bring their blankets or chairs and enjoy the show. Once again, the Borgata Casino Hotel and Spa will house those participating in the air show. For the first time, there will be a program book for the show that will be a good keepsake. There is room for advertisers in the book. Those interested may call the ACRCOC office for information.

I am happy to inform you that radio station WOND-AM will again broadcast the entire air show. You are urged to bring your portable radios to the beach or wherever you are viewing the air show to be informed about the show. You will hear a description of the various aircraft participating in the show by a professional air show broadcaster who will also keep you updated on all of the action, describing it as it takes place. It will be my honor to present the local aspects of the show and interview some of the dignitaries and pilots.

By the way, this is actually a two-day show, as on Tuesday, August 17 you will have the pleasure of seeing the planes going through their maneuvers as they learn the site where they will be performing on Wednesday. Plan to be anywhere along the Jersey Shore between Brigantine and Ocean City to enjoy the skill of these wonderful pilots and their crews.

CRDA Update

It was only a couple of weeks ago that it was publicly stated that consideration would be given to provide a Corridor/Aerial Cable Transportation System in Atlantic City. Tuesday, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) approved a preliminary determination of project eligibility and authorization for the executive director, Curtis Bashaw, to negotiate and execute an agreement with a consultant to provide a feasibility study. The study would determine the viability of having a cable car system that would run down Arkansas Avenue from the Convention Center/train station to the end of The Pier at Caesars, with three additional stops. The stops would be at Arctic Avenue, Caesars' new garage and the Boardwalk. If it becomes a reality, it would provide a great sightseeing vehicle for visitors and residents as it would provide a scenic view of Atlantic City and its beachfront from about 26 feet above street level. The study will also determine whether or not there would be a fee for this ride and, if so, what it would be.

The CRDA will hold the first meeting of the Jersey Shore Summit at Asbury Park's Convention Hall on Tuesday, June 22, at 9am. Gov. McGreevey will be the keynote speaker in the afternoon session. Members of his cabinet are expected to be in attendance along with elected officials and other representatives of Jersey Shore resorts. Another meeting will be held in Cape May in September, with the final meeting in the Atlantic City Convention Center in January. The object of the summit is to bring together all of New Jersey's seashore resorts to promote the entire Jersey coast. The unity movement will endeavor to bring more people to enjoy the various aspects of each community and bring about more visits to other resorts than the one in which the tourists are staying. The promotion of the diversification of attractions in these communities will enhance tourism to all of the Jersey Shore.

Notes of Interest

Last year, the Atlantic City Surf baseball team provided the only Fourth of July fireworks show in the city. This year the Surf will again provide fireworks on July 4, but there will be additional displays. On Thursday, July 1, the Special Improvement District in concert with the Atlantic City Main Street Organization will present a fireworks show at 9:15pm from the lot at Caspian and New Hampshire avenues. On July 4 at 9:30pm the Borgata Hotel Casino Spa will present a fireworks display of its own. The first week in July will be an exciting one.

The 150th Birthday Celebration Committee has kicked-off its events at Kennedy Plaza. Every Wednesday evening at 7pm, throughout the entire summer, there will be ethnic dancing shows with audience participation. The first one was held last week with young folks from Atlantic City's Greek Orthodox Church who provided the music and dancing. This Wednesday, dancers from the Dominican Republic will be demonstrating their native dances and will then teach them to people along the Boardwalk. Of course, all of this is free. Beginning this Sunday evening and continuing throughout the entire summer free movies will be presented at Kennedy Plaza at 7pm. You are invited to bring a comfortable chair and nibble on your favorite movie treats while enjoying some of the best motion pictures ever made in Hollywood. Instead of the fake star ceiling that used to be in the Warner Theater, you will be sitting under the magnificent stars created by the maker of our universe and breathing the fresh salt air of our clean ocean.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies have named Matt Thomas, their former assistant coach, to be their new coach. Matt is familiar with the staff, the players and the fans. He is a great choice and there is little doubt that he will help to solidify the Bullies drive to sell more season tickets. It is good to see a promotion from within the Bullies organization. Best wishes for a successful reign with the Boardwalk Bullies.

Pinky's Corner airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm on News Talk WOND-AM 1400. His TV show, WMGM Presents Pinky, airs Saturday at 7:30pm on TV40. Pinky's e-mail address is: pinkyscrnr@aol.com.