Good Old Days Is Back

NEWS & VIEWS > COASTING

Plus, the Album of the Week, Atlantic City Triathlon, Tour de Downbeach and weekly DrewToonz comic.

By ACW Staff

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 7, 2011

 Somers Point’s Kennedy Park often qualifies as a hidden gem, offering up some of the best bay-side views in Atlantic County. But for one day each September, it’s also party central as it hosts the annual Good Old Days Festival. This Saturday, Sept. 10, you can listen to live music on three stages, view a collection of antique cars, let the kids enjoy a host of children’s activities and support the Lawrence “Bud” Kern Memorial Trust Fund. The scholarship fund, established in 1979, recognizes graduating high-school students from Somers Point who have demonstrated community spirit and pride. The annual “Run for Bud,” a longtime part of the festival, starts at 9am and costs $25 for those registering on race day. Call 927-3628. The festival is held 11am-6pm. Entertainment on tap includes The Jeremiah Hunter Band, Howard Isaacson and Hawkins Road. Visit spgoodolddays.com. — Mike Pritchard 

A.C. Triathlon, Tour de Downbeach Test Endurance 

There are two events on the southern New Jersey horizon geared toward those who stayed physically active this summer, not those who spent the vast majority of their free time drinking beer. On Saturday, Sept. 10 (rain date Sept. 11), the fourth annual “Le Tour de Downbeach” fundraiser joins the four Absecon Island communities for a bike ride, fun walk and barbecue, and the following weekend, Sunday, Sept. 18, is the inaugural Atlantic City Triathlon. The Le Tour de Downbeach offers the options of a 14-mile bike ride, an eight-mile bike ride, or a two-mile fun walk. Each will be followed by a barbecue at event sponsor Tomatoe’s restaurant in Margate. All proceeds from a $15 entry fee ($12 per person for walkers, or families of four or more riders) benefit local charities. See marvelousmargate.com for more information, or visit the Margate Business Association office at 3 S. Granville Ave. in Margate. The inaugural Atlantic City Triathlon is a regulation, international-distance event comprised of a one-mile swim, 27-mile bike ride and 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run. The cost is $175 per person and is open to 1,000 athletes. Organized by the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, the triatlon is part of an effort to create more non-gaming and family oriented activities in the city, and will be held on a course designed to highlight A.C.’s natural beauty, architectural and historic landmarks. “Atlantic City has a history of great sporting events that incorporate the spirit of the city,” says race director and ACCVA member Stephen Del Monte in a media release. “When creating the Atlantic City International Triathlon, we wanted to keep with [that] tradition.” Participants may register online at active.com. Prizes will be awarded to age-group winners. Go to atlanticcitynj.com for more info.  — Ray Schweibert

Johnny Cash 

‘Bootleg Vol. 3: Live Around the World (Columbia/Legacy) 

Thirty-nine previously unreleased live performances by Johnny Cash are among the gems uncovered on the third installment of this Columbia/Legacy Records series. In stores Oct. 11, the two-disc set includes a total of 50 selections from 10 different live performances, mainly from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Featuring all of the expected Cash classics, as well as cool versions of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” (from the 1964 Newport Folk festival), Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans” (from a 1973 CBS Records convention) and “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” (from a 1979 show in Nashville), the collection includes material from Cash performances at the White House, Vietnam, and even a Swedish prison.

— Jeff Schwachter

Drew Toonz