From left, Dorothy Tait of Media, Mary Beth McGarvey, Jackie Lannon and Pat B (“I am playing hookey from work”) all of Havertown, on the Boardwalk Wednesday.
It was Wednesday. It was the “off-season.” And it was busy!
Though by no means crowded, Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk had an ongoing stream of visitors taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather yesterday.
Many shops were open and enjoying steady, if not brisk business.
Typical of the board walkers was a group of friends from Havertown and Media Pa., who decided to “play hookey” from work.
“We left home around 9:30 and here we are,” said Havertown’s Mary Beth McGarvey. “We are going to Manco and Manco’s, and we’ve already been to Henry’s (Jewelry). We’re all going to buy our beach tags and do some more shopping.”
Dorothy Tait, the comedienne of the group, said they were here to compete in the teen beauty pageant at the Music Pier and then to “go for the blue hair special at the Crab Trap” for dinner.
One member of the crew would identify herself only as “Pat B” because she feared someone from her job might have an issue, yet she happily posed for a picture with her friends.
Merchants seemed to enjoy the day as well. Alex Thomas, a manager at Shriver’s candies said she had been working steadily all day, and asked to be excused during the interview as customers came up to her with questions and to make purchases.
“In the Spring it’s all about the weather,” Thomas said. “On a day like this the people are going to come out, even (in mid-week). We have had a pretty decent amount of business. It’s really been pretty nice.”
At Polish Water Ice, John Viehweger concurred that weather was everything, even more so given the frozen confections he sells.
“Yesterday (Tuesday) was a little better because it was even warmer and there was hardly any wind up here on the Boardwalk. There were people sitting on the beach and we had a beautiful turnout. I kept working until after 9 p.m. It has dropped off a little today with the ocean breeze but it’s still not too bad at all.”
His customer, John Del Bene of Hammonton, was treating grandsons Vinnie, Luca and granddaughter Gabriella to water ice and a pleasant day on the boards.
“When I saw how nice it was today, I knew I would bring them up here,” Del Bene said. “These kids love the Boardwalk. They don’t even ask to go on the beach. All they want to do is go to the Boardwalk.”
Four generations of female members of the Stanton family from West Deptford, were all grins as they took in the sights, sounds and smells of the beach and boardwalk and spoke to OCNJDaily.
There was great grandmom Michelle Pickering, new grand mom Robin Stanton, her daughter Stephanie Stanton, 13 year old Hannah Stanton and the new generation of 1-year-old Mackenzie Stanton and 2-month old Ryleigh.
“We come here at least once a week in the off-season,” said Robin. The family has a second home in town but she said. “West Deptford feels like the vacation house and Hannah always says ‘We’re home’ when we are driving in over the bridge.”
“It’s so calming and relaxing to come here,” Robin said. “Ocean City is my peace.”
