By Tim Kelly
It was a perfect day for Dad to go fly a kite.
Or for him to fly ON one.
Both activities were in full effect, as were many others Saturday as Father’s Day weekend kicked off in Ocean City.
Two men were seen controlling their kites on Park Place beach while two more floated by on parasail rigs. We’re not sure if any of the men were dads, but they seemed to be having fun either way.
“Finally we have some great weather on the weekend,” said Dan Carlin of the Gardens section of Ocean City, who is celebrating his second Father’s Day as a grand-dad. “Every day is Father’s Day for me.”
Daughters Candice Kolins and Kristin Vogelbacher gave birth to Siena and Bobby, respectively last year, which made new dads out of Sean Kolins and Bob Vogelbacher, Sr.
Dan’s wife Adele said all three families would be celebrating today.
Their plans were typical throughout Ocean City, where numerous dads were spotted strolling the boardwalk, enjoying beach activities and waiting outside Asbury Avenue streets while spouses and kids were picking up last minute cards and gifts.
Plenty of sunshine, temperatures in the high 70s, light breezes and low humidity was the formula for crowds at local restaurants, shops, boardwalk rides and local attractions all over town.
Frowns were scarcer than prime parking spaces as families kicked off dad’s big day ahead of schedule.
Najee Amir of West Philadelphia was in town with wife Maria, newborn Myah, who came into the world on March 17, and other family and extended family members.
Typical of dozens of other dads seen at the beach, Najee toted a wagon loaded down with beach chairs, sand toys, food and other equipment.
“He shrugged his shoulders when asked what plans his family had in store for tomorrow.
“It doesn’t matter, being here is the gift,” he said. Myah’s debut in the world was also a belated birthday (March 8) present for Najee.
“It’s a happy Father’s Day and also neat that we share the same birth month,” he said.
Sunday’s weather forecast was for more sunshine, and the temperature topping out at 79. With heat and humidity forecasted for Philadelphia and environs, tomorrow’s actual big day for Das was expected to bring even more celebrants to Ocean City.
Happy Day, Dads.
