It was truly a Father’s Day to remember.
Blessed with bright sunshine, low humidity and free amusement rides, local and visiting Dads were very much in evidence in Ocean City yesterday throughout their big day.
An informal sampling on the Boardwalk revealed lots of smiles, food and family fun.
Tim Duckworth of Saylorsburg, PA, was pulling wagon containing his daughter Jane, 3, after a long day on the beach.
“We’re here with more than 50 people, mostly members of my wife’s side of the family,” Duckworth said. “I’ve been coming down here since ’91.”
Michael Oliveri walked the boards with his six-year-old daughter Madalyn and wife Amee. “We came for the free rides and the pizza,” Michael said. He added that his first date with his wife took place on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Debra and Michael Ruble of Linwood had their four kids Collin, 7; Trevor, 4; Hope, 10; and Brent, 12 in tow as they headed to Wonderland.
“I’m having a great day,” Michael said. “Wonderland for the rides and Tony P’s for the pizza. We thought (coming to Ocean City) would be a cool thing to do.”
Not everyone was enjoying leisure time. Robert Morris is the proprietor of KB’s Kettle Korn, said he was working for his 47th year on the Boardwalk.
“I played too much when I was younger,” he said with a grin. “Now I have to work for the rest of my life.”
Morris said he has operated many different businesses over the years, starting with a jewelry store in Ventnor. In the winter, he drives his 20-ft van to Florida, where he sells women’s bathing suits. “But I only work weekends there,” he said. “I am mostly retired.”
Ryan Strange of Northeast Philadelphia, waited in line at the carousel to take a free spin with his 11-month-old daughter Avery. “We came down Friday night and we’ve been on the beach and boardwalk all day. It’s been a great time.”
Bill Hutter of Levittown, PA boarded one of the kiddie rides with his daughter Lana, 8, while wife Lindsay looked on. “It’s a beautiful day and Ocean City is one of Lana’s favorite places,” Bill said. “So here we are.”
Ed Abrams wore a T-shirt that summed up his feelings: “Proud father of twin girls.” He pushed a tandem stroller occupied by three-year-old Melanie and Ember.
“It’s a fantastic day,” said Abrams. “Rides, pizza and beach!” He said the free rides for fathers was a bonus, but the Twirl a Whirl was a little more than he bargained for.
“The girls said ‘can we go again?’ And I said, “um…let’s take a little break.”
Chase Alexander was well-rested for his go-round on the rides. Sitting on a bench eating ice cream with Chase Jr., and wife Alyssa, he recounted his day.
“Just pitched a tent on the beach and hung around there all day,” he said.
Each and every Dad we talked to had a different take on the day, but one common thread ran through their stories: “It’s all about family,” Morris said.
