Labor Day 2017 was a tale of two weekends combined in one. The first half on Friday and Saturday provided visitors with the opportunity to discover “rainy day” attractions such as movies, indoor mini-golf and the myriad of offerings at the Community Center.
Tom Kennedy made the most of his weekend in town from D.C. (Photo Credit: Tom Kennedy, Sr.)
On Sunday, a cloudy and chilly morning gave way to clearing skies, big waves and the promise of a sunny Labor Day today.
Tom's brother Patrick Kennedy also found some time to catch a few waves during his holiday weekend. (Photo Credit: Tom Kennedy, Sr.)
“The people who left on Saturday made a huge mistake,” one beachgoer said, “and those who have been hanging out since Friday are being rewarded now.”
On Sunday, Our OCNJDaily photographer spotted a beach party of about 25 people, hosted by the Eppinger and Copple families, a Labor Day tradition for more than 50 years, according to attendee Frank Unger.
“We hope to keep the tradition going for many years to Come,” Unger said.
The boardwalk was surprisingly crowded on Saturday despite the nasty conditions. By Sunday, it was packed.
Rich Kalman, of Somers Point, was strolling on the boardwalk with his friend Irene Dickey, and gave his spin.
“The people who already came down were not about to leave. They have their parking spots and their hotel or rental property and they are going to be out there enjoying Ocean City no matter what the weather is.”
Jason Fiedler and Fiancé Lori Leonard enjoyed a sunny late afternoon at the beach on Saturday.
Indeed, many restaurants and boardwalk eateries had long lines and the streets were packed with visitors and locals.
“Well, summer’s over,” said Al Persia, a summer resident of the Gardens who lives in Philadelphia the other nine months. “I just had to come down to get one last night in to have a great time. One more walk on the boards, one more loaf of Atlantic City bread.”
Around noon on Sunday, visitors were still pouring onto the island, backing up the Ninth Street Causeway. Beaches were blanket-to-blanket.
“There were some really nice waves,” said Jason Fiedler, of Dublin, Bucks County, Pa, who enjoyed the beach with his niece, Emma Bostic of Plumsteadville, Pa. “(Saturday) was a great day for finding shells. We got some beauties.”
Emma Bostic strikes a beach pose.
“I was on my boogie board (Sunday),” Emma said, “the waves were large and beautiful.”
When asked if he was sad summer was over, Fiedler said “I don’t think it is over. I don’t think summer is over until it gets super cold outside. And we are a long way from that.”
