The Wildwoods Convention Center will be the site of the campaign rally for President Donald Trump and Congressman Jeff Van Drew. (Photo courtesy thewildwoodsnj.com)
By TIM KELLY
It’s history in the making.
President Donald Trump will appear in Wildwood and make a speech Tuesday night at the Wildwoods Convention Center as part of his re-election campaign and also on behalf of Congressman Jeff Van Drew.
Van Drew, who represents the Second Congressional District, including Cape May County, was elected in 2018 and will be seeking re-election for the first time as a Republican following his switch from the Democratic Party in December.
The rally and similar ones preceding it are part of Trump’s campaign strategy to get his message out in locations where his support has been strongest. While Cape May County is arguably one of the most solidly conservative regions in New Jersey, Trump is venturing into a state that has traditionally been solidly Democratic.
The district is considered to be a battleground in what is shaping up to be among the most closely watched congressional races in the country.
Wildwood Mayor Peter Byron, a Democrat, sees the Trump rally as a positive for his seasonal resort town and a rare chance for an economic shot in the arm during a part of the off-season that is traditionally the slowest of the year.
“This isn’t about whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat,” Byron told NJ.com. “It’s about (the presidency). Check your party affiliation at the door and let’s just all participate in this monumental and exciting time for Wildwood.”
It is the first visit by a sitting president to the district since George H.W. Bush came to Vineland in 1992. Ronald Reagan campaigned in Hammonton in 1984. Before that, one must turn back the history books all the way to 1904 and Theodore Roosevelt, the 25th president, who made appearances in Hammonton during his famous “Whistle Stop” campaign.
That would make Trump only the fourth president to campaign in the district ever, which in Byron’s mind will produce enough national notice to make any inconveniences or differing political views well worth it.
“Whatever the motivation for the president to come here, I’ll take it and I’m excited,” Byron said to NJ.com.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew shakes hands with President Trump at the White House in December. (Image courtesy C-SPAN)
In addition to Trump’s address, Van Drew is scheduled to speak at the rally. At least one other local person may be speaking, although that could not be confirmed on Monday.
Published reports stated Van Drew would be traveling to the rally with Trump on Air Force One, slated to land at Atlantic City International Airport. The presidential motorcade is expected to head to Wildwood on the Garden State Parkway.
Following is a rundown of important facts for those planning on attending:
What: President Donald Trump will conduct a campaign rally in support of his re-election bid, and that of Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd.
When, Where: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, in Wildwood. Doors open at 3 p.m. The rally is expected to end by 9 p.m.
Tickets: Free, by visiting DonaldTrump.com and clicking on “events.” There is a two ticket per person limit. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Having a ticket is not a guarantee for admittance.
Admission: People were already lining up for the event on Monday morning. The Convention Center has a capacity of 7,000. However, that number is expected to be reduced for this event because of the stage configuration. When the maximum crowd is admitted, doors will be closed.
Overflow crowd: Two large video screens will be set up outside the Convention Center, allowing spectators unable to gain admission to view the rally from outside.
The Wildwoods Convention Center will be the site of the campaign rally for President Donald Trump and Congressman Jeff Van Drew. (Photo courtesy thewildwoodsnj.com)
Drop-off Area: Cabs, ride share services and private vehicles may drop passengers off along the 4600 block of New Jersey Avenue. The event is a short walk from there.
Comforts for those in line: Large heaters will be set up and portable toilets will be available.
Weather: According to weather websites, there will be sunny skies, a light breeze and temperatures ranging from a low of 32 to a high of 40 Tuesday in Wildwood.
Food options: Food trucks will be serving those in line and concession stands inside the Convention Center will also be open. There will also be many restaurants in town expected to be open all day on Tuesday and into the evening.
Closings: Wildwood schools are closed, as is the beach.
Banned items: Following are items not permitted inside the Convention Center: Aerosol and spray containers, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, animals (except for service animals), bags larger than 12 inches by 14 inches by 5 inches, coolers, balloons and balls, banners, chairs, e-cigarettes, drones, explosives and fireworks, glass, thermal and metal containers, laser pointers and laser lights, packages, poles, sticks and selfie sticks, recreational mobility devices, signs exceeding 20 feet by 3 feet by 3 inches, tents or other tent-like structures, toy guns, tripods, umbrellas, firearms or any weapons of any kind and any other item that may pose a threat to security, at the discretion of security screeners.
