The fatal fall occurred during work on the Ferris wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier.
By MADDY VITALE
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, the iconic Boardwalk amusement park that has been in business for nearly 100 years, is joining with Icona Resorts, a company that operates beach resorts in Cape May County, according to a news release Tuesday.
“The Gillian and Mita families announced today that they are joining together to enhance Gillian’s Wonderland Pier’s guest experience,” the release said. “The two families with deep history in amusements and hospitality are partnering to create a unique experience and better serve guests of this premier destination.”
The landmark Ferris wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier hovers over the Boardwalk near Sixth Street.
Eustace Mita is the owner of Icona Resorts, with beach resorts in Avalon, Cape May and Diamond Beach.
“We are thrilled that the Mita family is joining us in continuing the great tradition of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, an Ocean City landmark,” Jay Gillian, who is also mayor of Ocean City, said in the release.
He continued, “Last weekend our park saw record-breaking numbers and we are looking forward to welcoming even more guests back to Wonderland this summer. We know in partnering with the Mita family that the best is yet to come.”
The Gillian family has been on the Ocean City Boardwalk since 1929, “providing families with lifelong memories and many more to come,” according to the release.
Mita said this of Wonderland and the new partnership, “Living in Ocean City for more than 40 years, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has been a favorite place for not only my wife and I but also my children and grandchildren.”
He added, “We are looking forward to working alongside Jay and his family, as both families are committed to provide a wholesome experience.”
Grabbing the brass ring at the vintage carousel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier has amused generations of families.
