By MADDY VITALE
People walk along the expansive, pristine beaches. They sink their toes into the sand, splash in the surf, walk the boards.
Just a few months ago, envisioning that sort of scene in Ocean City would have been easy.
Thousands and thousands of tourists who make the family-friendly resort an annual summer tradition would normally be booking, planning and gearing up for their escape to the Jersey Shore.
But with uncertainty surrounding the timing of beach openings and social distancing restrictions that remain in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and nonessential businesses closed until further notice, a family vacation just one year ago may seem like a distant memory.
However, Ocean City is getting ready to welcome visitors back as soon as the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce recently debuted its first 2020 summer season tourism commercial. Its message is a subdued, yet optimistic depiction of the potential summer season.
The commercial shows families enjoying the beach, spending time in the surf, strolling the Boardwalk and savoring a breathtaking sunset. The closing scene is of a shopkeeper welcoming customers with a sign that says, “Yes, we’re open.”
Here is the script for the commercial:
“Soon you’ll sink your toes into the sand. Splash in the warm surf. Walk the boards and catch that sunrise once again. Soon you’ll be back in your special place and we’re hard at work getting ready to welcome you home to Ocean City, America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
The idea of spending Memorial Day at the beach to welcome the summer season with the children and to enjoy amusements, concerts and eateries is one that elicits happiness for families year after year.
And although this summer may not be the same as many others before it, there will still be a summer to enjoy, Ocean City officials say.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, stressed that when Gov. Phil Murphy believes the time is right to reopen the beaches and Boardwalk, “America’s Greatest Family Resort” will be ready to welcome vacationers back.
“Ocean City loves and misses its guests, second homeowners, and residents. We look forward to the return of the hustle and bustle of the season. Ocean City is home to so many people,” Gillian explained.
Gillian highlighted some of the main attractions in Ocean City. Social distancing is very possible in a resort that prides itself on expansive beaches, an abundance of outdoor activities and a long Boardwalk.
“Ocean City offers many different outdoor activities where people can social distance, even after we are given the clear,” Gillian explained in an email. “With our clean, wide beaches, the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, 2.5-mile-long Boardwalk, more than 100 stores in our downtown shopping district and the fantastic back bay activities, people can safely enjoy their time in Ocean City.”
While no one can foresee the future, or the possibility of a good summer or even a blockbuster summer, Gillian said her hope is that all of the vacationers return.
“We love to see generation after generation returning ‘home’ every summer,” Gillian added. “Once we are given the OK to open, we look forward to seeing all the familiar faces and meeting the new ones.”
