What to Know
- Various towns along the Jersey Shore are hosting ceremonial ocean "unlocking" ceremonies Friday.
- The biggest event will be in Atlantic City, which will also host the famous "beach ball drop" at 5 p.m.
- Visitors should also note new laws limiting smoking and vaping at New Jersey beaches.
It's the unofficial kickoff to the summer along the Jersey Shore as various beach towns ceremoniously "unlocked" the ocean to welcome visitors.
Beaches in Atlantic City, Ocean City and Wildwood held unlocking ceremonies on Friday to coincide with Memorial Day weekend.
Some places it felt like a party; other towns took a quirky approach.
Atlantic City's ceremony, outside Resorts Casino Hotel, had a party vibe as DJs keep the music going from mid-morning into the evening. The "Unlocking of the Ocean" ceremony takes place at 1:30 p.m. and will include giveaways, contests and boardwalk performances. As always, the highlight will be the famous beachball drop happening at 5 p.m. as 5,000 balls fall from above onto eager spectators below.
In Ocean City, the giant wooden key used to "unlock" the ocean was out once again. This year, the ceremony include a new addition as people dressed fully in business clothes strolled down to the water and took an oceanic plunge as part of the "Business Persons Plunge." Festivities kicked off on the sand by Ocean City Music Pier.
In Wildwood, the Andrews Avenue beach played host to the city's ceremony, which was punctuated with more than 300 elementary schoolers painting the sky by flying colorful and ornate kites through the air.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
If you're headed the she Shore Friday evening, you'll also get treated to a bonus surprise as the Chickie's & Pete's bar pays tolls for drivers on the Atlantic City Expressway. "Free Toll Friday" takes place between 5 and 6 p.m. at the Egg Harbor exit.
Do remember, however, that New Jersey has banned smoking and vaping on almost all public beaches and you can be fined for running afoul of the rules.
