In the warm weather, they pop up like dandelions. Festivals—here, there and everywhere—paying homage to history, culture, food and virtually any hobby or interest. Face it. Without festivals, summer would seem as empty as a field without wildflowers. "Atlantic City's festivals are a great attraction to the area," according to Susan Ricciardi, director of media relations for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority. "New events attract new visitors. And our research shows that if they come once, they come back six times. New visitors are very important to our economy and to our market." For tourists and locals alike, the festivals abound this summer in greater Atlantic City. Here is a sampling of celebrations from just before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Mark your calendars and prepare to get festive! [MAY] 25th Annual Ocean City Spring Block Party Saturday, May 14 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th Strs., Ocean City, NJ (609) 525-9300 It's a mile-long shopping spree and juried craft show known as the Ocean City Spring Block Party in Ocean City. Boogie to the sounds of live bands as you wander along tables of painted glass and furniture, ceramics, wearable art, and more. See clothes that are tailor- made for Barbie, unusual stained glass windows and mirrors, and jewelry made from gold coins. There is free parking at the Transportation Center and the Ocean City Airport (26th & Bay), and at Shelter Road. Free bus transportation will be provided from those locations to the block party. The Cape May Music Festival Sunday, May 22 – Sunday, June 19 MidAtlantic Center for the Arts Various Locations throughout Cape May 1-800-275-4278 or (609) 884-5404 • www.capemaymac.org The Cape May Music Festival kicks off its 16th season in May—with "a musical feast for every musical taste," according to the promoters. The music festival opens with a rousing concert by an Irish-American group. The Tuesday evening chamber music series features the New York Chamber Ensemble and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. A four-concert orchestra series showcases the Bay-Atlantic Symphony with internationally renowned soloists. A World Traditions series features Irish, Brass, Zydeco, Klezmer and Latin Jazz. Enjoy a pops orchestra concert with the Bay-Atlantic Symphony and the Capitol Quartet. Concert locations include Cape May Convention Hall and the Episcopal Church of the Advent. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. (except the 5 p.m. concert on June 12). Ticket prices vary. For a detailed schedule and pricing, check the website. [JUNE] Atlantic County Day at the Bay Saturday, June 4 • 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Kennedy Park, Somers Point, NJ (609) 343-2162 • www.aclink.org The festival features crew team races, lifeguard competitions, kite flyers, sky divers and two hours of air show entertainment. There will also be food, kids' entertainment, pony rides and more. The music starts at 11:15 a.m. and goes through the close of the festival. Bands include the Roomful of Blues, the swinging sounds of Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88s and the local favorite, the Bubba Mac Blues Band, as well as gospel performers. This county-run event typically attracts 12,000-15,000. Victorian Fair Saturday, June 11 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m MidAtlantic Center for the Arts Emlen Physick Estate 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 1-800-275-4278 or (609) 884-5404 • www.capemaymac.org Step back in time into a traditional Victorian fair on the grounds of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May. The day features live music, crafts, collectibles, children's activities, and refreshments. Historical characters will come alive and interact with guests as they tour this Victorian House museum. Admission and parking are free. 3rd Annual Garden Party Thursday, June 16 Absecon Lighthouse Atlantic City, NJ (609) 449-1360 Stroll the historic grounds of Absecon Lighthouse at an old-fashioned garden party. This one includes a wine tasting and tasty treats as well as light jazz and a chance to climb the 171-foot monument billed as "228 Steps, One Amazing Journey." According to Executive Director Jean Muchanic, "This party is a throwback to an earlier time when people used to socialize with their neighbors in their gardens. I invite everyone to come out, enjoy the ocean air, sip some wine and reminisce what it was like to be a lightkeeper or a lightkeeper's wife." 100th Birthday Celebration Saturday, June 25 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Atlantic City Free Public Library Center City Park (609) 345-2269 This party in the park will feature music and dance performances, as well as booths for nonprofit organizations in the community. "It's about our reaching out to the community while we celebrate our hundredth," said Jennie C. Ayres, public relations and special events. "We're celebrating the past and moving forward into the future." Annual Bayman's Seafood & Music Festival Saturday, June 25, 2005 Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton, NJ (609) 296-8868 Stroll an authentic working seaport village and sample delicious Jersey fresh clams, crabs and shrimp. Move your feet to the beat of live, toe-tappin' entertainment. Bring your family and the beach chairs and spend the day. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. The 16th Annual Bank of America NJ Fresh Seafood Festival Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Historic Gardner's Basin New Hampshire Avenue and the Bay Atlantic City, NJ (609) FISH-FUN (347-4386) www.NJFRESHSEAFOODFEST.com. The Seafood Festival promises a "whale of a good time." It attracts 25,000 people who come out for seafood, live music, midway rides & games, boat rides, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, interactive marine science educational exhibits, and an arts and crafts show. The highlight is the mouth-watering seafood—fresh, grilled, broiled, steamed and raw—and such delicacies as crab cakes, oysters, clams, chowder, lobster, shrimp and scallops, plus a wide selection of landlubber fare. "This festival has become renowned as a multi-faceted entertainment extravaganza complementing Atlantic City's growing popularity as an overnight destination," said Blair Learn, seafood festival publicist. "The dynamic success of the Borgata and new retail and entertainment venues, such as The Quarter at Tropicana and The Walk at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway, has clearly established that the resort is no longer just a stop for day-trippers, and our visitors are seeking a variety of unique and exciting entertainment options. The seafood festival provides this in spectacular fashion." Admission is $5 for adults with one child admitted free per paying adult. Additional children, ages 5-12, are $2. Children 4 and under are free. Ride wrist bands are $12 each or two for $20. Jitney riders will receive a free return trip. [JULY] Red, Wine and Blues Festival Saturday, July 16 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuckerton Seaport Tuckerton, NJ (609) 296-8868 Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting from New Jersey wineries plus live blues entertainment, food, crafts and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12 and free for 5 and under. Merchants of Venice Seafood Festival Friday, July 22 • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Asbury Avenue from 6th to 9th Streets Ocean City, NJ (609) 525-9300 It's a delectable gathering of local merchants, live bands, crafters and sumptuous seafood along Ocean City's main streets. This event is the kickoff to the city's annual boat parade, the Night in Venice, to be held the following night, which attracts thousands to the town. It's also the type of event you'll find year-round in Ocean City. "We just found out that Ocean City was named the number one family beach resort in the country by the Travel Channel," said Public Relations Director Mark Soifer. "As long as there are families, there will be a need for family resorts. We're staying with this approach, which is the one we've had since 1879." [AUGUST] 3rd Annual Atlantic City Arts Alive! Kennedy Plaza on the Atlantic City Boardwalk 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, August 12 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 13 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 14 Martin S. Wilson, Jr. Center for the Arts Atlantic City, NJ (609) 345-0899 Indulge your artistic side at the 3rd Annual Atlantic City Arts Alive! Festival at Kennedy Plaza. This juried show is a celebration of fine art, fine craft and music. The festival was nationally recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the ten best new shows in America. Artists from as far as Florida and New England will be on hand to show their work, which includes all media. Some artists will be demonstrating their craft as well. Pieces will be available for sale, and there will be an opportunity to win some of the works of art and other prizes. The stage at Kennedy Plaza will showcase music of all varieties, including jazz, pop and classical. This year, there will also be native music from the Andes Mountains. Sponsored by the Martin S. Wilson Jr. Center for the Arts, the event is free and open to the public. The art center is dedicated to bringing art to the community and the community to the arts. The money raised at the festival will go toward the center's after-school arts program and mural program. "Children learn in so many different ways, and the tactile/visual arts are one of those ways," said Janet Bodoff, executive director. "The Arts Alive Festival helps to fund the programs that introduce the arts to kids who might not otherwise be exposed." Art Center students will be doing face painting at the festival as well. Around-the-Island Marathon Swim Saturday, August 13 9 a.m. – winner finish (approx. 6.5 hours duration) Gardner's Basin Atlantic City, NJ www.acswim.org The Atlantic City Around-the-Island Marathon Swim is a tradition in the area. It is a 22.5 mile (37km) ocean open water marathon against strong tides and current and in varying conditions. It attracts the world's top swimming professionals.

By Casino Connection Staff

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