In case you did not notice summer arrived yesterday. Well sort of.  For weeks we have asked the question, “when is it finally going to get nice” and Wednesday we got the answer. 

We’ve been joking about how one day we’re going to wake up and it’s going to feel like summer and that’s what happened and it seems everyone headed to the Jersey Shore.  The traffic was crazy for a Wednesday and it appeared many decided to make their first trip to the beach. 

I stopped into the Wawa on Route 37 just east of Hooper Avenue and it was loaded with kids in bathing suits. They were either college students on break or high school students who decided to take a break.  Either way I’m sure some of them will have sun burns this morning after a full day on the beach.

The 80 degree temperatures are not here to stay but the lead-up to Memorial Day weekend is promising and the holiday weekend itself looks pretty good, especially Saturday. 

While we consider this the unofficial kickoff to the summer season it is often the busiest weekend for those who depend on tourism dollars and its one businesses are counting on after a dreadful spring.  Simply put the weather between Easter and Memorial Day has put many way behind and they need a shot in the arm heading into June. Here’s hoping they get it.

It’s always interesting to me how many who live in this area have no appreciation and understanding of the importance of tourism.  Those dollars not only support the business owner but those who work for them who are most often local people. It is vital to our economy in so many ways and does not just impact the beach and boardwalk but nearly every part of the Jersey Shore and beyond.

So welcome the sunshine and warm temperatures. And welcome what comes with that.

 

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