Ocean City hopes First Night spreads news South Jersey shore doing OK

One New Jersey shore community is going full speed ahead with plans for a New Year’s Celebration.This year it’s a vehicle for letting people know the shore is doing well.

Mark Soifer, spokesman for Ocean City New Jersey says people see destruction in seaside towns further north and aren’t sure if the South Jersey towns are OK. He’s hopeful 10,000 people will come to Ocean City for the First Night celebration, so visitors can spread the word that South Jersey towns for the most part are back to normal.

“All the venues are open. Over 70 entertainment programs that people can choose from from 4 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks at midnight,” said Soifer. “With a First Night button you will be able to ride all the rides at Wonderland [Amusement park] and play miniature golf for four or five hours.”

Soifer says Ocean City is still dealing with beach erosion, but the annual First Day At the Beach 2 p.m. Tuesday is still on schedule.

“The Army Corps of Engineers was previously scheduled to come back in February to replenish our beachheads,” he said. “Our beaches will be fine for the summer and we will have the Polar Bear type beach plunge on January first.”

Soifer says their business district is 90 percent restored after being washed out by Sandy, and it will be completely ready by the tourist season.