Next Exit Shore Guide (week of Aug 7 – Aug 13)

One of New Jersey’s largest air shows, Thunder Over the Boardwalk returns for it’s 12th year in Atlantic City on Wednesday, August 13.

Budget sequestration caused the U.S. military to pull out of all air shows in 2013, but this year the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will once again perform aerial demonstrations of aerobatic maneuvers in both solo and formation flying as the show’s headliner.

Also returning will be the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, Geico Skytypers and World Aerobatic Champion, Rob Holland in his MX-2 aircraft.

The event’s acts are performed over the beach rather than an airfield and have become a signature summer happening for the city. Any spot on the beach or boardwalk will provide a good vantage point. Wednesday, August 13, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Atlantic City, N.J.

Get ready to make it clap… Diplo comes to the Borgata this Friday. The ever-innovative DJ/producer’s new compilation album, Random White Dude Be Everywhere, just dropped on July 29. Tickets cost $30. Friday, August 8, 10 p.m. – Mixx at Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.

Celebrate NJ lighthouses

Generations of sailors have relied on lighthouses to aid their navigation. This Thursday marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of National Lighthouse Day by Congress. It’s a perfect time to visit the Jersey shore’s own lighthouses.

The state’s tallest lighthouse (and also the third largest lighthouse in the nation), Absecon Lighthouse, will be marking the occasion with free admission to climb for kids aged 12 years old and under. The frisbee lounge on the site’s two acre lawn will also be open all day. The lighthouse will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last climb at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for adults cost $7 and seniors cost $5, but Atlantic City residents get in for just $3. 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood will celebrate with an all day festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event will feature keynote speaker, Captain Todd Prestidge of the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center plus guest historians and local dignitaries. Entertainment includes two color guards, bag pipe music and a children’s activity tent. 111 N. Central Ave., North Wildwood, N.J.

Cape May Lighthouse is offering free admission to the grounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special music performances, storytellers, vendors and a visit from Pete the Pirate. To climb the lighthouse will cost $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages three to 12 years. 299 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May Point, N.J

While Barnegat Lighthouse does not have anything special in store for National Lighthouse Day, “Old Barney” will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $3 for those aged 12 years and older, $1 for children ages six to 11 years and kids under five years-old can enter for free. 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, N.J.

Wildwood

The Harlem Globetrotters will be in Wildwood this weekend showing off their special combination of comedy, theater and basketball. The team’s new world tour show, “Fans Rule” is giving fans the opportunity to determine by online vote which of four new rules of play they wish to see added to Globetrotters’ basketball games. Tickets for the nightly 7 p.m. games at the Wildwoods Convention Center cost between $29 and $87. Buying four tickets will qualify for a special 4-pack deal that includes free hotdog, soda and chips for each ticket holder.

The team’s stars will also lead 2-hour skills clinics at the Convention Center from 10 a.m. to noon for children aged six to 12 years old. No prior basketball experience is needed to participate. The price is $49.99 and includes one voucher for a complimentary ticket to any of the games. Thursday, August 7, through Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. to noon (skills clinic) and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (exhibition game) – Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, N.J.

Stone Harbor

After a 40-year hiatus, Stone Harbor’s is bringing back its Festival of Light Boat Parade to mark the town’s centennial anniversary. Both boats and bay front properties will be decorated for the event. The parade will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor (9001 Sunset Dr.) and proceed south to Paradise Island Bay, Carnival Bay and Pleasure Bay. The boats then head north to Stone Harbor Basin, Shelter Haven Basin and North Basin before returning to the yacht club. Prizes for the best decorated will be awarded August 12 at the final Centennial Concert series performance. Saturday, August 9, 7:30 p.m. – Stone Harbor, N.J.