Labor Day Weekend brings end-of-summer fun

OCEAN CITY (WPVI) -- Labor Day weekend is underway, and many made their way down to the shore on Friday. From Ocean City to Stone Harbor to Avalon, beachgoers and businesses are ready to end their summer with a bang.

Jim McHugh whips air into a batch of vanilla fudge at the Original Fudge Kitchen in Stone Harbor. He says Labor Day weekend is like three weekends rolled into one.

He tells us, "It's a pretty big weekend, we look forward to it. Well not really look forward to it - it's the end of the summer but we do look forward to it. It does drive business, spike up a little bit."

Dozens filed in to satisfy their sweet tooth, either at the fudge shop or with some ice cream. Others, like Dave Gilman in Avalon, used the last of the daylight to introduce his 12-year-old son, Scott, to the sometimes challenging sport of surf fishing.

Dave says, "It's winding down, it's going by way too fast, so we're trying to pack in some memories and some fun."

The rides were packed with kids big and small at Playland's Castaway Cove in Ocean City. For Diana Visco and her 3-year-old grandson, Jimmy, it's one last chance to enjoy one of their favorite summer spots.

"Our last weekend for the summer, and he's having a good time. He's really enjoying himself and he got to go on his favorite ride which is the fire engine," Diana said.

A stroller is the favorite ride of twins Leo and Amelia Jankauskas. Their first Labor Day weekend in Avalon is kicking off and mom Heidi says while a vacation with twins isn't always relaxing, it is a lot of fun.

Heidi says, "It's a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it once you get there."

Labor Day is a little late this year, so with many kids already back in school, some businesses say this past week has been a little quiet. So they say they are welcoming the crowds with open arms.