OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- The day began in Ocean City with a beautiful start and it was the perfect way to start the summer season down at the shore.
There are so many festivities going on this weekend, including the official unlocking of the ocean, where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony.
The Ocean and City High School band played while lots of characters and plenty of people listened and watched.
Action News spoke with several of the folks who got an early start to the weekend.
Emily Owens says, "I'm really excited for summer. I can't wait to get out of school."
The entire Owens' family from Deptford, New Jersey was out on the boardwalk for an early morning ride on a surrey which is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend.
"An early start to the day and we're down here for a family wedding," added Dave Owens.
His sister is getting married and one family member will be officiating at the wedding. And,it will be her first time.
The Owens' were not alone, plenty of people got to the shore early. They were out walking, biking and more than ready for the summer season.
Sierra Schoenwald of Ocean City who works at Rita's says, "We are so excited to get going...and have a busy weekend."
Some are simply just ready for it all to begin. "We've been waiting for this all year. It's finally getting nice out and ready to go to the beach, do some fishing," said Jacob Lynch of Upper Township, New Jersey.
Let's face it, it was a long cold winter and the signs and smells of the boardwalk make everyone eager to put the sweaters away and pull on the shorts.
And, maybe have your fist bucket of caramel popcorn.
"There are three locations on the boardwalk and it's always a line on the Memorial Day weekend. It's crazy," said Olivia Pawling of Randolph, New Jersey.
And everyone seems happy to be at the shore, "I'm so excited. The hot humidity was there, but now, it's just gorgeous," said Lisa Luciani of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
There will be activities all weekend to help kick off the summer season.