From Philadelphia to the Jersey shore, residents find fun ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend

In Philadelphia, one family combined old holiday traditions with new celebrations.

Sunday, May 28, 2023
From Philadelphia to the Jersey shore, residents find fun ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend
In Philadelphia, Penn's Landing was packed with people reveling in the warm temperatures.

The weather for Memorial Day weekend has been exceptional, and people on the Jersey shore and in Philadelphia were enjoying it on Saturday.

In Philadelphia, Penn's Landing was packed with people reveling in the warm temperatures.

"We went out to Dave and Buster's, then we ate there, then we came down here just to walk around and get a funnel cake," said Zakiyyah Belgrave from Upper Darby.

And while some people ate sweet treats, others decided to go a more savory route.

"We're out here cooking out, we got jerk chicken on the grill, mac and cheese, beef ribs," said Kamal Rhodes with BBQ Clubhouse in West Philadelphia.

The BBQ joint is just one of many places people were gathering for a meal this weekend.

SEE ALSO | Check out these must-see events for Memorial Day weekend around Philadelphia

Across the city, one family combined old holiday traditions with new festivities.

"Her first birthday, my family came from all over," said Patience Dennis from the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia.

The Dennis family isn't just celebrating Memorial Day, but also a carnival-themed first birthday.

They said they're happy to be spending time together this weekend. The birthday girl, however, just wanted some rest.

"That's what happens when you turn one, you go to sleep," said Dennis.

READ | Soldiers remembered, honored though tributes in Philadelphia for Memorial Day

Down the shore, people were out in full force to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach for Memorial Day weekend.

Down the shore, people were out in full force to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.

"It's a beautiful day, the wind is just about right. Now it's off the ocean, which means it's nice and smooth. It makes for an easy day of kite flying, I can sit down and relax for a bit," said beachgoer Ben Huggett from the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia.

In Wildwood, kites were soaring through the air as people decided to add some color to the sky.

And if that wasn't colorful enough, most celebrators dawned red, white, and blue hats.

"It's Memorial Day weekend, of course, we have to show the red, white, and blue to honor our fallen heroes and just remember what this weekend's all about. And it's the unofficial start of summer, so we're really excited. We love being down here," said Donna McGee from Magnolia, New Jersey.

In Ocean City, people enjoyed their Saturday by mini golfing, hanging out on the beach, and playing games.

While the water wasn't warm enough for a dip, many enjoyed being out in the sun.

In Yianni's Cafe, people took a break from the warm weather and sandy beach to enjoy a bite to eat.

"It's a great weekend, it's so busy so far. It's nice to see the families again from last year come back, I see this year people are more calm, more positive for the season. You know it's good to see all these people back again," said Yianni Siganos, the cafe's owner.

Overall, people were thrilled to kick off the summer season for Memorial Day weekend, no matter where they celebrated.