Labor Day weekend crowds flock to shore as families, businesses savor summer's final days
OCEAN CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- As the Labor Day weekend begins, families and businesses at the Jersey Shore are making the most of what many see as summer's final celebration before the school year gets fully underway.
In Ocean City, visitors spent time on the beach Friday, enjoying warm weather and end-of-summer traditions.
Young beachgoer Alexander Manka of Oaklyn showed off a sandcastle project already taking shape.
"The trench goes from all the way there and then goes back out," he said.
Alexander and his brother, Theodore, said they are also looking forward to returning to school next week.
"I'm really excited to have fun with my friends that are going to be there," Theodore Manka said.
Their father, Sam Manka of Oaklyn, said the holiday weekend offers a chance for families to unwind before fall routines return.
"It's a little hectic, but it's good to blow off some steam esp before the school year starts," he said.
Other families echoed similar feelings as they wrapped up summer vacations and activities.
"Oh my gosh, it went too fast. But we enjoyed it. We did a lot of things together, and we just finished with a bang," said Simone Jeffries of Elkins Park.
Asked about conditions at the beach, Sarah Jeffries described the water as "warm."
For Marian Hoffman of Allentown, the holiday weekend checklist was simple: "Beverages and eat and walk the boardwalk."
The Wildwood boardwalk was busy as foot traffic increased throughout the day. The tram car was packed, and Morey's Piers drew crowds looking for rides and attractions. Others headed to Wildwood motor events for rides on a monster truck next door.
At El Pilon Restaurant, customers streamed in Friday to sit down for a meal.
"We sell Latin food, Spanish food. Puerto Rican, Dominican food," owner Elizabeth Sanchez said. "We think it's very busy this weekend, every year."
For local businesses, the holiday weekend marks one of the busiest periods of the season.
At Hot Bagels & More in Margate, workers prepared bagels and sandwiches for crowds of beachgoers arriving for the long weekend.
"It usually gets really crazy. It's one of our last busiest weekends. We try to get super prepared for everyone who comes down," said Diana Miguel, a shift manager at the business.
At Margate Dairy Bar and Burger, owner Chris Clayton said preparation begins well before the crowds arrive.
"The biggest thing is making sure your staff is there, checking over your equipment, making sure your providers and suppliers are ready," Clayton said.
Employees spent the day preparing burgers and other menu items as visitors lined up for food and treats.
Clayton said the final holiday weekend of the summer can be both rewarding and exhausting for workers.
"Outside you're in line and you go, ' Oh man, the summer went so quick. Right inside the window, everyone is just trying to catch their breath, and oh my gosh I gotta do my laundry at some point," he said.
One challenge facing some businesses this weekend is having enough staff available, with some students already back in school.
Still, business owners and visitors alike said they were encouraged by a favorable weather forecast as Labor Day crowds continue to arrive.
