Rain doesn’t stop Memorial Day weekend visitors at Seaside Heights
Many beachgoers still embraced the unofficial start of summer, despite less-than-ideal weather.
Rainy skies and wet boardwalks didn’t deter every visitor from heading to Seaside Heights for Memorial Day weekend on Saturday.
Many beachgoers still embraced the unofficial start of summer, despite less-than-ideal weather.
Visitors said they were determined not to let the weather ruin their plans.
“We figured we’d come to the Jersey Shore, have a good time. Even though the weather’s bad, it doesn’t matter. It’s not stopping us. We’re all out here having a great time,” said Mike, who was visiting from Long Island.
Safety has also been a major focus this holiday weekend, with police presence ramping up in Seaside Heights and officers remaining visible throughout the rainy day.
Youth curfew take effect at 10 p.m., and no bags larger than 8 inches by 6 inches by 8 inches are allowed on the boardwalk between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Vincent Scuzzese from Vinny’s Games said the atmosphere was positive, with respectful crowds and plenty of enthusiasm for classic boardwalk attractions.
“If you look down the boardwalk, it’s raining, but the kids are still out. They’re playing the games, they’re having fun. There are no problems going on,” he said.
Despite the upbeat mood, the weather did prevent the full Memorial Day weekend turnout some businesses were hoping for.
“If you have a bad day, you don’t make up for it tomorrow. So that’s the problem. We have a 10-week season, with a lot of good shoulder events. Hopefully the weather will break for us, and we’ll have the rest of the weekend,” said Michael Graichen, Seaside Height’s special events program coordinator.
