The iconic Jersey Shore music venue The Stone Pony is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The venue kicked off a year-long celebration on Thursday with two weeks of special events. Feb. 8 was also proclaimed Stone Pony Day – a monumental milestone for not only Asbury Park but for music lovers.

“I think today creates history for the generations to come because at the end of the day, that’s what its all about,” says Stone Pony general manager Caroline O’Toole.

The Stone Pony opened Feb. 8, 1974. Over the years, the venue’s stage was the culmination for many artists in the music industry. Music legends also made their mark there, from Bruce Springsteen to Jon Bon Jovi to Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes.

“It’s kind of just the feeling that’s in here. There’s a feeling between the stage, the audience and the area that we're in,” says O’Toole.

A number of local officials gathered up on the iconic stage to mark the occasion. They teased ahead to a number of special events in the weeks ahead.

“They’re just doing an amazing job. Not only today, but this entire month,” says Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn. “Just honoring a venue that has been integral to the revitalization to Asbury Park.”

Officials are hoping for 50 more years for the legendary venue.

O’Toole also says that on opening night in 1974, there were 7 inches of snow on the ground, the heater inside the building blew out and the receipts totaled only $1.