The tourists were out by the thousands in Long Branch this Labor Day Weekend to say goodbye to summer.
Over a week after Hurricane Erin caused dangerous rip currents along the shore, it was a green flag day, but danger could still lurk beneath. Shore safety officials from the region
told News 12 earlier that the sand has moved around, which could make for deep water pools in unexpected places.
Labor Day weekend is perhaps the last wave for New Jersey’s out-of-state tourism season. Saturday in Long Branch, they were out in full force, coming from as far north as Albany, New York, and as far south as Florida.
It’s a much-needed boost for shops like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
“It's a little slower than last year,” said owner David Semer. “We're very appreciative of all the people. From the end of May to Labor Day, this is our biggest time.”
But the season around Pier Village isn’t necessarily over, as “local summer” begins.
“We get a lot of the locals that we haven't seen all summer because they kind of stay away from the crowds,” Semer said. “We're really looking forward to that.”