SOMERS POINT — As summer winds down, excess traffic heads off into the sunset and the crush of tourists eases into normalcy, the city holds its annual Good Old Days Festival to celebrate.
Somers Point is set to host the 46th annual festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, but this year it will be a bit more solemn as the event is scheduled for the day after the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks.
That morning, two hijacked passenger jets slammed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City while another crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. The Twin Towers collapsed a short time later.
Passengers on board the fourth airplane, Flight 93, averted even more destruction by trying to regain control of the airplane. As a result, the hijackers downed it in a field outside Shanksville, Pa. Flight 93’s intended target was likely either the White House or the United States Capitol.
Nearly 3,000 victims died, including 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers in New York, and 55 military personnel at the Pentagon.
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Somers Point will also pause to remember the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. The festival and its annual 5K Run to Remember will provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate the freedoms and traditions that make America special while honoring the first responders, military service members and others whose courage and sacrifice have helped protect them,” longtime festival organizer Councilman Sean McGuigan said.
Organized by the Good Old Days Festival Committee in partnership with the Somers Point Historical Society, the event draws thousands of residents and visitors each year to John F. Kennedy Memorial Park overlooking Great Egg Harbor Bay.
Festival happenings
There will be antique cars on display, as well as children’s entertainment including carnival games, face painting, inflatables, a magician, ventriloquist and foot races.
In addition, there will be more than 25 vendors and community groups offering crafts, food and activities. The crowd-pleasing $1 hot dogs and hamburgers will once again be available fresh from the grill.
Free live music from The Turtle Heads, The Notion and Plaid Salmon will liven up the atmosphere from noon to 6 p.m. There also will be a beer garden with a wide selection of beverages.
“The Good Old Days Festival brings our community together in a way that few events can,” McGuigan said. “It’s about celebrating our history, supporting our local organizations and making lasting memories with family and friends.”
As the presenting sponsor, the Somers Point Historical Society is helping ensure the 40+-year tradition continues.
Since its founding in 1987, the group has worked to preserve Somers Point’s past, saving Old City Hall, now the Atlantic County Library branch, and securing National Historic Recognition for the Bayfront Historic District.
The Good Old Days Festival reflects that same commitment to history while bringing generations of Somers Point families together to create new memories, McGuigan said.
Free shuttle service will again be available from Jordan Road School, Dawes Avenue School, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar and Fire House #1 on Bethel Road.
Run to Remember
Back this year is the 5K Run to Remember, honoring all first responders lost on 9/11. Presented by Shore Ace Hardware and Passion Vines, the run winds through the scenic golf course neighborhood of Somers Point. All ages and abilities are welcome, and participants are encouraged to carry or wear items saluting first responders and military service members.
“The Run to Remember 5K is dedicated to honoring the courageous men and women who serve as our first responders and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” McGuigan said.
The race is set to begin at 9 a.m. as part of festival.
“This event is our opportunity to say ‘thank you,’” said McGuigan, who is the race director. “Every day, our first responders answer the call without hesitation. The Run to Remember allows our community to recognize their dedication, honor those we’ve lost and celebrate the spirit of service that keeps our communities safe.”
The Run to Remember welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Families, community members, businesses and civic organizations are invited to join first responders in a morning that celebrates service, sacrifice and community.
Proceeds from the race benefit the Somers Point Historical Society, supporting scholarships, educational programming and preservation efforts.
“The Run to Remember reminds us that behind every badge, uniform and emergency vehicle is someone who has chosen a life of service,” McGuigan said. “We invite the entire community to stand with our first responders by participating in this year’s event.”
First Responder Department Challenge
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the First Responder Department Challenge, inviting police departments, fire departments, EMS agencies, dispatch centers, sheriff’s offices, emergency management agencies and other public safety organizations from across New Jersey to compete for community pride.
Departments are encouraged to register teams and challenge neighboring agencies in a friendly competition that recognizes teamwork, fitness and camaraderie. Awards will be presented to the top performing departments, along with special recognition for participating agencies.
Email seantmcg@comcast.net or call or text (609) 402-5062 for registration information and race details.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff