SOMERS POINT — “It gives us an opportunity to get together just before summer closes out and re-engage with our neighbors and old friends,” Mayor Dennis Tapp said of the annual Good Old Days Festival, a city tradition for 45 years.
“We are proud of that fact,” Tapp said of the festival’s longevity, noting it was canceled a couple of times due to hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic but now is going strong again. “A lot of events have faded away over time.”
Presented by the Somers Point Historical Society, with support from longtime organizer Councilman Sean McGuigan and many other city workers, officials and volunteers, the event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
Tapp, 62, a Somers Point resident since 1985, counts many city residents among his friends, having been involved in youth activities through coaching and leadership roles as president of the street hockey and basketball organizations. He also served two tours on City Council.
“I’m looking for great weather and big crowds,” Tapp said, noting there is a full slate of activities for adults and children.
“We’ve got great bands,” he said.
The retired electrician said he is looking forward to enjoying $1 hamburgers and hot dogs in a scenic spot.
“It’s a great venue — you can’t beat the view — and it’s large enough for everything. One of those gems in Somers Point that we like to showcase,” Tapp said.
McGuigan said the festival committee sought out local, up-and-coming bands to perform this year.
“We are excited. We have three very exciting bands this year,” he said, noting the event provides an opportunity for everyone to support local, homegrown live music.
Plaid Salmon, a dynamic band playing rock, funk and pop with a healthy helping of jazz, is set to take the stage at noon, followed by The Turtleheads performing a rock ’n’ roll dance party, and wrapping up with The Notion.
“Somers Point over the years has become famous and has a deep history of live music and I hope that that continues,” McGuigan said. “The Good Old Days in some way fosters that and gives us an opportunity to highlight bands and continue their careers.”
Activities for the adult crowd include a beer garden, food, crafters, vendors and a display of classic cars and boats.
The festival in recent years has turned up the volume on its children’s activities, adding three-legged and sack races last year.
McGuigan said the children “overwhelmingly embraced it” last year and he is looking forward to holding the events once again.
“The children are excited about it and I hope they head over and join their parents, who are going to enjoy live music,” he said.
The three-legged races are scheduled for 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., with the finals set for 3:15 p.m. Sack races are set for 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Other children’s events throughout the day are ventriloquist and puppeteer Justin Thomas at 12:30 and 2:45 p.m., a Music Walk at 1 p.m., Ken the Magician at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., and the mysterious Big Kahuna Contest at 4:15 p.m.
There also will be carnival games such as a ring toss and dime toss, during which children can win prizes.
“We like to entertain the entire family,” Tapp said.
Kirk Gerety, president of the Somers Point Historical Society, said this will be the organization’s third year of running the event, which helps raise money for college scholarships.
“We hope to expand with a few more games here and there,” Gerety said, noting the city brought back the 5K run last year and will be holding it again this year.
The Run to Remember 5K is scheduled for 9 a.m. at JFK Park. Entrants will receive complimentary bagels courtesy of Hot Bagels and More, a T-shirt (first 125 participants) and age division awards. Cost is $30.
The event honors those whose lives were lost on Sept. 11, 2001, during the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Runners circle the park and head up along Great Bay Country Club and back.
“They loved the course last year,” Gerety said, noting the city lost money but hopes to make it profitable in the future.
“We like to give that money to an organization affiliated with 9-11,” he said. “Last year it cost us money to do it but it was worth every penny.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff