Art in the Park added to the festival
SOMERS POINT — The official end of summer is about three weeks away, and locals can soak up the last remaining rays of the season at the shore during the annual Good Old Days Festival, the city’s farewell to the season on Sept. 9.
The bayside tradition, which began in 1977, is set to continue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
Overlooking Great Egg Harbor Bay, the fantastic site will offer activities for the entire family, including live music, antique cars, carnival games, a dunk tank, inflatables, a magician and karate and police K-9 demonstrations — as well as waterfront views all day long.
Councilman Sean McGuigan said there would be a beer garden run by volunteers and a wine garden sponsored by Circle Liquor Store. Philadelphia-based Stateside Vodka, which signed on as a major sponsor, will be serving up its popular Surfside drinks.
McGuigan, who helps organize the event, said the day is one of his favorites.
“It caps off the summer season for Somers Point, gives us an opportunity for one last get-together and enjoy each other’s company and have a lot of fun,” McGuigan said. “It marks the shift from summer mode into fall mode.”
The festival is a favorite among locals, with many who have left the area returning for the event.
“It gives us an opportunity to renew old friendships and get to see neighbors we don’t see often in a pleasant setting,” McGuigan said. “It’s a day full of good feelings.”
McGuigan said he is looking forward to “a lot of great music.”
Billy Walton and his band are set to headline the festival. Walton is an accomplished guitarist from the vibrant New Jersey shore music scene. He earned his stripes playing lead guitar for many years with Southside Johnny. He has also shared the stage with music legends Little Steven, Gary US Bonds and Steven Tyler among others.
Joining the lineup are The Tony Mart All-Stars, who will present the “music that made Tony Marts famous,” and in its second set, a tribute to the Eagles.
Also scheduled to appear is The Notion, playing favorites from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.
In addition to the other attractions, there will be more than 20 vendors and community groups, as well as food and treats including hot dogs and hamburgers fresh from the grill.
As the presenting sponsor, the Somers Point Historical Society is ensuring the tradition will continue.
Back this year after a forced hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic is the 5k walk/run through the golf course neighborhood. Previously known as the Run for Bud, it has been rebranded as the “Run to Remember” to honor all first responders who were lost on 9/11.
Presented by Shore True Value Hardware, the race is great for all levels of ability and ages. Participants are encouraged to carry or wear items that salute first responders and members of the military services.
All proceeds from the festival and the run will support the Somers Point Historical Society, which will provide scholarships and other educational opportunities for local students.
Free shuttle service will be available from free parking locations at Jordan Road School, Dawes Avenue School, Firehouse #1 on Bethel Road and Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar.
“Admission is free and there is free transportation throughout town,” McGuigan said. “You can get on a bus, bring a beach chair and sit there all day listening to live music, and with a little money can eat hamburgers and enjoy cold drinks.”
Visit spgoodolddays.com for more information.
Art in the Park at Good Old Days
Art in the Park was rained out this year but the art show and sale traditionally held in June will be part of the festival this year.
“We thought that we would invite them to have them at the festival so those who missed out on the chance to display their artwork would be able to do so,” McGuigan said. “It’s a big park and we will be able to utilize a lot more of it this year.”
Donna Mohr, of the Somers Point Arts Commission, said they are “very, very happy to be able to merge with Good Od Days.”
She said the artists were very receptive.
“They’re thrilled. They were so disappointed when we had to cancel,” she said. “When the idea came up for us to merge with Good Old Days and we let everybody know and invited them to come back, within 24 hours we had a full complement of artists.”
Mohr said the Arts Commission is considering moving the event to September next season.
Concert series finale
The live music at the Good Old Days festival is not the only popular ticket in town this weekend.
The final evening of the Somers Point Beach Concert Series at the city’s municipal beach will feature Cyril Neville and his funky New Orleans-style rhythm and blues and Caribbean soul at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.
With his son Omari Neville on drums and legendary New Orleans bassist Daryl Johnson, Cyril Neville and Omari Neville & the Fuel will bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to the season finale.
“It will be a great weekend to be in Somers Point. You can get to the concert on Friday night and enjoy that, then rest up to spend the next day at JFK Park enjoying the festival,” McGuigan said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff