Thursday, June 24, 2004

Thousands Enjoy A "Day at the Bay"

Although the summer season has only officially just begun, Atlantic County residents and visitors are wasting no time in enjoying the benefits of beautiful weather and a wide variety of outdoor activities.

More than 5,000 people came to Kennedy Park in Somers Point on Sunday, June 13 to enjoy the county's inaugural Day at the Bay event that awarded $8,500 to local high school crew programs in addition to eight trophies and 105 medals for the winners of crew, lifeguard and kayak competitions.

The all-day event featured fighter jet flybys, Coast Guard rescue demonstrations, eco tours, children's activities, exhibits and local food favorites. Area entertainers also participated, including the Jerry Pepper Barbershop Quartet, Franny Smith and the Red Garter Jazz Band and the Bobby Campanell Band. The festival concluded with performances from Grammy award winning guitarist Duke Robbilard and 2004 Grammy-nominee Marcia Ball, known by her fans as the "Queen of the Bayou."

The idea for the festival originated with County Executive Dennis Levinson. "We wanted to showcase some of the things that make Atlantic County so special - including our beautiful natural resources and our talented high school crew teams. This event allowed our residents to see these highly respected teams race in Atlantic County, rather than have to travel to Philadelphia or Camden where most of their races are held."

Nine area high schools sent crew teams to compete for local bragging rights. Mainland captured first place among the boys' teams and took home the Richard B. Somers Cup while the Holy Spirit girls, who competed prior to their trip to the Henley Regatta in England, took home the Miss America Cup. Each participating team received $500 for its crew program. The Holy Spirit girls' crew received an additional $500 to help with expenses for its overseas trip and the Viking Rowing Club also received $500.

"We are fortunate to be blessed with many talented athletes and coaches, and crew is no exception," said Levinson. "Day at the Bay provided an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the crew experience."

And it also allowed the crowd to experience the talents of nationally-known recording artists Ball and Robbilard. People of all ages were clapping and dancing throughout the afternoon. Experienced concert-goers brought beach chairs and blankets. Nearby, food vendors and a variety of activities vied for their attention.

"There was definitely something for everyone to enjoy," said Gregory Gregory, Chairman of the Day at the Bay steering committee.

Both Levinson and Gregory credited the steering committee members, sponsors and volunteers for their contribution to the event's success. "We couldn't have done it without them," said Levinson. "They pulled this together in just a few months although you'd never know it from the outcome. It was truly a wonderful day all the way around."

As for next year's Day at the Bay event, Levinson said he has had lots of positive feedback and anticipates that the county will once again hold the festival in early June. "The hardest part is done; we've laid the groundwork and can now work on building from that foundation."

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