September issue is in the house – read OCNJ magazine now
It begins with a couple cool August mornings. Then a few leaves start to blow off the trees in the breeze, and before we know it, fall is set to take over. The transition is hard enough on any given year, but this time, it just hits different. On one of those cool mornings in early August, news spread that one OCNJ’s most enduring and beloved businesses, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, is closing after 94 years on the Boardwalk.
I’m not crying, you’re crying.
For anyone who knows and loves OC, the sight of the Giant Wheel (especially when you drive over the bridge) is like seeing an old friend who you shared countless memories with. The thought of having to say goodbye to Ferris is choking me up, like so many others. OC’s Sue McElwee of @mothergypsea and Mike Berusch of Offshore Drones arguably said it best in their photo of two surfers out in the ocean with Ferris in the background holding a sign that says “Save Ferris,” a nod to the classic ‘80s movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (see the pic on page 58).
A Social Post Goes Viral
In a letter posted to social media on August 9, Mayor Gillian explained he doesn’t own the property at 6th and the Boardwalk as of 2021, and can no longer sustain the business. The park is slated to remain open into October so we can all say a proper goodbye and a proper thank you to the generations of Gillians who gave us some of the best memories possible.
Icona Resorts owner Eustace Mita bought the property, some rides, and has said he’s taking time to decide the next step forward. So the fate of the space (and Ferris) is undetermined, as of this publication date.
I’m hoping Mr. Mita is more like Cameron than he is Ferris’ sister Jeanie. Because while change is okay, this feels bigger than us. Removing Ferris will change our skyline, and take away yet another Ocean City icon. Whatever happens next, perhaps Mr. Mita will consider saving Ferris, as it seems only he can.
September/October Inspo
This month in Ocean City Magazine, we ride into fall as only we can, celebrating the people and places that make this island special with killer writing, cool pics, and loads of inspo. Meet Kizbee’s Kitchen, a new satellite location of the original Atlantic County gluten-free bakery. Read about owner Jenna’s journey to serving clean, delicious ingredients on page 8 and try not to drool.
Our little island has big protection in the name of our Fire Department and Police Department. In this issue, we check in with both. Read about the OCPD’s new drone unit – sending a helping eye out into the skies to protect and serve and see the drone on page 42. The OCFD’s new ISO rating is a rare achievement earned by only one and a half percent of all departments in the country. Read how they did it and meet new chief Bernie Walker on page 46.
This issue is filled with so many local writers, artists, shopkeepers, photographers, and service providers that you can find inspiration, information, motivation, and cheer on practically every page. It’s a joy to spread the word month after month about all the ways this island and its surrounding communities are amazing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you for reading.