Metro Cigar News Spring 1999

Hot Fun In Atlantic City
Parades, festivals, sports and exhibits combine with the sun and surf.
ATLANTIC CITY - From the world's top swimmers, the finest in seafood fare, a procession of cute babies to a ceremony bringing thousands to the oceanfront and a celebration surrounding baseball's history, the Greater Atlantic City region will be hotter than ever this August. In addition, visitors to the Sandcastle Stadium, home of the Atlantic City Surf baseball team, will offer an exciting schedule of events, and the Tropicana Casino and Resort will feature "Titanic: The Experience." Choose from miles of white, sandy beaches, the world-famous Boardwalk, unique shopping opportunities, new themed eateries and 13 dazzling casino resorts with headline entertainment and world-class dining for summertime fun.

The following is a list with more detailed information about the exciting events in Atlantic City and the surrounding region for August.

"Titanic: The Experience": Tropicana Casino and Resort, from Saturday, May 29 through Monday, September 6, 1999;

Atlantic City Surf Baseball: Sandcastle Stadium, Atlantic City, throughout August, 1999.

Don't miss two exciting, traditional Atlantic City events when the Ocean Life Festival brings to Historic Gardner's Basin the 20th Annual Harborfest and the Atlantic City Ocean Marathon Swim on Saturday, August 7.

Twenty-five of the world's top professional swimmers will compete in the 22.5 mile, eight-hour competition, which is considered to be one of the most difficult swims of its kind. Competitors must make their way through rough ocean inlets and long miles in the bay.

A Sina Marathon World Cup Event, the competition attracts some of the best swimmers from around the globe, including Grant Robinson, of Australia, who will be back again after capturing last year's title. Other international swim pros include Kelly Driffield and Peggy Buchse, of the Australian team; Chris Wandracht, of Germany; Stephen Lecat, of France; Gabriel Chaillou, of Argentina; and Michael Drozd, of the Czech Republic. The swimmers will take the plunge" at Gardner's Basin at 9:30 a.m. and are expected to return about eight hours later at the same point.

In addition, new events include the around-the-island relay and the amateur solo swim, which will offer exciting competitive outlets for swimmers. These events begin at 8 a.m.

After watching the swimmers dive into competition visitors will find that more fun is in store with the 2CO Annual Harborfest. Browse through crafts featuring collectibles and souvenirs, sample from selection of fine micro brews, and whet the appetite with seafood and other tempting fare.

You won't want to miss afternoon production of "The Pirates of Penzance," ethnic dance performance and live rock-and-roll music throughout the night.

The Ocean Life Festival offers fan for the entire family, and admission is free. Historic Gardner's Basin is located at 800 North New Hampshire Avenue in Atlantic City. For more information, call (609) 347-5427.

The 90th Annual Baby Parade, a procession featuring more than 300 of the most adorable little entrants you've ever seen, will proceed from 6th through 12th streets in Ocean City on Thursday August 12, beginning at 11:15 a.m.

This Ocean City tradition has been providing family fun and friendly competition for nearly 100 years. Participants range in age from infant to 10 and will make their way down the Boardwalk by walking or sitting in custom platforms or wagons. Following the parade Ocean City Mayor Henry S. Knight and local dignitaries will lead an award ceremony, where each child will be honored and recognition's will be presented for different age categories. The prestigious Bamberger Award, named after the founder of the parade, will be presented to the child with the best personality.

Throughout the years, the event has garnered celebrity status, including baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, who led the procession as grand marshall, and actress Grace Kelly, an avid fan and regular attendee as a teenager. This year's grand marshall has not yet been announced.

Registration for the parade begins in June, and the entry fee is $3. For more information, call (609) 525-9300.

More than 20,000 attendees are expected to join in the Wedding of the Sea ceremony, which is hosted by the City of Atlantic City and St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, at Boardwalk Convention Hall on Sunday, August 15.

This popular European tradition blesses the sea for a bountiful fishing season and the protection of those individuals who make their living from the ocean. Since 1968, St. Michael's, in Atlantic City, has observed the event, which is combined with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Ceremonies begin at Convention Hall at noon with a Mass featuring a 60-voice choir. Afterward, Atlantic City Mayor Jim Whelan will lead a procession escorting a five-foot statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary onto the Boardwalk. Whelan will board an Atlantic City Beach Patrol lifeboat and toss a wedding ring and a garland of flowers into the sea.

For more information, call (609) 344-8536.

The 50th Anniversary Of "Pop" Lloyd Stadium, possibly the oldest and most substantial historic symbol of the Negro Baseball League (NLB) in the nation, will kick off with a host of events from Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22.

The Negro League Conference, which is sponsored by the Society for American Baseball Research, will start the festivities with an exhibit titled "Beisbol Behind the Veil: Latin Americans in the Negro Leagues" at the Atlantic City Public Library on Thursday. The exhibit will feature veteran Latin baseball players, followed by a reception.

The Atlantic City Surf will celebrate Negro League Baseball with "Turn the Clock Back Nigh" on Friday, which will feature veteran players and participating teams wearing NLB uniforms. A bronze relief by Jennifer Frudakis, which depicts the development of NLB from its inception up to baseball great Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, will be unveiled during this special event. Living baseball heroes depicted in the mural, including Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, Larry Doby, Monte Irvin and local legend Max Manning, have been invited to the reception, along with Robinson's wife, Rachel.

A panel discussion focusing on "Negro League Legends: Their Children Recollect and Reflect" will be presented on Saturday. That evening, a gala dinner celebrating the 50th Anniversary of "Pop" Lloyd Stadium will spotlight the 7h Annual John Henry "Pop" Lloyd Humanitarian Award and Lecture.

A closing breakfast and church service at the Asbury Methodist Church, where Lloyd was a member, will be held on Sunday. Don't miss the barbecue and celebrity softball match, including players and their families taking center stage at "Pop" Lloyd Stadium.

In conjunction with this exciting schedule of events, Richard Merkin will exhibit his creations of the NLB. Merkin, who illustrated the book Leagues Apart, dedicated the manuscript to Max Manning.

For more information, call (609) 343-7300, extension 138.

"Titanic: The Experience," featuring the largest exhibition of authentic artifacts recovered from the world's most famous ship, will be presented by RMS Titanic, Inc. at the Tropicana Casino and Resort Monday, September 6.

As the sole exhibition scheduled for the United States this summer, the exhibit will showcase artifacts recovered from the April 14, 1912 shipwreck 2 1/2 miles below the surface of the North Atlantic. Throughout the exhibit, the Titanic's artifacts will be intertwined with sensory displays that place the relics in a context to convey the experiences of those aboard the ship.

Visitors will relive the ship's construction, preparation for sailing, launching and final farewells, while experiencing the human stories behind the artifacts. Discover the "Big Piece," a 20-ton, 26-foot by 20-foot section of the Titanic's outer hull, which was recovered during RMS Titanic, Inc.'s 1998 expedition. The display features the ship's bronze cherub from the grand staircase, main whistles, a porthole with glass intact, a navigational bridge telegraph and a 1,000-pound davit from which a lifeboat was lowered. In addition, visitors will glimpse a gilt chandelier, a passenger's suit of clothes, eyeglasses in their case, a corked champagne bottle, an unopened bottle of olives, sheet music with its stand, a purser's valise, a steward's jacket, silver dinnerware, fine china, gold coins, jewelry and delicate paper objects, such as a stock certificate and personal letters.

Hours for "Titanic: The Experience" are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are $13.95 for adults; $12.95 for senior citizens; $6.95 for children ages five to 11; and free for children under five. For more information, call the Tropicana Casino and Resort at 1-800-THE-TROP.

Experience an exciting schedule of baseball in August with the Atlantic City Surf, the 1998 Atlantic League Champions, as they swing into action on the Sandcastle Stadium. There's something for everyone in the family, including khaki Surf Baseball Caps emblazoned with the team's logo, sponsored by the Tidewater Workshop, in Smithville, to the first 1,500 guests on Sunday, August 1. On Wednesday, August 4, the game will be followed by a fireworks display presented by Comcast Cellular One.

The first 1,500 kids, ages four to 12, will get a Splash Mascot Beanie Baby, sponsored by Suburban Cable on Friday, August 6. The first 1,000 women, 18 and over, will receive a flower courtesy of MaeFlowers, of Margate, on "Ladies Night," Saturday, August 7. "Grateful Dead Night" with have the baseball team in tie-dyed jerseys - fans are invited to wear their favorite tie-dye attire on Sunday, August 8.

The first 1,500 guests to arrive at the game on Tuesday, August 17 will get a baseball cap courtesy of The Official All-Star Café. A splendid fireworks display will take place after the game on Wednesday, August 18, and free baseball bats will be presented to the first 1,500 kids, ages four to 12, courtesy of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey on Thursday, August 19.

On "Turn Back the Clock" night, the team will sport uniforms reminiscent of those in the 1920s on Friday, August 20. Don't miss the chance to bring your furry friend to the stadium for the "Dog Days of Summer" on Sunday, August 29. All dogs must be on a leash.

The games begin at 7:05 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 4:05 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (609) 344TURF (8873).

There's always something fun in store for you in Atlantic City, "America's Favorite Playground," and this August promises to be hotter than ever. Choose from action-packed sports, a time-honored celebration of the sea, babies on parade, in addition to the excitement of 24-hour gaming, superstar entertainment, eclectic dining, historic and cultural attractions and miles of beach and Boardwalk.

Aug. 01 3rd Annual Puerto Rican Parade - This event proudly boasts of bringing together the very best of the Puerto Rican community and their rich cultural heritage, Atlantic City, 347-5427.

Aug. 04 67th Annual Queen Maysea Coronation - 8 PM, Cape May Convention Center, 525-9300.

Aug. 06 "Concert on the Beach" featuring Sugar Ray Norcia (Blues/Swing), Somers Point, 927-5253.

Aug. 06 67th Annual Baby Parade - 11 AM, Beach Ave., Cape May, 525-9300.

Aug. 07 Ocean Life Festival - Food vendors, arts and crafts, live music and dance featuring a performance of "The Pirates of Penzance" help to make this a great family outing. Admission is free. This event is combined with "Atlantic City Ocean Marathon Swim," the world's toughest swim and truly an international event. The top 25 marathon swimmers is the world will participate. Many factors make the 22.5-mile swim around Absecon Island more difficult than any on the marathon circuit, even races that cover a longer distance. Historic Gardner's Basin, 800 North New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City. Call 653-7033 for swim information or 348-2880 for festival information.

Aug. 07 Doctors of Rhythm Six Piece Dixieland Band on the Village Greene, Towne of Historic Smithville, IN. New York Road, 652-7777.

Aug. 07 Alice in Wonderland "Tea Party" from 1-2 PM, Storybook Land, 40/322 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 641-7847.

Aug. 07 Beach Concert featuring McHugh & Co., 12-3 PM, 30th Street, Avalon, 967-3066.

Aug. 07-08 Country Corn Festival & Harvest Days - Cornhusk doll making, corn roasting, cornhusk braiding, corn grinding, apple butter, bee keeping display and wagon rides. Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Route 9, Cape May, 898-2300.

Aug. 08 Italian Festival and Craft Show - Over 60 crafters, live entertainment and of course... pasta, pasta, pasta! 12-4 PM, free, Renault Winery, 72 North Bremen, Egg Harbor, 965-2111.

Aug. 10 Cape May Peach Festival - 10 AM-5 PM, Welcome Center, Cape May, 525-9300.

Aug. 12 World's Oldest Baby Parade starts 11:15 AM at 6th & Boardwalk; ends at 12th & Boardwalk, Ocean City, 525-9300.

Aug. 13 "Concert on the Beach", featuring Maja Sideback Quartet (Jazz,) Somers Point, 927-5253.

Aug. 13-14 5th Annual Bluefish Music Festival & Downtown Picnic -Outdoor concerts featuring jazz and blues music, Cajun foods, crafts & collectibles. Fri. 6-10 PM; Sat. 4-11 PM, Holly Beach Station Mall, Pacific Ave. between Schellenger & Pine avenues, Wildwood, 729-9000.

Aug. 14 "Western Day" with a personal appearance by Sally Starr. Wear your cowboy hat and jeans and enjoy an old-fashioned hayrides 1-3 PM, Storybook Land, 40/322 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 641-7847.

Aug. 14 Beach Concert featuring Drs. of Rhythm, 12-3 PM, 30th Street, Avalon, 967-3066.

Aug. 14-15 " War Between the States" - The Confederate Army (18th Virginia Infantry) marches on the Village Greene; demonstrations of camp life, marching, maneuvers and musket firing, Towne of Historic Smithville, IN. New York Road, 652-7777.

Aug. 15 Wedding of the Sea - Nationally renowned ocean blessing and mass sponsored by St. Michael's Church. The Atlantic City Boardwalk Convention Hall, 344-8536.

Aug. 16 Craft Show, 12-4 PM, free, Renault Winery, 72 North Bremen, Egg Harbor, 965-2111.

Aug. 19-22 "Pop" Lloyd Stadium 50th Anniversary Celebration - The Society for American Baseball Research Committee (SABR) will be hosting this conference. For more information call Michael Everett at 343-7300 ext. 138, 927-8914 or 926-2266.

Aug. 20 "Concert on the Beach" featuring Big Joe & the Dynaflows (Blues,) Somers Point, 927-5253.

Aug. 21 Music of Lee Goldberg on the Village Greene, Towne of Historic Smithville, IN. New York Road, 652-7777.

Aug. 21-22 Antique Auto Show - Featuring antique cars from the Keystone Antique Auto Club and the Jersey Cape Antique Auto Club. Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Route 9, Cape May, 898-2300.

Aug. 22 Fire Engine Show at Storybook Land, 40/322 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, 641-7847.

Aug. 26-29 1st Annual Atlantic City Celebrity Kids' Classic - Former professional athletes Jack Marin, Mike Schmidt, Bill Laimbeer, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Garry Maddux and many more will be featured and is planned at the Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway Township. The schedule of events will include two days (Thurs. & Fri.) of a Celeb-Am competition, followed by a Sat.-Sun. celeb-only tournament. The weekend tournament will be played under official USGA rules (stroke play, no handicap.) For more information call 383-8330.

Aug. 22 "Concert on the Beach" featuring Voodudes (Cajun,) Somers Point, 927-5253.

Aug. 27-29 54th Annual Clanishell Pitching Tournament - Noon, Windsor Beach, Cape May, 525-9300.

Aug. 28 Annual 5K Run/Healthwalk Certified measured Atlantic City Marathon Course, T-shirt to first 200 pre-registrants, post-run refreshments provided. Overall M/Fl 2nd & 3rd place trophies, Age Division medals, 2 deep in 5 year age groups 19 & to 70 & older. Start/end at Seaskate Pavilion (across from the Atlantic City Boardwalk Convention Hall.) Registration info/start times to be announced. Event will be held on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. For more information call 345-5517, ext. 2o.

Aug. 28 Music of Mountain String Dulcimer Band, Towne of Historic Smithville, IN. New York Road, 652-7777.

Aug. 28-29 Hobie Cat Races - Over 100 boats, 9 AM-6 PM, Ocean Ave. & Rambler Road, Wildwood Crest, 729-1910.

Aug. 29 Tim Kerr Race & Festival, 8 AM-5 PM, Avalon, 967-3066.

Aug. 30 South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble, 8 PM, Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City 525-9300.