OCEAN CITY, NJ (CBS) — Crowds along the New Jersey shore are only getting bigger ahead of the Fourth of July, with many people already gearing up for the holiday later this week.
There was a line out the door at Manco & Manco Pizza and Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge in Ocean City, New Jersey, was packed on Monday night.
“We are well staffed right now and we will have every cash register open on July 4,” says Aidan Yargar, who works at Shriver’s.
Yargar said that although they are crowded every day, they are prepared for the holiday rush.
As the sun set over the sea on Monday evening, crowds crowded the beach promenade.
“There are about 14 of us and we just enjoy the beach, the boardwalk, we go out to eat and just have a great time,” said Glenn Reed, who lives in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Many families said they are spending the week in Ocean City and the fun is just beginning for them, especially with the Fourth of July approaching.
“We’ll sit on my upper deck and watch the fireworks,” said Joe Canale.
The holidays are just around the corner and families are enjoying time together and creating beautiful memories.
“We’re going to spend the morning at the beach, building sandcastles, going back and grilling and eating hamburgers and hot dogs,” said Dylan Mattioli, who lives in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
Shops on Wildwood’s boardwalk are ready for the holiday weekend
Independence Day on July 4th is a crucial holiday for coastal businesses.
On the Wildwood boardwalk, business owners, managers and others share the anticipation of the holiday.
“We’re just ready, you know? We’re excited,” said Dana Gehring, co-owner of Mariner’s Arcade.
Nick Deritis of Kohr Brothers added, “We love the Fourth of July. It brings so many people to town.”
Thousands of people already call the Wildwoods home on Wednesday, and the actual holiday is still hours away.
“We’ve had some bad weather and are so happy that summer is finally here,” said Michelle Rutkowski, owner of Five Mile Marketplace.
From sunglasses to hats to a stuffed tram car, she’s ready for what’s to come.
“Despite what you hear, you have to come and see it. You have to see it for yourself,” Rutkowski said.
The team at Kohr Brothers next door says that’s the case too. They’re already working overtime to make soft serve ice cream.
“A lot of preparation work is necessary for such big weekends,” said Deritis.
Across the street, the family-run Mariner’s Arcade announced that it will generate the majority of its revenue from this weekend through September.
“This is pretty much the start of the summer season. From now until Labor Day, it’s basically a daily grind,” Gehring said.
