Longport will celebrate its Quasquicentennial July 22 with a town party in the park behind Borough Hall.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Borough officials expect 300 to 500 people will attend the borough’s Quasquicentennial/125h Anniversary Celebration town party being held Saturday evening, July 22 in the park behind Borough Hall. To date, more than 200 tickets have been sold, but organizers are expecting more tickets will be purchased in the next two weeks.
Administrator A. Scott Porter briefed the Board of Commissioners Wednesday, July 5 about arrangements being made to accommodate parking during the celebration. The 125th CelebrationCommittee has hired a Jitney to transport people to and from the party, and parking restrictions and temporary parking will be in place in certain areas, he said.
The jitney will run continuously for four hours during the event. The route loop will run along Atlantic Avenue from 15th to 35th avenues, Winchester Avenue from 35th to 29th and Sunset avenues, and back to Atlantic Avenue.
Porter said he met with department heads regarding plans for the celebration and requested the commissioners consider resolutions at their next meeting to approve the parking plan and restrictions.
Porter said the plan includes prohibiting parking on 24th Avenue, Oberon Avenue from 24th to 25th Avenue, and 24th Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and the bay, which will serve as the gateway for people to attend the town party.
Eight to 10 spaces will be reserved in front of Borough Hall and the Historical Society to accommodate parking for members of the Police and Fire Departments, Beach Patrol, and municipal and library staff, he said.
Porter said he would also like to allow public parking on the beach blocks between 23rd through 26th avenues from 6-10 p.m.
Mayor Nicholas Russo advised residents and summer visitors to purchase tickets in advance because they will not be available at the door.
“Please join us on this historic day as we look forward to another 125 years of serene seashore life in the beautiful Borough of Longport,” he said.
Tickets are available for purchase 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Borough Clerk’s Office, and through the VIPLY app (service fee applies). If tickets are purchased on the VIPLY app, they can be picked up at the door on the day of the event using a cell phone as proof of purchase. Tickets can also be purchased this weekend on the beach side of the Community Center building at 33rd and Atlantic avenues.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children under age 11, and include the choice of one meal from the Josie Kelly’s, Essl’s and TacoCat food trucks. In addition to their regular offerings, such as burgers, pulled pork, nachos, tacos, Irish poutine, fish & chips, and corned beef specials, each of the food trucks will offer vegetarian and/or gluten-free options. Tickets also include ice cream, non-alcoholic beverages, Philly soft pretzels, anniversary cake and giveaways.
Activities include face painting, seashell painting, cornhole, children’s games and activities, and a DJ spinning the hits throughout the event.
For more information, see longportnj.gov.
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