Beloved Cape May Fishing Pier Returns Just in Time for Summer

Issue #356

June 07, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

🎣 Beloved Cape May Fishing Pier Returns Just in Time for Summer

💰 Murphy’s Budget Plan Draws Fire Over New Taxes on Family Recreation

🎈 Balloons, Robots, and Rock Music Take Over Warren Community College This Weekend

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Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 June 7

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West Cape May’s Strawberry Festival Draws Thousands in Celebration

 Each year, on the first Saturday in June, Wilbraham Park in West Cape May bursts to life with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the annual Strawberry Festival—a vibrant tradition that honors the town's rich farming roots and enduring sense of community.

Originally established in 1922 as a gathering space for the borough, Wilbraham Park has long served as the backdrop for community celebrations. Among the most beloved is the Strawberry Festival, which grew out of a collective effort by local merchants who banded together in 1996 to promote West Cape May’s small businesses. Sharon Flanagan is the event coordinator who has overseen the growth of the festival into what it has become today.

What began as a simple spring fair evolved into a hallmark event, rebranded as the Strawberry Festival over 25 years ago. The festival served a dual purpose—bringing the community together and raising funds to support cooperative advertising efforts, including print media, rack cards, a website, and promotional videos featured on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

Over the years, as advertising trends shifted and social media reshaped how businesses reach customers, the original association saw a decline in membership. Businesses closed, changed ownership, or transitioned into private residences. In response, the association became a committee within the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May in 2021. Despite the changes, the spirit of the Strawberry Festival remained intact.

Today, the festival welcomes around 90 vendors and draws more than 5,000 visitors. Guests can browse an array of local goods, including handcrafted jewelry, artwork, clothing, garden decor, antiques, gourmet treats, and, of course, a bounty of strawberry-themed delights.

A fan favorite is the Strawberry Shortcake Booth, once operated by the business association and now run by non-profits. In recent years, culinary students from Cape May Tech’s junior class have taken on the booth, using the opportunity to fundraise for their prom—a tradition that brings youthful energy and community involvement to the event.

While the festival missed a year in 2020 due to the pandemic, its legacy continues to grow, celebrating not only the borough’s agricultural past but also the resilience and creativity of its people.

This year’s festival was originally set for today but because of the threat of thunderstorms, it has been rescheduled for tomorrow. Fingers crossed that the weather cooperates!


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Beloved Cape May Fishing Pier Returns Just in Time for Summer

 

 Grassy Sound Fishing Pier in Cape May County is reopening on June 13 after a $3 million renovation. Closed for three years due to structural concerns, the county-owned pier has been rebuilt with a new bulkhead, improved lighting, signage, parking, and ADA access. The pier will once again offer free public fishing and crabbing. To mark the occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for June 13 at 10 a.m. at the pier’s location on 13 Old North Wildwood Blvd. East. County and local officials, including Commission Director Len Desiderio and Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner, are expected to attend the event and welcome the public back to the revitalized pier.

 

Murphy’s Budget Plan Draws Fire Over New Taxes on Family Recreation

 Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed state budget includes a plan to impose sales taxes on 13 recreational activities currently exempt in New Jersey. The proposed change, part of the administration’s Participatory Sports initiative, would end the long-standing sales tax exemption for 13 popular leisure activities. If adopted, New Jersey residents could see higher costs for outings such as bowling, mini golf, laser tag, skating, go-karting, and swimming. Fees for tennis courts, paintball sessions, and golf driving ranges would also be affected. The measure is under legislative review, with no set date for implementation.

Balloons, Robots, and Rock Music Take Over Warren Community College This Weekend 

 The Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival returns to Warren Community College in Washington on June 8–9, starting at 1 p.m. each day. The event features hot air balloon rides, a car show, live music, chalk art, robotics, rocket launches, and food vendors. Evening balloon flights begin at 6:30 p.m., with the Fred G Monster balloon making a special appearance at 8 p.m. The festival began in 2001 and found a new home at the college in 2020. A rain date is set for June 14–15.

Cape May's Great Fire of 1878 had a major impact on the town. Approximately how much of the town was destroyed?

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Answer to the June 6th Trivia Question

Cape May is recognized as the oldest what in the United States?

A) Lighthouse
B) Seaside resort
C) Historic district
D) Amusement park

Answer: B) Seaside resort​ Cape May began hosting vacationers in the mid-18th century and is widely regarded as the country's oldest seaside resort.

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