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WITH WINTER HERE, SLOW DAYS ABOUND AT THE SHORE
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Pete and Dorothy Snyder, of Holiday Heights, take a stroll on the boardwalk. With winter's chill finally upon us, days have been slow at the boardwalk, which thrives during the busy summer months. |
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OCEAN COUNTY - Pete and Dorothy Snyder of Holiday Heights don't mind that the boardwalk stands at Seaside Heights are closed and the carousel is still.
The ocean and its view are enough for the Holiday Heights residents to enjoy their walk on the boards, despite a chilly drop in temperature this week to 28 degrees, with a wind chill of about 12.
As winter temperatures set in at the shore, beach times, sun and fun have been temporarily postponed until spring.
But that's okay with the Snyders. "We like it quiet," said Pete, 77. "We walk three times a week, weather permitting. Of course, we won't be out here in the snow."
The family has enjoyed the Seaside boardwalk for decades, they said, and the couple's four children and eight grandchildren loved it, too.
"They used to go for the rides," said Dorothy, 75. "They still love coming down here. They enjoy the arcades."
The few arcades that do remain on the boardwalk beckon visitors with rows of blinking lights and blaring sounds inside. The much sought after prizes are stacked around the room and in display cases waiting to be won.
Lucky Leo's arcade, open daily through the winter months, was devoid of customers during a visit this week.
"We did have one person in today," said Galina, at the prize counter. "It's 28 degrees outside. It's cold," she said.
Summer rentals are unoccupied. Playgrounds are empty and there was plenty of free parking this week in Seaside. Work trucks pulled up to stands and maintenance men scrambled around in the amusement ride areas.
Inside the Berkeley Sweet Shops on the boardwalk, however, the spring season has arrived.
"We are already working on Easter
items," said Mrs. T, the manager. "Easter is our biggest holiday."
Assorted gift boxes of chocolates
in a variety of combinations
are popular, said Mrs. T. "And chocolate rabbits," she said. "Rabbits in all sizes."
In business since 1910, the Berkeley Sweet Shops is famous for their salt water taffy and homemade fudge. They also produce specialty items such as chocolate fish, chocolate dogs and even chocolate cell phones.
"Fire trucks are popular," Mrs. T. said. "They love
chocolate fire trucks."
The shop is open 364 days a year. "Every day but December 25th,"
added Erik, her assistant.
With the majority of the boardwalk boarded up for the winter, the only sounds come from the resident seagulls flying over the beach.
Floyd L. Moreland, owner of A Magical Carousel Shoppe at the Sand Castle on the north end of the boardwalk, said he keeps his gift and souvenir shop open on weekends through the winter.
"People know us," said the retired professor from City University in Manhattan. "This time of year is slow. We all look forward to spring."
Dr. Moreland also manages the carousel which bears his name at Casino Pier. The antique carousel is a piece of American history at the shore, he said.
The carousel at Casino Pier is over 90 years old and continues to enchant visitors with its vintage 58 animals on board, 36 of which move up and down. The antique carousel is an art form, said Moreland. And not only for the kids. The vintage machine from a golden era is a museum piece in itself, Moreland stated. "It's pure magic for the young at heart."
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