Head down the shore for some Memorial Day Weekend fun

Are you ready for some fun in the sun and some sand underneath your feet? You won't have to wait much longer. Get your flip flops and beach towels ready because this weekend all along the Jersey Shore, beach towns are celebrating Memorial Day and the start of the traditional shore season.

If you are planning on taking Friday off and enjoying an even longer holiday weekend in Ocean City or Wildwood, then don't miss their opening ceremonies on Friday, May 23. In Ocean City, the Unlocking of the Ocean & Business Plunge will start at noon at the Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk. Truly wash away the office by plunging in the ocean with your suit on.

In Wildwood, their Unlocking of the Ocean also starts at noon at the Wildwood Convention Center. This ceremony will also include an unveiling of the first Wildwoods Icon Wall Mural and special guest of honor, singer Bobby Rydell who is famous for singing about "Wildwood Days."

If you are in Barnegat Light this weekend, don't miss the Barnegat Lighthouse Night Climb. Experience a panoramic nighttime view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island during a free climb at the Barnegat Lighthouse at Barnegat Light State Park on Saturday, May 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Be warned: the lighthouse has 217 steps visitors must climb to get to the top.

For the kite-flying aficionados in your family, Wildwood is hosting an international kite festival all weekend long, Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26 between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The festival will feature competitions for flyers of all levels and demonstrations. The fun will be happening on the beach from Rio Grande to Burke Avenues.

If you are in Atlantic City for the weekend, then check out DJ ZEDD at Revel. Popular for his electronic music, he will play live on Friday, May 23 at 10 p.m.

Cape May is also turning up the music. Peter Nero & the Philly Pops will be performing at the Cape May Convention Center on Saturday, May 24 at 8 p.m. If you are staying in Cape May until Monday, the Annual Cape May Music Festival will be running Sunday, May 25 to Monday, May 26 at the Emlen Physick Estate. Relax and enjoy orchestral and chamber classics, including Bach, classic jazz and brass band.

Are you in the mood to do something good for yourself and others? Take time out of your beach and boardwalk fun and support one of the local walks or races that are happening down the shore.

"Live, laugh often, love much" was a favorite quote of Matthew Mullin.  In honor of his life, you are invited to participate in the Matthew Mullin Annual 5L Beach Run/Walk on Sunday May, 25 at 8:30 a.m. at the Avalon Community Hall in Avalon. All proceeds are donated to the Matthew Mullin Charity and its partners.

Another walk is happening in Stone Harbor on the same day. The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Stone Harbor Centennial 15th Annual Turtle Trot 5K and 2 Mile Run which is open to residents and visitors. Registration is at 6:45 a.m. and the race starts promptly at 8 a.m. on Stone Harbor Beach at 96th and First Avenue.

On Memorial Day, May 26, many South Jersey shore towns are having their own special memorial ceremony.  Why not end your weekend saying thank you to all those who have lost their lives protecting our country? Veterans will be honored at the North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. The VFW Post 5941 is hosting the event and prior to the ceremony, there will be a reading of their lost members at 9:30 a.m. at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. In Margate, they are celebrating the day with their annual Memorial Day parade which will run along Ventnor Avenue. Decorated bikes and strollers are encouraged, with bike judging and refreshments at the Margate Log Cabin.