Families flock to Jersey Shore for July 4th festivities

OCEAN CITY, N.J. - Watching over her son, nieces, and nephews as they dug holes in the sand and built drip castles Saturday, Kelly Smith, 37, reminisced about being that age herself.

Smith, in a blue bikini with a very pregnant belly, remembers learning to ride a bike here in the alley between 28th and 29th Streets, right off Central Avenue. This past weekend, she taught a 5-year-old niece to master a two-wheeler in the same spot.

Smith has been coming to Ocean City with her siblings since she was born. This town, she said, holds "all the memories."

"You see your family at home, but here we live together," she said, ticking off traditions - fireworks, barbecues, summer treats. She said 14 family members are together this holiday weekend, including her husband; her brothers, their wives, and children; her mother; and an aunt.

For many flocking to Ocean City for the July Fourth weekend, it's all about family. Saturday beachgoers said they continue to choose this town because it's quiet, child-oriented, and full of memories. The boardwalk, a blocks-long stretch of shops, games, and amusement park rides, doesn't hurt either.

And the fact that there's no alcohol sold in city limits?

Not a problem, said Tracy MacDonald, who's been coming to Ocean City every summer since she was born.

"I like that it's dry - you can bring [alcohol] in, but it's not crazy," said MacDonald, 43. "I like that it's quiet."

MacDonald and her husband, Tom, who came down from Garnet Valley with their three children, are looking forward to their customary barbecue and fireworks this weekend.

Gladys Anderson, 69, and husband Frank Smith, 79, of Pottstown, said their teenage grandchildren couldn't make it this year - "softball tournament," Frank Smith said, shaking his head - but they're planning to enjoy the fireworks all the same.

And they're still in good company: Sadie, their Bichon puppy, rode in a stylish, specialized dog stroller for her second Fourth of July at the Shore.

"She loves it down here," Anderson said.

The couple said the Ocean City fireworks are not to be missed. They've been an Independence Day staple for Anderson for 10 summers; for Frank Smith, the count is 15, "at least."

In Ocean City, the definition of family extends beyond blood relatives to friends and neighbors. Family is how Wesley Corson, 63, of Philadelphia, considers his Shore neighbors - Skip and Eileen Hammes, who live above him on Haven Avenue here, their home year-round. Corson became their summer neighbor five years ago.

On Saturday, the Corsons and the Hammeses - 13 beachgoers in total - were spread across two American flag-print blankets and under four beach umbrellas.

For the Barnes family of Philadelphia, Ocean City holds many special memories - and they're busy creating more this weekend.

Megan Barnes, 36, is spending her 36th July Fourth weekend here. She and her husband, Pete, 41, were married in Ocean City five Junes ago, at the Flanders Hotel.

In town this weekend with their two young sons, the couple plan to carry out the family traditions Megan remembers from her childhood - walking to the boardwalk and watching fireworks.

And, quoting her grandmother, Megan added: "You have to get ice cream."

Pete Barnes wouldn't be anywhere else this weekend, he said.

"The boardwalk? Can't beat it," he said. "The beach? Can't beat it."

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