Atlantic City is starting new traditions while commemorating the past this weekend.
Labor Day may be about the end of the tourist season, but the resort's upcoming plans look to honor those who are here year round.
It all culminates with the mayor's party planning persona coming out of retirement with 50 Shades of Gray: The Day Party.
Mayor Marty Small is first looking forward to celebrating his old neighborhood with the VAC Reunion.
Small technically grew up across the street from the long-razed Virginia Avenue Courts. But for him, it was home.
Those from the neighborhood still feel that connection, he and fellow VAC'ers Craig Newsome of the city's One Neighborhood Evolution anti-violence unit and Councilman George "Animal" Crouch told BreakingAC.
"The relationships and bonds I created from growing up there from a preteen to being a young adult are the same relationships I still hold," Crouch said.
"I don't call them friends. My kids don't call them friends," he said. "They call them uncles. They're my brothers."
The men recalled a place where you just walked into one another's buildings and called out their name.
It was "the projects," they say, but the biggest misconception was how dangerous it was. No one even locked their doors, the men recalled.
Now the old neighbors are coming together in what they hope will become an annual tradition.
Everyone on the committee has reached into their own pockets to help fund the free event that will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Seawall.
T-shirts are still available for the event for $30.
Those attending are encouraged to bring chairs and maybe even their own tent to be ready to spend the day outside, with free food and drink along with vendors.
But before that, the city will start off with a tribute to fashion.
Fashion Fusion brings a mix of streetwear and high-fashion designers to the ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City on Friday.
"It's all about expressing your individuality and authenticity" with local fashionista and U.S. Air Force veteran Amoya Williams.
The show was curated to focus on fashion enthusiasts, creatives, music and art.
"I may be a military veteran, but I am very new to entrepreneurship," Williams told BreakingAC. "It was not easy stepping into this lane wearing my heart on my sleeve. I am humbled to be working beside so many veterans in the fashion industry. My fashion business 1 OF 1 By Moya Bleu, LLC is the baby of the Fashion Fusion Team, with only three years under my belt.
"The other eight designers have five, 10, 20 and even 30 of experience in fashion," she added. "Fashion Fusion is a collaboration of black-owned businesses more specifically fashion designers and clothing brands. My goal is to collaborate with passionate artists because I truly believe as a collective we are a powerful force, stronger together."
Doors open at 6 p.m. with a one-hour open bar, vendor shopping and a chance to network.
The event runs until 10 p.m.
Tickets are $50 for seats and $25 for standing.
The Tunnel at ACX1 Studios will send summer off in style.
The bi-level club will show off local DJ talent.
The younger crowd will also be a focus this weekend with the Back to School Summer Jam.
The day runs from noon to 6 p.m. at McClinton Park with free backpacks, haircuts, face painting and more for kids/.
Re-Entry Services are joining with others including the Bismillah Brovas to provide everything returning students will need.
Newsome said he also enlisted Helping Assist With Melis, a woman who he came across in the city trying to help.
"This is a real community event," Newsome said.
The mayor has had his all-white celebrations and those that were all black.
But now, he's inviting everyone to come out in their best grays for a celebration at ACX1 Studios in front of Caesars on the Boardwalk.
"I was inspired by the younger promoters to come out of retirement for the first time in five years," Small said.
He planned for it to be part of his 50th birthday celebration this year. But now, the 4 to 9 p.m. blowout with be a send-off to the official summer season.
Small is excited about showing off the new studio and its versatility.
"I truly believe that, pound for pound, this is the best venue in Atlantic City," he said.
The mayor's neighborhood brothers also used the event to focus on the good they say he does without getting the proper credit.
"The funny thing is the mayor seems to alway get tagged with that he's the party mayor," Crouch said. "But the economic impact from one of these parties alone should be celebrated. People from the entire tri-state area come to one of his parties. They come knowing they're coming to something special."
They pointed out that Small has often given to the community, including paying or things like the kids playing for the Atlantic City Dolphins.
"But no one wants to talk about that," Crouch said. "He wants to do good because he is good."
