Food, festivities and a free toll ride will highlight the start of the summer season Friday on the Atlantic City Expressway.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority’s annual 100 Days of Summer event kicks off 10 a.m. Friday at the Farley Service Plaza at mile marker 21.3.
"We're thrilled to roll out the red carpet for our annual 100 Days of Summer party and invite those visiting Atlantic City and the breathtaking vacation spots along the South Jersey shore to make the most of our service plaza amenities,” SJTA Executive Director Stephen Dougherty said. “There’s truly something for all ages from restaurants, car show, health check-ups, artisanal crafts, books, jewelry and even a petting zoo for the kids.”
The animals are courtesy of the Funny Farm Rescue in Mays Landing, where Laurie Zaleski and her merry band of volunteers care for 600-plus animals.
Those with pets are welcome to take a pit stop in the secure fenced-in pet walk area.
Close to 60 businesses, vendors and artists will participate in the celebration that runs until 3 p.m.
Then motorists can head down the expressway, where they can get free passage from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza, courtesy of Chickie’s & Pete’s.
“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi. “It’s a great way to thank all those who have supported us over the years and kick off the summer in a fun way. It also signifies the official start to summer!”
That is, of course, after indulging in the sports bar and restaurant chain’s signature Crabfries.
Participants in the 100 Days celebration include Atlantic Cape Community College, Carmine’s, Comcast, On the Town Food Tours, The Irish Pub, AtlantiCare, Holiday Inn Express, Atlantic County Library System, and dozens of local merchants offering gift items, jewelry, clothing, among others.
WlP Sports Radio and WPHT 1210 Talk Radio will be there for live, remote broadcasts with their radio personalities on hand to give out prizes to lucky winners.
Applegreen, operator of the Farley Service Plaza, will hand out free samples of their delicious goodies sold at the plaza throughout the year.
Ron's Gardens of Hammonton also returns to the Farley Service Plaza with regular hours during the entire summer offering a wide variety of JERSEY FRESH produce, fruits and garden plants.
The Atlantic City International Airport Fire Department will display and demonstrate some of its trucks and apparatus.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority’s READl — Roadway Environmental Advancement Initiative — will feature its conservation and wildlife programs.
Also added this year is the Sidewalk Chalk Fun Zone, where children of all ages can showcase their artistic talents for everyone to see.
Food trucks will also join the festivities this year, including DonutNV, Mister Softee, CrawDaddy’s Cajun, and TACOS Al Carbon.
The Hero Campaign will showcase two HERO Patrol Cars.
There will be a Cruise Lot area for those looking to show off their classic car. All cruisers will receive a goodie bag containing a dash plaque, shammy, chip clip and an insurance card holder. The first 50 registrants will also receive a commemorative road core celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Atlantic City Expressway coming in July.
Visitors are also encouraged to check out the Farley Plaza's 9/11 memorial and the 22-foot brass replica of the Battleship New Jersey built on a 1/48 scale.
