Iconic Gillian’s Wonderland Pier On Ocean City Boardwalk To Close

This is so sad! The iconic Gillian's Wonderland Pier on the Ocean City Boardwalk is set to close. I have so many family memories from when I was just a toddler. The train that goes around the top, the little boats with the bell. Hopefully, someone new will buy it and continue one of the most special traditions.

A friend of mine who has a house in Ocean City and is there all Summer did say that it's been a mess for the past few years. She said they were actually there last weekend and only half the rides were open and operating.

The owner, Jay Gillian, announced his retirement and the park's closure on Friday. The adjoining 6th Street Pizza and Grill will also close.

"The 94 years of tradition at Gillian's amusements on the Boardwalk have been cherished by so many people, none more than me," he said. "It's been my life, my legacy, and my family. It's sad to let go."

The amount of people who would just drive down for the day just to have some ice cream and take the kids to Wonderland is probably in the millions. There are rumors developers want to build a hotel/resort on the property, but nothing is official. Hopefully, they figure out how to develop the area and refurbish Wonderland. Families need activities at the shore.

Gillian's owner Jay released a full statement on their Facebook page thanking everyone for the incredible memories. I can't imagine it was an easy decision. Thanks for all the Summer memories, Gillian's, we hope you come back bigger and even more special!

Summer is fast approaching. You may be in the market for summer jobs at the Jersey shore.

If you plan to have extended stay down the shore this summer, you may want to make some extra cash. Good news is, businesses are always looking for some extra summertime help. These jobs aren't a long commitment. Seasonal jobs are not uncommon at Jersey Shore towns.

Whether you want your kid out of the house making some extra cash, or you yourself want to get in on the fun, there are plenty of jobs to choose from. Beach towns become swarmed with people after Memorial Day Weekend. Businesses can become easily overwhelmed without sufficient help.

Here's where you can step in by getting a summer jobs at the Jersey shore!

Just think about it. Yea, you may have to get up for an early shift, but if you get done by early afternoon you can spend time at the beach or the boardwalk.

Opportunities to work during the summers months are all over New Jersey beaches. It may even be wise to start applying now, so that way when summer comes you know exactly what you'll be doing. Now more than ever, help wanted signs are all over.

Beach Patrols all over the Jersey Shore are looking for help during the summer. The more lifeguards the better in order to have safer beaches. The training is pretty rigorous, so that may be something you want to keep in mind. It isn't an easy job, but its a great one to have. If you have a passion for making the beach safer, and you're a strong swimmer, check out beach patrol opportunities.

When is Wawa not completely swamped in any shore town you visit? They are always looking for some extra hands to help wherever necessary. Whether its making hoagies in the deli, pumping gas (because they do that in Jersey), or checking people out as a cashier, Wawa would be grateful for your help. This is probably the most specific job on this list, but there's a reason for that. Wawa is a STAPLE of shore culture. They are busier than ever in the summer months.

If you were to walk the boardwalk now, you would probably see many stores with help wanted signs on their doors and counters. Boardwalks in towns like Wildwood and Ocean City have loads of shops that are always looking for extra hands. You can choose from fudge shops, escape rooms, game stalls, or apparel stores. You have some sort of experience, they probably have a store that's right for you.

Day camps down the shore have a need for camp counselors. This job may be perfect for you if you're a teacher, or an aspiring one, looking for some summer cash. What you'll be doing depends on what summer camp you apply to and where they need help. It seems to be a super rewarding job, though. You're contributing directly to the fun and summer memories of the kids you take care of. Plus, you get to join in on all the cool activities they get up to!

If you want to stroll the beach all day, this one may be for you. Tag checkers walk around the beach making sure people have the proper tags for the use of that particular beach. The only catch with this is that not all Jersey Shore beaches require tags, so if you need a job in a place like Wildwood, for example, this job is probably off the table.

Restaurants are another prime example of places that get mobbed during the summer months. Becoming part of a restaurant's waitstaff, or helping out bussing or hosting is always a good idea. If you're up to it, breakfast joints are the most iconic eateries down the shore. It's a super early wake-up and start time, but they would definitely appreciate all the help they can get on a busy morning.

There is a high demand for swimming lessons in the summer. No one wants to get caught in a situation at the beach where they are struggling to swim. If you know how to swim and want to teach children and adults to swim and stay safe, check out this option. You can even freelance this option.