a. The CMA is having a daylong event on Saturday, Sept. 19 on the Ocean Pathway. It is the “3rd Annual Open Heaven Musicfest” from 1 pm to 7 pm.
We don’t recall such a celebration in the past. They promise “live bands, vendors. (food and others) and children activities.” It is free.
What do you suppose the neighbors think of it? Will this be a religious event or something for the entire OG community? It says “Open Heaven,” so figure it out.
Having a big event in September sounds like another cog in the CMA’s wheel designed to dominate lifestyles in the Grove. Despite COVID-19, the CMA has managed to make this summer their own, as it does each summer. It seems that OG is truly once again becoming a religious town with the secular population brushed off to the sidelines.
Sign on the OG boardwalk last month. Blogfinger photo.
And, is the CMA worried about the virus? The CMA flier doesn’t ask visitors to wear masks.
b. The Chamber of Commercials cancelled most of their useless events this summer designed to make money for local businesses and for vendors. Both groups, CMA and CC routinely turn a blind eye towards the residents of OG, over 3000 citizens according to the last census and then with a considerable number of second homers. We await the current census results.
We attended the CC event. (“Music on Main”) yesterday downtown and did not see anyone we knew. It was a tourist event through and through. Even the coffee shop and the bagel place did not stay open for the happening. And, look below to see the mega-event which they have kept scheduled for October 10.
Main Avenue, OG. Sept. 12, 2020. Paul Goldfinger photo. © Saw only one OG shirt.
The Chamber of Commercials will go ahead with their Fall Harvest Arts and Crafts Show with 200 vendors on October 10, 10-4. They will take up Pilgrim Pathway, Main Avenue and Auditorium Square Park. This is a big deal, and there is no mention of masks on their flier.
But here is the irony: The Chamber’s official fall poster (below) has a message in the lower right hand corner which says: “Stay Home NJ”. Do they think the virus will be gone on Oct. 10, do they think it will be safe, or should they take their own advice and cancel it?
c. Site stats. We had 583 hits on Blogfinger Sept 12. Jean’s piece about the Tent Village was most popular. But also Music on Main, COVID information, and Red Flag day at the Beach.
From the condo conversion ads. Internet photo.
d. The Aurora sold in February 2018 for $1,450,000 and has since been turned into 4 condos which are being advertised as a historic experience, but without prices. Undoubtedly they will be over $1 million each, with ocean views and without parking. The ads emphasize the attractions in Asbury, but they also mention the Great Auditorium.
The GA won’t appeal to that group who will have their gaze fixed on AP.
Prospective Aurora condo buyers should read Blogfinger to get the truth.
Finishing touches at the Aurora. 8/25/20. Blogfinger photo on Atlantic Avenue.
e. Lifestyle photo: Surf fishing in OG. Sept. 2020.
Paul Goldfinger photo from the non-fishing pier. Ocean Grove, Sept. 2020. © Cllck to make the fish bigger.
THE DANLEERS WITH THE LAST SUMMER SONG:
