Fun at Millvilles 3rd Friday Celebration

The Art Trolley was filled to capacity as it pulled away from the curb of the Ocean City Fine Arts League on Friday afternoon. The red trolley meandered along a scenic country route on its way to Millville for that towns 3rd Friday art celebration. The 45 minute ride to the final destination felt short and sweet thanks to the party atmosphere aboard the trolley. Jim Penland founder of the OCFAL was the master of ceremonies welcoming all aboard and gave a very interesting overview of the history of Millville and the specific highlights of interest for the evening. He designed and distributed a map which provided an easy walking tour of the Glasstown Arts district that even first timers could follow for an enjoyable spring evening stroll through the town.

Pat Walsh co-chair of the trolley committee assembled and distributed gift bags to each rider on the inaugural trip .Riders were delighted to receive the gift bag filled with brochures and discount coupons that were provided by merchants from Ocean City and Millville. The gift bags themselves were a work of art as they were each painted with an original work by the Arc Angels, a group of developmentally and physically challenged artists from the Arc of Atlantic County who receives art instruction at the OCFAL. Additionally, 3 lucky riders won valuable door prizes that were donated for the evenings ride.

“The purpose of this trolley program is to introduce the residents and visitors of Ocean City to the rich art community found all across South Jersey. It is both educational and fun!” said Jim Penland. “This evening Millville’s art galleries, shops and restaurants will stay open late with many of them offering free refreshments as their visitor’s browse.” said Penland. “This event is a win-win for Ocean City as well as Millville” said committee person, Joanne Bernardini. “While waiting to board the trolley, riders were able to view and appreciate the work of local Ocean City artists, as well as the current show “Summer of Love” which is on tour from Los Angeles. Many vacationers come to Ocean City to enjoy our beautiful beaches and boardwalk but this helps bring the people into the down town area as well. Riders are encouraged to return to patronize the Asbury Avenue merchants using the discount coupons. All that shopping also makes riders hungry!” said Bernardini. This fact was not lost on Kevin, owner and chief at the brand new restaurant Scullys located just next door to the League at 955 Asbury, who happily included his new menu and specials for review by the hungry riders. Business owner Martha Stanwood of the Butterfly Boutique at 811 Asbury Ave. was one of the first merchants to support the Art Trolley putting a poster in her window. “As a new business we appreciate the additional patrons this brings to the Avenue.” said Stanwood.

Listening to the happy chatter as riders swapped stories of all the wonderful things they saw and did in Millville left no doubt that the remaining 3rd Friday trips to Millville on June 15, July 20, August 17, Sept 21 will also be sellouts. People wishing to reserve a seat on the Art Trolley or merchants wishing to include their promotional materials should stop into the OCFAL at 943 Asbury Ave. or cal 814-0308. Round trip tickets are $25. A $5 discount is offered to riders booking more than one week in advance.