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Beachgoers In Belmar Say Goodbye To Summer

BELMAR, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Not ready to say goodbye to summer yet, many in New Jersey headed for the beach on Labor Day.

"It's absolutely gorgeous today, and from what I hear, free parking, free beach today," said Lori O'Hara, who arrived at the beach in Belmar at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

It was an end-of-summer gift in Belmar: Beachgoers didn't have to pay for beach passes.

"We had a record year here at the beachfront," Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty told CBS2's Christine Sloan. "We had hundreds of thousands of middle-class families. ... We figured today would be a small thank you and great way to end the summer with free beach and free parking."

The gesture brought hundreds to the Jersey shore beach.

"We came for a bike ride, go for a dip, and then we found out it's free today!" said Suzanne Brand, of Wall Township.

"We're going to spend time with my family and stuff," Glenn Brand said.

Glenn, who lives by the beach, said he's looking forward to returning to school. Others who don't live near the sand do not share the same enthusiasm about the start of classes.

Luke Zorn, of East Burnswick, said he's sad summer is ending. "Because I did so many fun stuff this summer," he said.

Some kids were tanning or jumping on the sand. Dolphins were even spotted swimming south.

The beach was still packed at 5 p.m.

"I was coming down from Spring Lake, and I saw the sign 'Free beach day and parking,'" said Frank Preston. "It's just a great way for Belmar to give back."

Meanwhile, the perfect weather has meant a close to a banner season for businesses such as TR's Food Court.

"We had a good season," said Tom Rogers of TR's. "We had a real slow start with all the rain, and then the sun came out. And July was really strong, and August was really strong. Here it is September, and we're really busy again."

Summer, though, is not officially over, and there are lots of events planned for the coming weeks in Belmar, including a pro surfing tournament next weekend and an Italian festival after that.

Beachgoers In Belmar Say Goodbye To Summer

As drivers hit the road to head home after the weekend, some found that it was paved with aggressive drivers.

"Cutting, weaving, and swerving," one driver told WCBS-880's Jim Smith.

Many drivers were catching their breath and stretching their legs at the Vince Lombardi rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Victor Mejia was headed back to Massachusetts.

"Food. Food and family. This is what it's all about. Getting together and enjoying your day, it's what we come here for," he said.

Sitting in traffic gave him time to ponder the unofficial end of summer.

"You know how it is. You don't want to go back to work, but when it calls you got to make that paper," he said.

 

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