COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s life in one way or another. Everyone has experienced a new way of life, whether it is celebrating a holiday differently from how you typically would or having to complete work from home. Everything is different than it has been in years past because of this pandemic, and the upcoming Memorial Day is no exception.
It’s no secret that Memorial Day Weekend is a big deal in New Jersey, especially for those who go down the shore. Everyone will have a different reason as to why it is a big deal to them, or why everyone loves it so much. If you were to ask me, I would say it simply sets the mood for the summer and gives a taste of what summer will be like. The plethora of answers to the question “why is Memorial Day a big deal?” range greatly and are very opinion based; akin to the hot debate as to whether it is called Pork Roll or Taylor Ham. I had to just had to throw this debate in here and clarify for everyone: it’s Taylor Ham. End of story.
Having gone down the shore for most Memorial Days, for me there were always many parts of Memorial Day that were exciting to see and experience, like seeing all the people from your block and the beach again and the thrill of the first beach day. Memorial Day also means that you are so close to reaching summer, and all you have to do is crank out the next few weeks of school.
Typically, Memorial Day celebrations consist of filled beaches that can range from completely packed to sparsely filled based on location. Slowly, the blocks start to fill up again with the cars of people going down to their summer homes or visiting relatives. People start to take advantage of the boardwalk in the mornings to get their early workouts in. Restaurants begin to open their doors for the summer. Long hours are spent on the beach from early in the morning, or mid-afternoon, to late at night. All the coffee shops try to handle the torrent of people filling the buildings to the brim, each person desperately waiting for a hit of caffeine that will last the entire exciting day ahead. Lastly, and most importantly, I can’t forget the rite of passage that is getting sunburnt; some years it’s so bad that not getting sunburnt by the end of the day is an accomplishment. According to my mother, I am Italian and Irish, but with the way I “tan,” I have started to challenge her belief. I think of myself as an impasta. An Italian imposter. Good, right?
Many things are changing as a result of the pandemic. This Memorial Day weekend will be significantly different from past years. There aren’t going to be packed restaurants or shops now; people are going to have to place mobile orders and utilize curbside pickup, or there will be a limited number of people allowed in stores. As far as I know, boardwalks are closed, though some local boardwalks could possibly be open. My own family tradition of going to the beach and making a big circle that fits everyone’s chairs and towels will change in a drastic way. As a result of social distancing, this year we’re going to spread much farther away from other beachgoers. Though this seems like an obvious, healthy change that will be easy for most people, we won’t be able to interact and bond with other families that we’ve been looking forward to seeing for months.
All of the little things that everyone took advantage of in the past of have changed. Social distancing rules will be in place everywhere, the severity of which depend on where you go. However, most beach towns are allowing recreational activities such as running, walking, and fishing. If you aren’t aware of the beach situation in your beach town, click the link to find out more. Which N.J. beaches and boardwalks are open this weekend? Here’s a complete list—and restrictions to be aware of.
So wherever you go and whatever you have planned, it’s most important that you have a SAFE Memorial Day. Enjoy the time with your friends and family, soak up the sun (remember your sunscreen), and don’t forget to socially distance!
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