Chickie’s & Pete’s is offering more than its famous Crabfries as the official shore summer season kicks off this weekend.
The company once again will team up with the South Jersey Transportation Authority and the Atlantic City Expressway by covering the tolls for all drivers heading east through the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday.
Before that, Chickie's and Pete's will celebrate its annual countdown with family fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farley Service Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway at Milepost 21.3.
"We’re excited to kick off our annual 100 Days of Summer celebration and welcome travelers passing through Hammonton on their way to their favorite Jersey Shore destination," SJTA Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty said. "This year’s festivities offer something for everyone, whether you're enjoying our diverse food truck lineup, checking out classic cars, browsing unique handmade goods, or letting the kids enjoy the petting zoo. It’s a great way to enhance your summer travel experience."
It will include free Crabfries, an outdoor car show and 100 Days of Summer celebration with more than 70 organizations, vendors, artists and exhibitors, including Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, New Jersey State Police K-9 dog team, and Atlantic City International Airport Fire and Rescue Equipment.
“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions," said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi. “We’re excited to be back at Farley’s Plaza hosting one of our favorite annual events this year. We love to send everyone off to the shore in good spirits before a big holiday weekend.
"It also marks the kick-off of Chickie’s & Pete’s annual 'Summer of Shellfish,'" he added. "The Summer of Shellfish is a special menu all summer long at participating Chickie’s & Pete’s locations."
Ciarrocchi chose Memorial Day Weekend to pay the tolls as a way to honor his family’s military tradition.
“My dad and my uncles were all in the military,” he said. “In fact, my Uncle George, who was my restaurant mentor, won the Silver Star for bravery. He was quite the guy, and I couldn't think of a better way to honor him.”
Chickie’s & Pete’s also will join forces with The Patriot Fund, which works to provide a world where veterans can return from duty proactively supported psychologically, emotionally, socially and financially as they and their families re-engage into civilian life. A portion of the proceeds will be donated from sales of “Patriot Punch.”
WlP Sports Radio and WPHT 1210 Talk Radio will be there for live, remote broadcasts with their radio personalities on hand to give out prizes to lucky winners. Applegreen, operator of the Farley Service Plaza, will be ready selling the smells, tastes and temptations of another Jersey summer as well as handing out complimentary samples of their delicious goodies sold at the plaza throughout the year including Joe Tea, My Big Fat Cookies and Jersey Girl Chocolates.
Ron's Gardens of Hammonton also returns to the Farley Service Plaza with regular hours during the entire summer offering a wide variety of Jersey Fresh produce, fruits and garden plants in season.
The Atlantic City International Airport Fire Department will display some of its trucks and apparatus used to keep the public safe at the airport and in surrounding communities. And the South Jersey Transportation Authority’s READl (Roadway Environmental Advancement Initiative) will feature its conservation and wildlife programs.
Youngsters will also enjoy the chance to visit ambassadors from the Funny Farm, an animal rescue sanctuary that provides a home for unwanted farm and zoo animals. There’s a Sidewalk Chalk Fun Zone where children of all ages can showcase their artistic talents for everyone to see.
The other businesses include Atlantic Cape Community College, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, Comcast, Bass Pro Shop, Johnson’s Popcorn, The Irish Pub, AtlantiCare, Resorts Casino Atlantic City, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce and the Save Lucy Committee.
The Hero Campaign will showcase two HERO Patrol Cars.
Farley Plaza includes a 9/11 memorial and 22-foot brass replica of the Battleship New Jersey built on a 1/48 scale. There is even a secure fenced-in pet walk area.
Go to Chickie's and Pete's website for more details.
CLICK HERE for more information on The Patriot Fund and to donate.
Reach the South Jersey Transportation Authority at www.sjta.com.
