By Mike Denardo

OCEAN CITY, N.J. – Scores of people packed the beaches and boardwalks at the Jersey Shore on this Independence Day.

The Ocean City beach was wall-to-wall with umbrellas on the sun-splashed July 4th holiday.

Kevin Wiesner, who lives in Ocean City, says he appreciates the allure of the sun and the surf.

“Well, for me every day’s special here whether it’s January or July. When you’re on the boardwalk, it’s relaxing. It’s peaceful. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. It just cleanses your mind of any stress.”

Kevin is celebrating Independence Day with a five-mile walk, some food, and then some quality time poolside.

Wardell Pearson of Yeadon, Pa., who is in Ocean City with his family, also has an action-packed day planned.

“The boardwalk, the beach, the fireworks tonight are usually an annual thing for us. So we just enjoy it, the kids enjoy to come out in the sun. I’ll be able to boogie-board and enjoy the sand and enjoy the scenery.”

And given how much fun this holiday was, Wardell says chances are he’ll be back next Fourth of July.