Just Months After Sandy, Summer Off To A Good Start At The Shore
By Syma Chowdhry
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ (CBS) -- Summer fun has begun at the Jersey Shore.
"It's only one hurricane, [it] can't beat us," says Frank Rainey, who has operated a boardwalk game for more than 30 years.
He says progress has ballooned since Sandy hit Seaside Heights.
"Two weeks ago, there was sand right where you were standing. So they've made a lot of progress," he explains.
Most shops are open for business -- only a handful were closed this weekend.
"We had a great turnout, and it's still a little chilly, but we still have people coming, which is great," says Maria Mastoris, who is with the Casino Pier.
She says visitors have been enjoying games, food and the carousel, but the where rides used to stand, progress still needs to be made. Only half of Casino Pier's roller coasters will be ready in a few weeks.
"We still have to finish the lower deck a little bit more on this side, and once that is finished, we will have our rides up," Mastoris says.
President Obama will visit the Jersey Shore on Tuesday to check out the progress that's been made. This is his second visit since Superstorm Sandy devastated the area.
"It just shows how strong our state is, how strong our community is, and I would really love for him to see that," Mastoris adds.
Governor Chris Christie visited Seaside Heights on Friday and says it's important for the President to see the improvements made and to "meet with some citizens and business owners to get a handle on how things are going."
Business owners have one message for the President:
"It gets better every day."
Which is a great attitude to start the summer.
