The Florida Man Games Were A HUGE Hit
The state perhaps best known as a place where bizarre things happen embraced its reputation this past weekend with the first-ever Florida Man Games. And it was a huge hit!…
The state perhaps best known as a place where bizarre things happen embraced its reputation this past weekend with the first-ever Florida Man Games.
And it was a huge hit!
Thousands of people flocked to St. Augustine to watch Florida Man do what he does best - strange stuff.
Only this time, there were actual prizes to be won instead of trips to jail.
FLORIDA MAN STRIKES AGAIN!
DATELINE - St. Augustine and the Saga of the inaugural Florida Man Games.
We told you about this a few months ago.
Well, they took place on Saturday and by all rights, they were a huge success with a crowd estimate of about 5,000 people.
What else are you going to do on a February Saturday in Florida?
And pay $55 a ticket.
Some of the contests included
- Weaponized pool noodle mud duel for both individuals and groups where you test your strength inside the Florida Man Games Coliseum - it was basically an above ground pool.
- The Evading Arrest Obstacle Course again for individual and group. You jumped over fences, ran through backyards and tried to get away from actual police officers to earn your freedom. If they caught you, they put you in handcuffs. Those handcuffs, by the way, from an adult novelty store.
- There was a Category Five Cash Grab - again, individual and group. You were subjecting yourself to Cat 5 winds as you scrambled to catch as much real money as you can.
- A catalytic converter, two bikes and a handful of copper pipes race against time. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?
- The Beer Belly Florida Sumo, that again for both individual and group
- And the Chicken Coop Bingo, where two chickens will decide whether you win or lose. I'm not exactly sure how that one all played out.
Best quote from the event- Florida Man James Gordon, who won the barbecue pork and sausage speed eating contest. And he looked exactly the way you would expect a Florida Man who just won the barbecue pork and sausage speed eating contest.
He said, "I've lived in Florida my whole life. They're calling these events. I'm calling this Tuesday afternoon."
https://youtu.be/_8QLeqm8W6A?si=-Yt_1sthxaPDvLP8
Who Remembers The New Jersey “Day Trip”?
Day TRIPPIN'! Who remembers?
Pack up a sandwich and jump in the car kids- We’re going on a day trip! I have always loved a GREAT New Jersey Day Trip!
Ahhhh…the days when trips for a day in the summer were a cool kind of "mini vacation" and a very New Jersey thing to do.
On day trips you went with your family, cousins, friends, and neighbors and the Garden State sure had some "unique" places to visit. No cell phones are required. Just living in the moment. Making memories.
My Memories
I remember being a kid back in the day eating lunch in the car and waiting in line to go on these unique one-day adventures.
Ironically some of the places I visited as a kid are still going strong and while the "day trip" may be a thing of the past, fun things to do never, ever go out of style.
I know you must have had some of the same experiences, so if you were a "day tripper" too, hit me up at TC@WDHAFM.COM
and tell me where you went and what you did.
TC's Web Page
And check out my list below of a few of my favorite "day trippin'" places....
Also, check out some more of my "New Jersey history and nostalgia" stories on WDHAFM.COM
With an almost 50-year history as New Jersey's ROCK station, we love looking back AND of course, looking ahead to the future and highlighting memories that we experienced and of course promoting those that are still existing in New Jersey history!
Rock On New Jersey!
Action Park- Vernon
I have written about Action "Traction" Park in multiple WDHA stories, because I spent so much time there as a kid and a teen AND I'm so grateful I made it out with only cuts and bruises!
Located in Vernon New Jersey and open in 1978, this water turned amusement park was the ultimate "day trip".
In fact, I remember going on school trips to the home of the "Alpine Slide", "Tarzan Swing", "Wave Pool" and "Go Carts" . An adventure? You bet. If you haven't seen the HBO Max Documentary- "Class Action Park"- you must! Every Jersey kid of a certain age rocked the park (Matt Murray worked there!) and we have the scars to prove it!
Wild West City - Byram
"Take Me Down To Wild West City".....Oh wait, that's something else!
Cowboys, rides and attractions, this unique theme park has been around for more than 65 years keeping the old west alive. AND it's still around. Renovated and waiting for you to visit.
Early Wild West City Commercial
Turtle Back Zoo- West Orange
The Turtle Back Zoom opened in 1963 and has one mission....
"TURTLE BACK ZOO is committed to providing an enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation, so that present and future generations are inspired to understand, appreciate and protect the fragile interdependence of all living things."
It was my favorite place to go as a kid, and I'm sure I still have my elephant key somewhere.
From 2000-2006 the Zoo modernized, making many upgraded changes and In September 2006 Turtle Back Zoo was granted accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. This distinct honor places Turtle Back Zoo amongst the elite zoos and aquaria of the United States and means that the zoo adheres to the highest standards for zoos in the country.
Gingerbread Castle- Hamburg
The castle was "so pretty' and even though it was mostly just a tour it let your imagination run wild.
You felt you were a part of a story!
Boardwalks! Come On- It's New Jersey!
If you were a North Jersey kid, nothing better than a day trip to the shore. Or "down the shore" .
Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights and Wildwood were all fun and busy boardwalks for great summer New Jersey memories!
Sun Tan Lake - Riverdale
If you didn't have a pool or the energy to hit the beach, jamming at the lake was a fun day trip option. Swimming, eating snacks and adventures on the weekends with your pals! And of course the concerts.....OMG...so much fun....but that is another story.
I have to post some concert stuff...come on!
Land Of Make Believe - Hope
It's still there! Renovated and updated, I need to take the WDHA staffers there for a "day trip staff bonding session"
Check out the "vintage commercial" too- I love it.....
