The recent government meeting highlighted the success of the Celebrate Wildwood event, which showcased the community's history and engaged residents in local heritage. Despite a tight planning schedule, the event featured one of the largest displays for the history tent and a well-attended parade, drawing significant community participation.
Robin, a member of the commission, reported that the event resulted in the sale of 15 history books, with additional interest sparked by a recent article in West News Magazine. A notable moment included a visit from Tobias, a traveler from Germany, who stopped by the history tent during his journey along Route 66, providing a memorable photo opportunity.
The meeting also revealed insights from a survey conducted during the event, indicating that revitalizing Route 66 remains a top priority for residents. However, there was a shift in focus towards sharing the history of public areas, surpassing the preservation of historic buildings in community interest.
Additionally, there was enthusiasm for the Essen Long Cabin project, with attendees eager to learn about its construction timeline. The demand for historic community marker replicas continues, reflecting a consistent interest in local heritage.
Mayor Garritano's presence at the event underscored the city's commitment to historic preservation, although concerns were raised about lower foot traffic this year, attributed to hot weather conditions. The meeting concluded with a call for continued engagement and planning for next year's events, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preserving Wildwood's history.