Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/572452
9 B M & T ••• May/June 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CRDA AND ATLANTIC CITY CELEBRATE PACIFIC AVENUE PAVING, SMOOTH START TO SUMMER SEASON The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and the City of Atlantic City recently celebrated the comple- tion of a long-awaited milling and paving project on Pacific Avenue, using it as an analogy for the ensuing start of the sum- mer tourism season. Noting that Pacific Avenue has the smoothest surface it's had is dozens of years, CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri said, "This is symbolic of a smooth start for what should be a very exciting season with new attractions and a stel- lar entertainment lineup." CRDA funded the $6.3 million paving project and acted as the general contractor, on behalf of the City. The celebration included a ribbon cutting with Mayor Don Guardian skateboarding through the ribbon to demonstrate the flat, bump-free surface, accompanied by a City taxicab and a jitney – two enterprises that were especially affected by the formerly rough surface of the road and detours during the paving project. Mayor Guardian and Palmieri cited new developments including Tropicana's new Boardwalk-front sound and light show, Bass Pro Shops, Festival Park at Borgata, renovation of The Pier Shops into The Playground, completion of renovations at the Claridge, beach concerts, free nightly entertainment on the Boardwalk, top headliners at Boardwalk Hall and casino showrooms, major special events including the Atlantic City Airshow, and new air service at ACY through Air Canada and Choice Aire as reasons Atlantic City is the Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore. Many of these new non-gaming attractions are supported through CRDA funding. Pictured here left to right – Ambassador Terry Hose, Mayor Guardian, Palmieri and Ambassador Diego Alicia. THE BAHAMAS OFFERS THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAVELERS TO SWIM WITH PIGS The Bahamas is the "Official Home of the Swimming Pigs". Visitors to the islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience of swimming with the pigs on the uninhabit- ed island of Big Major Cay, which is home to these special crea- tures and affectionately called "Pig Beach." The swimming pigs join the vast selection of aquatic activities already popular with visitors to The Bahamas, from snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles to shark and eel sightings to scuba diving. The family of pigs, dubbed 'adorable' by tourists, locals and media alike, have become incredibly popular. They live freely on the sandy beaches, and after basking in the sun for hours, they swim in the surf. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of the almond trees to greet visitors that bring them treats. They are also fed by the crews of passing yachts and vessels. It is unknown how the pigs originally came to live on Big Major Cay, as they aren't native and the island itself is unin- habited. Popular lore suggests that the pigs were dropped off by a group of sailors who wanted to come back and cook them, or that there was a nearby shipwreck and the pigs swam to safety. However it was that they came to be, there are now approxi- mately 20 pigs and piglets surviving easily on Big Major Cay, partly because the island is blessed with three freshwater springs, and partly due to the generosity of visiting Bahamians and tourists. The director general of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, has concluded that, "As a destination that is world- renowned for welcoming visitors and providing them with the most beautiful beaches, lavish hotels and resorts, and fine din- ing, and for being a dream destination, the Islands of The Bahamas are very proud to be the Official Home of the Swimming Pigs. Providing visitors with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of interacting with these wonderful animals is just one more thing that distinguishes The Bahamas." Visitors may book their visits to Big Major Cay for their opportunities to swim with the pigs through a variety of excur- sion vendors on The Islands. More information regarding the available excursions may be found by visiting www.- Bahamas.com.