Memorial Day Weekend is usually a time in which banner planes buzz up and down the Jersey Shore advertising drink specials, pizza deals or local businesses to the sun-seekers below.
On Sunday in the Wildwoods, a few went political, apparently over the reopening of most Jersey Shore beaches from months-long coronavirus restrictions.
One aimed at Gov. Phil Murphy said: “Murphy’s mom voted for Guadagno.” (Murphy ran against Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in 2017. His mother, Dorothy, died nine years before that election.)
And another said, "Tom Wolf likes to color” - an apparent reference to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s color-coded reopening plan.
Wolf was at odds with fellow Democrat Murphy last week, saying Pennsylvania residents should stay away from the Jersey Shore and Maryland beaches.
“I am not sure why the governors of Maryland and New Jersey have opened their beaches, but they have...I wouldn’t go to the beach," Wolf said.
A second plane flew past the North Wildwood beach Sunday, pulling a sign saying "Wolf likes to color"
An employee at Paramount Air Service, an aerial advertising company, confirmed to NJ Advance Media a client had paid for the two signs to fly along the coast, but would not disclose more information.
Further north, in Sea Isle City, beachgoers saw planes that displayed, "Resist Murphy,” and “Wolf is the Nerd King.”
Political advertisements on Jersey Shore banner planes are common, particularly closer to Labor Day as election season heats up.
A few businesses have garnered media attention for opening before New Jersey restrictions allow, and on Monday, a rally in Point Pleasant Beach will call for businesses deemed nonessential top reopen.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.