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[Update: The original release issued incorrectly stated the city’s annual Memorial Day service in Veteran’s Park hosted by VFW Post #1333 would commence at 11 a.m. The services will begin at 10 a.m. This article has been updated to reflect that change.]

Governor Chris Christie will make a stop on the Asbury Park boardwalk May 23 to cut the ribbon on the section of newly finished boardwalk that completes necessary post-Sandy repairs to the iconic structure, according to a news release from the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce.

The ribbon-cutting event marks a new annual tradition in Asbury Park to kick off the summer beach season. It short ceremony will take place just outside the southern entrance to the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall on the Asbury Park Boardwalk at Fifth Avenue at 1:30 p.m.

This newly reconstructed portion of the boardwalk was damaged during Super Storm Sandy and was temporarily repaired in advance of the 2013 summer season. After the summer of 2013, the City was able to secure funding for a permanent repair, which included the total demolition and reconstruction of the supporting piles and boardwalk decking. The City awarded the bid for the work to Reicon Group, LLC from Staten Island, NY who started work in early February. City officials and City Council have monitored the project closely to ensure timely completion.

City of Asbury Park officials, Department of Public Works, City lifeguards, boardwalk and area businesses will be in attendance to celebrate the cooperative effort to get the structural work completed, the stores open and the waterfront will be in tip-top condition by Memorial Day — just in time to welcome the 2014 summer season fans.

The event is hosted by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce and Madison Marquette.

It is the first time the governor will return to the city since holding his inauguration celebration inside Convention Hall in January. He previously cut the ribbon on a new fitness center in Asbury Park Middle School in September of last year.

Earlier in the day WCBS-FM radio host Scott Shannon will be broadcasting live from the boardwalk including live music. Celebrations and remembrance ceremonies will be held citywide throughout the weekend concluding with the city’s annual Memorial Day service in Veteran’s Park hosted by VFW Post #1333 at 10 a.m.

The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit membership based organization that supports the business community through advocacy at the city, county and state level as well as creating and executing marketing campaigns and consumer events to raise awareness for Asbury Park in support of tourism and economic development.

 [Photo of Governor Christie at top is from a 2012 post-Sandy visit to the city.]

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