The City of Wildwood's Historic Preservation Commission meeting on August 21, 2025, highlighted the success of the recent back-to-school event, which drew a large crowd despite the hot weather. The event featured nine volunteers at the history tent, where activities such as the Lincoln Log Challenge and the Zombie Beanbag Toss engaged attendees. The commission noted that promotional efforts, including social media outreach, contributed to increased participation compared to the previous year.

During the event, the commission gathered valuable input for the city's historic preservation plan, with 87 participants expressing their interests in various activities. The most popular choice was a haunted ghost tour of Zombie Road, with 60 votes, followed by historically themed festivals and dining at historic restaurants. This feedback is expected to guide future programming, particularly for youth and families.

Commission members discussed potential improvements for next year, including the addition of safety measures for the beanbag toss to prevent injuries. Suggestions included installing nets to protect bystanders and ensuring a more secure setup for activities. The overall atmosphere of the event was praised for being more open and inviting, encouraging interaction between volunteers and attendees.

Looking ahead, the commission plans to order more small-sized T-shirts for prizes and consider additional giveaways, such as hats or stuffed animals, to enhance the experience for participants. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about future events and the continued engagement of the community in Wildwood's historical initiatives.