Summer unofficially kicks off on Pleasure Island

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — This weekend marks the unofficial start of Summer 2015 and that means everyone is heading out to the beach. The summer is the biggest time of year for beach businesses.

Debora Levin, the Co-Manager at No Problem Island Wear said she thinks 2015 is going to be a great year.

“So far have had a great spring and I really think that lower gas prices have made a huge difference for our island,” said Levin.

And today business was booming over on Pleasure Island. But it’s not just shops that bring folks onto the island. There are amusement rides and free events going on throughout the summer.

John Wharton frequents Carolina Beach and he said he loves all that the area has to offer.

“I just love the music and all the entertainment. I had my first Britt’s Donut. I waited until after the crowds settled down and the novelty waned,” said Wharton.

Those attractions bring people back year after year and create a family environment that everyone can enjoy.

For some locals, summer isn’t all about fun in the sun. The warner weather brings loads of tourists making everything in the area more crowded. But Peggy Brummitt a long time resident of the island said it is all worth it.

“Because that’s the livelihood of a lot of people on this beach make their year round living in those three to four months,” said Brummitt.

One thing everyone agreed on, they are glad the wait for summer is now over.