Carolina Beach kicks off summer events

Crowds gathered in Carolina Beach last night for the kickoff of the Boardwalk Summer Blast event series. There are more than 100 events scheduled throughout the summer, including bands, dancing, bingo and plenty of food and fun for the entire family.

One business that opened five weeks ago is hoping the traffic on the boardwalk will generate some good business over the summer.

"We’d like to provide something of quality and things that people can afford and family entertainment," said Marshall Cooper of Island Ice Company. "It is a challenging time, but people are looking to also forget some of those things that are in the economy and get out and live life."

Blues legend Mojo Collins entertained the crowd last night. Local rock band Machine Gun will do the honors tonight at 6:30 followed by fireworks at dusk.

You can find a complete schedule at boardwalkmakeover.org.