Trump Wildwood Rally: Road Closures, Protests, Security, Parking

WILDWOOD, NJ — President Donald Trump's Wildwood rally is on Tuesday, but the impacts will begin long before that. People were already lining up for the event on Monday as state and local officials immediately took steps to deal with more than 100,000 people possibly coming to the region.

Officials have revealed logistics such as parking info and security measures, and some major transportation steps were taken that will force hundreds – if not thousands – of drivers to make adjustments starting on Monday.

The rally takes place Tuesday. Doors open at 3 p.m., and President Trump will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Related article: Wildwood Trump Rally: What Will The President Say?

Make sure you're aware of what you can and can't do:

Transportation

Getting around the area will be a challenge beginning on Monday.

Road closures around the Wildwoods Convention Center will begin Monday morning, Wildwood police announced Saturday. Police continued to announce updates on Sunday, including information on handicapped parking.

A number of other changes will take place that will force drivers to make adjustments. Read more: Transportation, Traffic Information For Trump's Wildwood Rally

Protests

Cape May County Indivisible plans to hold a protest outside the convention center at East Bennett and Ocean avenues. The event will begin at 3 p.m., and will also target Jeff Van Drew, the Democratic congressman from the Wildwood area who recently changed his party affiliation to Republican and pledged his "undying" support to Trump.

"We feel a moral obligation to show up and take a stand, rejecting the racism, bigotry, misogyny, violence and corruption of this administration. We also reject Van Drew as our Congressman, who has pledged his 'undying support' to this," the group said.

A number of speakers are scheduled, and the details can be found here.

A group call Real Democrats also plans to hold a protest in the area.

Read more: Huge Protest Planned For Trump's NJ Rally: 'Not Welcome Here'

Event Area

Wildwood police released a tentative outline of the event area, which features several blocks around the Wildwoods Convention Center.

See below:

Here's a Google Maps rendering:

The shaded area will have restricted access. Anyone entering are subject to security screening. The parameters of the event site may change.

Parking

Authorities didn't set aside a specific parking area. Use marked parking spaces on the day of the event, police said. Vehicles parked illegally on private property will be towed.

The good news for travelers? Wildwood's parking meters aren't in use at this time of year.

Prohibited Items

Wildwood Police Chief Robert Regalbuto "strongly urges" attendees not to bring excess baggage, including backpacks, chairs and pets.

The following items won't be allowed in the Wildwoods Convention Center:

• Aerosols and spray containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Ammunition
• Animals other than service and guide animals
• Appliances
• Backpacks, bags, roller bags, suitcases and other bags larger than 12 inches by 14 inches by 5 inches
• Balloons and balls
• Banners, signs, and placards and supports for signs and placards
• Chairs
• Coolers
• E-cigarettes
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
• Glass, thermal and metal containers
• Laser lights and laser pointers
• Mace or pepper spray
• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.
• Packages
• Poles, sticks and selfie sticks
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Signs exceeding the size restrictions (20’ x 3’ x ¼’)
• Tents and similar structures
• Toy guns
• Tripods
• Umbrellas
• Weapons of any kind, including firearms
• Any other item that may pose a threat to the security of the event, as determined by, and at the discretion of, security screeners

Food and Beverages

Attendees can bring food and drinks inside the event site area. But coolers, backpacks, alcohol and glass containers won't be allowed.

The event site will feature several food vendors. Many restaurants will also be open. Read more: Trump Wildwood Rally: Local Restaurants, Shops, Hotels Open

Restrooms

Public Restrooms will be open on the Boardwalk at Youngs Avenue and Leaming Avenue, along with the Doo Wop Museum (Fox Park). Officials will put portable restrooms at the event site.

Beach

The Wildwood Beach will be closed.

Consequences

Anyone who doesn't adhere to the restrictions could face further questioning from federal authorities.

Tickets

Registration is still open for the rally. Here's how to get tickets. Keep in mind that registration doesn't guarantee you access to the rally. Read more: How To Get Tickets For President Trump's Jersey Shore Rally

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