By MELISSA BEVERIDGE
Nicole Kienlen, owner of Paws and Anchor on Main Street in Bradley Beach, is the borough’s new borough tourism director.
Keinlen recently organized the successful Howl-O-Ween event along with the Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 31.
After presenting the Howl-O-Ween idea to the council and asking for permission to have dogs in the park, Keinlen said she got “caught up in the enthusiasm” and decided to apply for the position even though she her business had only been open for six months.
“I love this town and I want to see the businesses succeed,” said Keinlen who is looking forward to promoting more community minded events including music and art. She is planning on having a fun event every month featuring a “crazy theme.”
“I am still in the brainstorming phase,” said Kienlen when asked about her plans for Bradley Beach. “I personally have tons of concepts to work out, and have gotten a lot of positive feedback and ideas from other businesses and members of the community.”
Keinlen said she has collected a “gratuitous amount” of new concepts and events, including collaborating with fellow business owner Brigite McGuire of Intentional B. Gift Shop on Main Street. Kienlen said she’s focusing on gathering information through a “networking/tourism advisory group” that she created to see what people want to see more of in the town. After going over the information, the budget, and time constraints, she plans on formulating an outline of events in January 2016 to share with the mayor and council.
“We’re extremely excited to have Nicole,” said Mayor Gary Engelstad. “She brings an abundance of talent to the role. She has an incredible appreciation of bringing visitors to not only the beachfront, but to Main Street as well. We’re looking forward to seeing tourism in Bradley Beach going forward.”
Kienlen has begun her role starting with preparing for the holiday season festivities. The first event will begin with a beach bonfire on Thanksgiving weekend and end with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Riley Park. The event will include performances from Pam Flores, Elya Vasiliev and TAK “Totally Awesome Kids.” There will also be horse drawn wagon rides. Families can also have their pet pose with the Abominable Snowman at Paws and Anchor.
“My new job is to create fun,” Keinlen said.
