OCEAN CITY -- A staple on the Ocean City boardwalk will be closing as the owner moves on to retirement.

Gillian's Wonderland Pier, an amusement-ride business that's attracted generations of children since 1929, is "no longer a viable business," owner Jay Gillian said in a letter on the site's Facebook page.

The business, along with 6th Street Pizza, will remain open through the weekend of Oct. 12.

"I tried my best to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible -- through increasingly difficult challenges each year," said Gillian, recalling how he started with the family business at age 13.

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Gillian noted he no longer owns the property, "so I can't speak to its future though."

"It's been my life, my legacy and my family," wrote Gillian of the business, where a Ferris wheel soars above a building resembling an enchanted castle.

"It's sad to let it go."

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to [email protected]. Subscribe to stay in the loop.