By Donald Wittkowski
Long before Sea Isle City transformed itself into a popular beach haven for summer tourists, it was known as a port for the commercial fishing industry.
A plaque on the wall at the city’s Welcome Center credits the fishing industry for saving the town from economic collapse, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II.
In tribute to its rich fishing heritage, Sea Isle held its annual Harborfest celebration Saturday in the historic Fish Alley district, which serves as an enclave for iconic seafood restaurants as well as a hub for commercial fishing boats.
“Fishing was the original idea to bring people to this town. This is a way to celebrate our history,” said Barbara Steele, Harborfest coordinator for the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, the event sponsor.
The blessing of the fishing fleet is one of the traditions of Harborfest. The ceremony includes a bagpiper serenading the onlookers, while a local minister gives the blessing.
This year, the weather finally cooperated for the festival. The city had endured three straight years of dreary weather that scared away the crowds or forced the cancellation of the event altogether.
Rain cut Harborfest short in 2014 and caused it to be scrapped in 2015. An abbreviated version of the event was held indoors last year after the rain made another unwanted appearance and dampened the turnout.
But Saturday’s festivities unfolded under partly sunny skies, in breezy and somewhat crisp weather that heralded autumn’s arrival.
The crowds were treated to an array of food, live music and family-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon sculpting. There were 20 different vendors selling everything from clothing and shoes to jewelry and jelly.
More than anything, Harborfest is a culinary celebration. One highlight was a chowder-tasting contest featuring six different soups. Festival-goers also enjoyed a clam-eating contest that raised money for Sea Isle’s annual Polar Bear Walk-Run for Autism, Steele said.
Members of the Merritt family, Harborfest regulars from Ocean View, were trying to decide what they were going to eat after their children finished making some sand art.
“Crab cakes, hotdogs, lobster bisque, maybe,” Rachael Merritt said with a laugh while considering the possibilities.
Rachael was joined by her wife, Megan, 4-year-old daughter, Remy, 2-year-old son, Leland, and her parents, Shea and Angel Merritt.
Nancy and Patrick Galloway, a married couple from Upper Township, took some time to stroll along the waterfront and the city’s marina before they had something to eat. They were admiring the private boats and fishing vessels lining the harbor off Park Road.
“I retired from the Coast Guard after 38 years, so I can certainly appreciate the boats,” said Nancy Galloway, a former Coast Guard commander whose duties included serving as deputy group commander of the Coast Guard Air Station at Atlantic City International Airport.
Patrick Galloway, a retired executive chef, said he was well aware of Sea Isle’s maritime history. He is a boater himself.
“This is what this town is all about, the small boats as well as the commercial fishing boats,” he said as he gazed at the vessels docked in the harbor.
