By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
“Are you ready?” the announcer boomed into the microphone.
Clearly sensing the moment, the crowd instantly joined with the announcer to begin counting down the final seconds of 2019.
“Ten, nine, eight …,” everyone said in unison.
With that, a lighted ball began its dramatic descent from the top of the Empire State Building. When the countdown arrived at “one,” the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
“Welcome to 2020,” the announcer said. “All right. It’s New Year’s Day!”
Although the scene may have been reminiscent of Times Square in New York City, the New Year’s Eve celebration actually unfolded in the gymnasium of the former Sea Isle City public school.
The Empire State Building that provided the backdrop for the ball dropping down was a miniature replica of the famous skyscraper.
And the time? Well, it wasn’t midnight when the announcer declared that 2020 had arrived. It was 7 p.m.
This is how Sea Isle has celebrated New Year’s Eve for more than 20 years. The big community party inside the former school features plenty of family-friendly fun and absolutely no alcohol. It allows children to celebrate New Year’s Eve while still getting to bed early.
“It’s a wonderful family way to start the New Year and show just how family friendly Sea Isle really is,” city spokeswoman Katherine Custer said. “The kids love it, obviously. The parents certainly enjoy it, too, because this is a way to keep their kids safe.”
All the families have to do is bring a non-alcoholic beverage, Custer noted. The city supplies the food and desserts. The party is hosted every year by Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation and Municipal Alliance Committee.
An estimated 350 people packed the gymnasium to eat, dance, sing and hang out with superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Spider-Man and Captain America.
Jack Heitzmann, 14, of Dennis Township, got to spend some one-on-one time with Captain America.
“I’m shocked. I got to meet Captain America,” Jack said, smiling.
Jack’s brothers, Max, 9, and Bryce, 4, also partied with the superheroes. The boys’ mother, Linsie Heitzmann, said she brings her family to Sea Isle’s New Year’s Eve party every year.
“It brings the whole family together,” Heitzmann said. “The parents can come here and celebrate with their kids and know that they are safe. You don’t have to go out to the bars. You can stay right here and have a fun time.”
The family-style entertainment also included face-painting and balloon-making. A line of children waited in the hallway for their chance to sit down with the face painters.
Vivienne Boyle, 5, who lives in West Chester, Pa., was being transformed into a Unicorn Princess by face painter Connie Meyer. Vivienne’s grandparents, Susan and Steve Ahern, of Sea Isle, looked on in amusement.
“I like unicorns,” Vivienne exclaimed.
After the party ended at the former school at 7:30 p.m., revelers headed outside to watch a 15-minute fireworks display over the John F. Kennedy Boulevard beach that provided a boisterous and colorful welcome to the New Year at 8 p.m.
Dozens of spectators chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S” after the fireworks’ grand finale to wish the Eagles good luck in their opening round playoff game Sunday in Philadelphia against the Seattle Seahawks.
Hundreds of people savored the fireworks during a holiday night of relatively mild temperatures and starry skies at the Jersey Shore.
“I thought they were fabulous,” South Seaville resident Bob Wescoat said just as the fireworks were wrapping up.
“I think they were great. I just love fireworks,” added Wescoat’s wife, Debbie.
Once the fireworks stopped, shouts of “Happy New Year” filled the air.
