For many of us, the arrival of Independence Day makes us feel as though the summer is flying by too quickly – and before we know, it will be Labor Day.
The good news, however, is that this year’s July Fourth holiday was wonderful, and from all reports people thoroughly enjoyed themselves here in Sea Isle City. Our events attracted huge crowds, the weather was generally cooperative, and people seemed to be smiling everywhere I turned. So who could ask for anything more?
An event that always makes July Fourth special is Sea Isle City’s annual Junior Olympics competition at Dealy Field, which is hosted by a small army of volunteers from the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City every Independence Day. And what a fine job they did again this year!
I want to thank each of the Yacht Club members who helped make that event successful. I also want to thank the families of the 566 young Olympians who participated in the races. I hope you all had fun – and I also hope you enjoyed our fantastic fireworks display later that night.
In case you have not yet heard, last week Sea Isle City was declared the second-place winner in the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s 2023 “Favorite Beaches” poll. It was a great honor to be on Ocean City’s boardwalk on Friday morning when Sea Isle City received this prestigious award. I’m very proud that we placed second overall in the Garden State – especially when you consider that New Jersey has nearly 130 miles of shoreline.
I want to thank the good folks at the Sea Grant Consortium for once again hosting their annual poll, and my thanks also go to our residents and visitors who voted for Sea Isle City. Even though we came in second place, I am certain that Sea Isle City is number one in all of our hearts.
In addition to being honored by the Sea Grant Consortium, I am also happy to report that our summer is going very well overall, and our seasonal events are delighting people of all ages.
In addition to our Saturday night concerts and family events at Excursion Park each week, the other summer events that are happening in Sea Isle City also seem to be going very well, including the Chamber of Commerce’s Farmers Market and Open Mic Nights, the Beachcomber Guided Tours, the various 5K runs and other private fundraisers that call Sea Isle City home, and the many other events taking place all over town.
Two more examples of successful events are the Recreation Office’s 2023 Youth Basketball League, which got off to a great start last week with the largest number of participants we have ever seen, and the “Shooting Stars” basketball clinic for young people with special needs, which is also making many people smile each Wednesday night at Dealy Field.
I want to thank our recreation staff for organizing both of those popular programs, and special thanks goes to local homeowner Mary Shields (for hosting Shooting Stars each week) and to all of the businesses, civic organizations and individuals who have shown a tremendous amount of support for that wonderful event. Thank you all!
Speaking of basketball, I am happy to report that this year’s Bill Lidell Men’s Basketball Tournament on July 8 was also a big hit, and my congratulations go to the tournament’s winners, who called themselves “Team Delco.”
Also, I want to thank the eight other teams that displayed their basketball skills in the competition. A big “thank you” goes to Bill Lidell for being such a valued member of our community!
Even though July Fourth has passed and many events have already taken place this summer, please know that there are still plenty of other activities coming your way between now and Labor Day.
One event we are especially looking forward to is our new “Teen Time” gathering at Excursion Park on Friday evening, July 21. During Teen Time, young people can enjoy music, games, and other activities – all for free.
Plus, if they get hungry, the teens who attend the event can buy snacks from Boy Scout Troop 76’s concession stand. So, if you have teenagers in your home, ages 13 to 17, send them to Excursion Park on July 21 for an evening of fun and comradery.
By the way, the idea for Teen Time came about after we received a variety of suggestions from the members of Sea Isle’s newly formed Youth Recreation Committee, with whom I met last winter and spring.
Working with the students on that committee gave me enriched hope for the future – and I am very grateful that they took the time to meet with me and other city representatives to share their thoughts and ideas.
For more information about any of the events that are taking place in Sea Isle City this year, please go to www.VISITSICNJ.com, or stop by the Welcome Center and speak with one of our friendly city representatives.
Before closing, I want to once again remind all motorists to drive safely and follow all of Sea Isle City’s speed limits – and don’t forget that the speed limit along Park Road (aka: Fish Alley) is now 15 mph.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
