In addition to devastating fatalities and illnesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our everyday lives – including how we educate our children, conduct business, and interact with one another socially, professionally and recreationally.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has also led to the cancellation of many family functions, social events, and community gatherings.
You may have heard that we recently canceled most of the events that were scheduled to take place during this year’s Fall Family Festival Weekend, including the Food Court on JFK Boulevard, the Seaside Vendors Market along the Promenade, and the free family activities at Excursion Park.
However, we still plan to host our annual Fall Festival Antique Auto Show and Parade on Sunday, September 20.
Also, in place of the festival’s Vendors Market, I am inviting all local business owners to participate in a city-wide Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, September 19. For more information about this year’s Fall Family Festival events, please see the special section of this newsletter.
Another event that we decided to cancel is our 2020 Halloween Parade and Dance Party, which was scheduled for Friday, October 16.
While this is obviously very disappointing news for many of Sea Isle City’s residents and visitors, we hope that all of the events that were canceled in 2020 – including our popular Halloween Parade – will be bigger and better than ever when they return in 2021.
As we all know, tomorrow is Patriot Day – a day when we should all stop and honor the thousands of lives lost during the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. In lieu of our annual Patriot Day Ceremony at Veterans Park, this year we are creating a special 9-11 video, which we will share with everyone tomorrow via our e-news mailing system and on our municipal website. In the meantime, please remember all of the victims of 9-11 and their loved ones in your prayers as we observe the 19th anniversary of those horrific attacks on America.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to all of the police officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers in Sea Isle City and across our country. Thank you all for your service – and for being there when we need you the most.
As always, please stay safe, stay well, remain optimistic, and remember that we are all one Sea Isle
City and together we will be stronger than ever! Also, please remember to “Shop Local” and support Sea Isle City’s business community.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
