Even though the mercury has been showing temperatures that we usually associate with mid-September rather than mid-October, it’s perfectly clear that the autumn “shoulder season” is upon us – thanks to our City’s ongoing line-up of events and activities. For example, on Saturday my family and I had the pleasure of hosting Sea Isle’s 27th Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival, which brought out the “Italian” in everyone who attended. My thanks go to all of the parade’s participants, including Press of Atlantic City Meteorologist Joseph Martucci, who served as this year’s Grand Marshall; 2017 Italian-American Man of the Year Joe Avanzato, from Azzurra Pizzeria; and 2017 Italian Prince Stefano Libro and his twin sister Princess Mary Josephine Libro, who stole the show during the parade and at the festival! Thanks and congratulations also go to Brendan Haddon for retaining his title as “Primo Cannoli Eating Champion” during the Italian Festival’s exciting Cannoli Eating Contest – way to go Brendan!
Looking ahead, Sea Isle’s annual Halloween Parade will take place along Landis Avenue (45
th to 40
th Street) on Friday, October 20, starting at 7:00 p.m. As is the case each year, the City’s Division of Recreation has been working diligently to ensure that the parade will be a “howling” good time for young and old alike – complete with a wide variety of well-attired participants and entertainers. After the parade, the fun will continue at the Excursion Park Band Shell, where you can dance the night away during our annual Halloween Dance Party. I hope you can join us on October 20 as we celebrate Halloween in grand style!
On October 21 (the day after the Halloween Parade and Dance Party), the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will host their annual Octoberfest celebration at Excursion Park. Held in cooperation with the City, Octoberfest will feature live “Oom-Pah” music by the Philadelphia Brass Band, free hayrides on the beach, a magic show, pumpkin painting and other family-fun. And, if you like to bake, you should consider entering the annual Octoberfest Pie Baking Contest, which takes place at Braca Café, hosted by Cheryl Kehner.
As always, the City’s Visitors Website is the best place to learn about Sea Isle’s Halloween Parade, Octoberfest celebration and all of the other events happening in your favorite seashore community – so go to
www.VISITSICNJ.com whenever you’re looking for something fun to do. You can also phone 263-8687 or stop by the Welcome Center, located at 300 JFK Boulevard, to speak with a representative from the City’s Tourism Office.
In addition to the many family activities taking place this fall, this is also the time of year when the City’s Administration returns its focus to local improvement projects. Please bear with us as we continue to update our City’s utilities, improve our roadways and keep Sea Isle City a safe community. As a reminder, the “Project Updates” section of this E-Newsletter has details about our City’s infrastructure improvement efforts, and you can also find “Project Updates” on our municipal website,
www.seaislecitynj.us.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
