Wreaths decorate the Victorian-style lamp posts lining the JFK Boulevard entryway into town.
By Donald Wittkowski
Twin toy soldiers resplendent in their bright red uniforms and black top hats are standing guard at the front entrance of City Hall.
Across the street, three giant gold, blue and red Christmas balls that probably required Santa’s elves to work overtime to make them decorate the lawn at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center.
The Victorian-style lamp posts lining the John F. Kennedy Boulevard entryway into town are draped with garland and wreaths trimmed with red bows. Christmas lights and snowflakes twinkle along Landis Avenue.
Yes, Sea Isle is all dressed up for the holidays to put everyone in a festive mood just before Santa Claus comes to town. Santa will make his official appearance this Friday for the Christmas parade beginning at 6 p.m. and a tree lighting ceremony in Excursion Park at 6:30 p.m.
Giant Christmas balls are part of the decorations at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center.
Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said the city’s Purchasing Office, which is in charge of the decorations, does a fine job ensuring that the town “is well-trimmed for the holidays.”
“People often mention how much they enjoy the snowflakes along Landis Avenue as well as the traditional garland trimmings along JFK Boulevard. It’s a wonderful time of year – and Sea Isle City certainly dresses the part,” Custer said.
Although the chilly weather now may make it hard to dream about leisurely summer vacations at the shore, this is actually a popular time to buy Sea Isle beach tags because they are favorite stocking stuffers. A special holiday run of 2,500 beach tags is expected to sell out before Christmas.
Sea Isle is expected to sell all of its 2,500 special edition holiday beach tags by Christmas.
The beach tags feature the whimsical image of a Sea Isle City Beach Patrol lifeguard stand decorated with a wreath amid the words, “Happy Holidays.” The beach tags also say that the Beach Patrol will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2019.
The holiday-themed beach tags are good for the entire 2019 summer season. The discounted price of $20 represents a $5 savings over the full cost of a seasonal beach tag. The preseason price is in effect for tags bought before May 15.
Sea Isle also offers the option of beach tag gift certificates. They can be exchanged after April 15 for 2019 seasonal beach tags.
Beach tags are sold at the Tax Office on the second floor of City Hall and at the Welcome Center on JFK Boulevard.
They are also available at a cash-only beach tag vending machine on the first floor of City Hall. Sea Isle has bragging rights for being the first town at the Jersey Shore to have a beach tag vending machine. It was introduced in late 2016.
“Fortunately, with the opportunity to buy holiday beach tags in three locations, it’s never been easier to purchase gifts for the friends and loved ones on your holiday shopping list,” Custer said.
Sea Isle also offers an app that lets people purchase beach tags using their mobile devices. Go to www.viplypass.com/sea-isle-city/ for more information.
Wreaths decorate the Victorian-style lamp posts lining the JFK Boulevard entryway into town.
