By BILL BARLOW
You may still be snacking on the few leftover pieces of Halloween candy, or slipping a couple of fun-sized favorites from your kids’ Trick or Treat haul.
There’s even a decent chance you’re still meaning to put the beach umbrella and boogie boards away for the season.
But at this point, there’s no denying it, summer is gone for 2019 and autumn is well underway, with winter not far behind.
That doesn’t mean the fun is over in Sea Isle City, according to Katherine Custer, who heads up public relations, recreation and tourism for the city.
“Our autumn calendar is filled with events and activities,” she said, with a full schedule through the end of the year. “The Christmas season is a busy one in Sea Isle City.”
Like other shore communities, Sea Isle used to all but shut down after Labor Day, she said. It still quiets down, but the city remains a popular getaway for second homeowners, and there are events for the year-round population as well.
Marine veteran Dennis Felsing Sr. receives a Quilt of Valor during Sea Isle City's 2018 Veterans Day service.
Coming up on Monday, Nov. 11, Sea Isle will continue its long tradition of observing Veterans Day at Veterans Park, starting at 11 a.m.
That’s the time the Nov. 11, 1918, Armistice took effect, ending World War I. In case of rain, the event will be held indoors, at 4501 Park Road, at the former public school. While that event is a solemn remembrance and thank you to American veterans, other events on the schedule to close out the year sound a lot more light-hearted.
That includes a “Girls Weekend” organized by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization each fall, set throughout town from Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24. There will be special offers at retailers, salons and fitness services, restaurants and more.
“Girls Weekend will also feature wine tastings, live entertainment, dancing and more,” reads a description posted by the Chamber. “Participating businesses will be easy to identify thanks to colorful ‘Girls Weekend’ flags hanging in front of stores and restaurants.”
Over that weekend, a pajama party is set to start 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Kix-McNutley's on 63rd Street.
The Pajama Party at Kix-McNutley's is one of the highlights of Girls Weekend.
Heading into the winter holidays, a parade and tree lighting are planned, with Small Business Saturday to follow.
The Holiday Extravaganza Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 at Central Avenue, heading along JFK Boulevard to Excursion Park.
The season opens in earnest a half-hour later. Mayor Leonard Desiderio is set to light the community holiday tree at Excursion Park at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, just as the parade finishes up. When Santa arrives at the park, according to organizers, he’ll light the community tree. There will also be a collection of toys and non-perishable food at the park for local families in need.
Sea Isle City businesses plan to participate in Small Business Saturday, an answer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday launched to entice shoppers to downtowns and family owned retailers. That takes place through the day on Nov. 30, which will also be the Holiday Dash, a one-mile walk or run that benefits the toy and food drive.
The run starts at 59th Street and Landis Avenue, according to organizers. It is sponsored by the Cape May County Chiefs of Police. Runners are encouraged to wear holiday favorites, with a prize planned for the most festively dressed participant.
The Holiday Extravaganza Parade on Nov. 29 will be followed by the lighting of a towering tree in Excursion Park.
Events continue through December. The Sea Isle City Historical Museum at 4800 Central Ave. plans an open house from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11.
The same day, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Chamber will present a holiday stroll around town, during which businesses will offer sales and specials, with entertainment offered around town, along with costumed characters.
From 6 until 9 p.m., a wine sampling is planned at Kix-McNutleys to benefit the Catholic Daughters Court of Our Lady of Mercy.
The annual house lighting contest also gets underway in December, with judging set for Thursday, Dec. 12. Homeowners must register to participate. Call 609-263-0050 for details.
On Dec. 11, the “Santa’s Calling” event takes place, in which children can receive a call from the man in red. There is also a brunch with Santa planned at the VFW Post, 310 JFK Blvd., starting at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
Kelly and Joe Cunningham, of Sea Isle, and their daughters Keira, 4, and Brynn, 6, attended the city's family friendly New Year's Eve celebration last year.
Families with young children may welcome an early evening celebration of New Year’s Eve, running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the former school’s gymnasium at 4501 Park Road. There will be food, dancing and a countdown to welcome 2020 several hours before midnight so kids can get to bed at a reasonable hour.
City officials say hundreds of kids participate each year, and reservations are required. Dinner and dessert are provided. Families are asked to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages. For more details, call 609-263-0050.
For more details on coming events, call the Chamber at 609-263-9090 or City Hall at 609-263-4461. Details are also available by visiting visitsicnj.com
