By MADDY VITALE
Things are getting ugly in Sea Isle City – well, sweaters are anyway.
To bring some cheer during a time when everyone seems to need it amid the COVID-19 pandemic, city employees came up with the idea of a virtual Ugly Sweater Contest.
People may submit their entries from Dec. 19 to Dec. 24 and the winners will be announced Dec. 28.
All participates have to do is upload photos of themselves wearing their favorite ugly sweaters to Sea Isle City’s Recreation Facebook Page or email photos to
[email protected].
Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place “best ugly sweaters.”
The contest is one of two virtual events – the other is a Holiday Pet Costume Contest. Both are designed to bring people together for some laughs and the latter contest will also provide needed donations to shelter animals.
“Everything we do has to be done with public safety in mind, so virtual events are ideal,” explained Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer. “One of our goals is to offer holiday activities people can enjoy.”
She noted that this year, perhaps, more than in previous years adding some brightness is especially important, which is why new virtual events were created for the 2020 holiday season.
“Our Holiday Extravaganza was canceled,” Custer continued. “We canceled our New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks. Now more than ever, people can use some holiday cheer.”
Custer said the idea for the ugly sweater contest came from employees in both tourism and recreation officers.
“The contest is something new. It hasn’t done before in Sea Isle and ugly sweater parties have grown in popularity in recent years,” Custer said.
And with people social distancing and following COVID-19 safety protocols by not gathering for parties and other events, it is a way to bring people together –albeit virtually.
Just because events are canceled due to the pandemic, doesn't mean Sea Isle isn't in the holiday spirit.
“We are hoping people will share their photos with their friends on social media when they are posted on our page,” Custer emphasized. “It is just a lighthearted way to have some fun.”
The Holiday Pet Costume Contest was so successful over Halloween, that Custer said the Recreation Office in partnership with the Cape May County Animal Shelter, decided to bring back the zany virtual event for this holiday season.
To view the flier click the link below:
https://accessglobal.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/siteimports/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/Holiday-Pet-Costume-Contest-flyer.pdf
From Dec. 7 to Dec. 18, people can upload photos of their pets wearing holiday costumes to the city’s Recreation Facebook page or email pictures to
[email protected].
And like the Ugly Sweater Contest, prizes will be awarded to the winners.
In addition, the Recreation Office is also collecting donations for the Cape May County Animal Shelter.
The items can be delivered to the Recreation Center at 4501 Park Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 31.
“We had a tremendous turnout for the Halloween Pet Contest and we collected a substantial amount of donations for the shelter,” Custer said, adding that the city employees thought it would be a great idea to do it again for Christmas.
Not only were amusing photos of pets shared on the Recreation Office’s Facebook page, but donations came pouring in for the shelter, she noted.
“We had a carload of donations of food, blankets, cleaning supplies, pet toys, collars and leashes,” Custer said. “There was a wide variety, all of which are needed.”
For more information about the Ugly Sweater Contest and the Holiday Pet Contest call the Recreation Office at (609) 263-0050.
The city just hosted the Christmas parade.
