A Sea Isle City home is decorated in white lights, garland and red bows in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City)
By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
One of the most cherished traditions of the holiday season in towns and cities across the country is the dazzling display of homes adorned in twinkling lights and decorations.
Sea Isle City is no different. For more than 20 years, the city has sponsored a holiday lighting contest that serves as a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is indeed alive and well in Sea Isle.
“It seems every year the holiday decorations get better and better in Sea Isle City. We’re seeing more homes decorated in lights. It’s a festive atmosphere in Sea Isle, especially around the holidays,” city spokeswoman Katherine Custer said in an interview Friday.
Registration is now underway for the Sea Isle Recreation Office’s 2023 Holiday Lighting Contest, which is open to any home or business in town. Judging will take place between 5:30 and 9 p.m. on Dec. 14 by volunteers from Sea Isle City’s Garden Club. Judges will consider each display’s level of creativity and other features.
To register a property for the lighting contest, call the Recreation Office at (609) 263-0050 or go to seaislerec.recdesk.com
The lighted 30-foot Christmas tree overlooking Excursion Park is one of the centerpieces of the city's holiday decorations.
The contest complements the array of lights and decorations that Sea Isle has already placed on streetlamps, buildings and other public places in town. It also allows local homeowners and businesses to engage in some friendly competition while showcasing their property.
“We promote the event in the hopes that people will participate every year,” Custer said. “Obviously, people put a lot of effort into decorating their homes each year.”
One place already drawing attention is the elaborately decorated VFW Post 1963 headquarters, located on John F. Kennedy Boulevard at the entryway into town.
“This year, the VFW did a lot of decorations,” Custer said. “That’s nice, because they are right at the entrance to town. We are very happy that the VFW is decorating, in addition to the other community-support things they do.”
Meanwhile, more than bragging rights are on the line in the lighting contest. The first-place winner will receive $100 and the second-place property will receive $50, courtesy of 1st Bank of Sea Isle City. The third-place winner will receive a floral arrangement, courtesy of Rocky & Fred’s Creative Design Florist.
First prize in the 2022 lighting contest goes to 305 39th Street, East Unit. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City)
During the contest, the judges focus on three main categories: Creativity (the amount of originality displayed in the theme); Aesthetic Effect (the beauty of the display); and Endeavor (the amount of energy that went into the production).
Over the years, the lighting displays have run the gamut from traditional to more contemporary decorations.
One thing is clear for Sea Isle homeowners: To get in the holiday spirit, just dive right in, untangle those lights tucked away in the garage or attic and shine some sparkling decorations on your residence while enjoying a bit of friendly competition.
