Memorial Day Weekend 2024 was a huge success in Sea Isle City, and it was such a pleasure to see our town buzzing with activity as we kicked off the summer season.
Even though Memorial Day Monday was rather wet and rainy, most of the long holiday weekend included beautiful weather (apart from some foggy conditions on Saturday morning) – so I hope you were able to enjoy our great outdoors and take in the fresh salt air as the summer got underway.
Obviously, many of us look forward to Memorial Day Weekend for obvious reasons — including having an extra day off from work, going to barbecues, and welcoming the arrival of summer.
However, as we all know, Memorial Day itself is a very important holiday that commemorates the men and women of our nation’s military who lost their lives for the sake of freedom.
On Monday, I hope you were able to take a moment to stop and recognize the life of every American who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, because that is what Memorial Day is all about.
That being said, I want to thank everyone who attended our annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which took place inside the Community Lodge due to the rain. It was inspiring to see so many members of our community with us that day, and it reminded me that patriotism is alive and well in Sea Isle City.
In case you have not heard, Sea Isle City was recently declared the third-place winner in USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Beach in New Jersey.
Obviously, we all know that Sea Isle really does have the best beaches in the Garden State — and the finest residents and visitors for that matter — but it’s always terrific to receive recognition on this scale (even if it comes in the form of third place), and I want to thank everyone who voted for our town during USA Today’s competition.
Looking ahead, don’t forget that the city’s Skimmer Festival Weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16. As is the case each year, Skimmer Festival will include a vendor’s market that offers a wide variety of items, a tempting food court, live music, free amusement rides for the kids, and other family-friendly activities on Saturday.
Afterwards, you won’t want to miss our wonderful antique auto show and parade on Sunday (which is Father’s Day) – so, mark your calendar now and plan to be in Sea Isle City during our largest festival of the year!
To learn more about Skimmer Festival Weekend, please see the special section in this week’s newsletter, or phone the Tourism Office at 609-263-8687.
Now that summer is here and our beaches are attracting lots of people every day of the week, I once again remind everyone that “beach safety” should be a top priority whenever you head over the dunes – and most importantly, I ask that everyone remember that you should never enter the water unless a lifeguard is present!
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Dylan Breen for donating a pediatric beach wheelchair to our Recreation Office’s Beach Wheelchair Program.
For his senior class project at Downingtown East High School, Dylan decided to raise money for the purchase of a beach wheelchair that will help children with physical challenges enjoy the beach, and his actions show what a big heart he has.
Thank you for your kindness, Dylan — we are so proud to call you one of our own!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
