By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Santa Claus, as we’re all keenly aware, is super-busy this time of year getting ready for Christmas. But he always magically finds time for a trip from the North Pole to Sea Isle City to lead the holiday parade that draws thousands of cheering spectators.
Normally, he is welcomed by shoulder-to-shoulder crowds lining the sidewalks of John F. Kennedy Boulevard when he chugs into town in grand style aboard his Polar Express locomotive. Then, he joins with dozens of adoring children on the stage at Excursion Park for a sing-along of Christmas classics.
But not this year. The coronavirus pandemic has forced Sea Isle officials – and Santa – to revise their plans to instead have a socially distanced holiday parade that avoids bunching up large crowds in one area of town. It will be held 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving.
To keep spectators safe, Mayor Leonard Desiderio has decided to have the parade roll down Landis Avenue from 29th to 94th streets, ensuring that people will have plenty of room to spread out along the entire route.
“We are asking them not to cluster in crowds,” city spokeswoman Katherine Custer said. “There is plenty of room to spread out along Landis Avenue.”
Two weeks ago Desiderio announced the city has canceled the annual Christmas Extravaganza and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Excursion Park because of the pandemic. He was adamant about saving the parade, though, to give Sea Isle’s children the delight of seeing Santa, Custer explained.
“The mayor wanted to remind people that Santa is still coming to Sea Isle City. He did not want to disappoint the kids,” she said.
So don’t worry, kids, Santa will remain the star attraction in the parade. Santa will practice social distancing to set an example for the spectators. The parade will also feature a float with holiday characters. The characters will be socially distanced, too.
The parade will start on Landis Avenue at 29th Street and head all the way to the southern tip of Sea Isle at 94th Street in Townsends Inlet. Then it will turn around and retrace its route along Landis before ending at JFK Boulevard.
Sea Isle is also planning other ways to celebrate the holidays this year while complying with coronavirus restrictions put in place statewide by Gov. Phil Murphy to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Despite these cancellations and restrictions, we need to remain positive,” Desiderio said in a statement. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Sea Isle has done a great job as a community getting through a year like no other, and I couldn’t be prouder. As we enter the holiday season, I ask everyone to remember that we are all one Sea Isle City – and together we will be stronger than ever.”
Among other events, a Holiday Lighting Contest will be open to homeowners and business owners who want to compete for having the most beautiful decorations. Judging for the lighting contest will be on Dec. 10. Pre-registration is required.
Santa Claus will help Sea Isle celebrate the holidays again during the annual “Santa’s Calling” event. Santa will personally call Sea Isle children from the North Pole on Dec. 9 to hear their Christmas wishes. Children must be pre-registered for a call.
Sea Isle’s Recreation Department is also considering other ideas to celebrate the holidays, including an Ugly Sweater Contest conducted online.
For more information on Sea Isle City’s holiday events and contests, go to visitsicnj.com.
