By Donald Wittkowski
Look at a map of the Jersey Shore and see if you can find a place called “Delaware County East.” Some people refer to it as “Delco East.”
Well, it does exist. It’s just not officially denoted on the maps.
Over the years, Sea Isle City has acquired the nickname of “Delaware County East” in recognition of the influx of tourists from the Philadelphia suburbs who spend their summer vacations in the popular beach town.
Looking to solidify the relationship between both communities, the Chambers of Commerce for both Sea Isle and Delaware County are planning to hold a meet-and-greet on June 29 at the Kix-McNutley’s bar and entertainment complex to promote tourism and business.
“I’ve heard that many, many people come here on vacation from Delaware County,” said Sea Isle Mayor Leonard Desiderio, who owns Kix-McNutley’s.
Desiderio pointed out that quite a few residents from Delaware County own second or even third homes in Sea Isle as vacation retreats.
“Sea Isle has been popular for people from Delaware County for the last 10 years,” he said. “During the first two weeks of July and August, there’s a whole lot of people from Delaware County here. I know, because I see it at my bar.”
Christopher Glancey, president of the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, believes that Delaware County represents one of the biggest – if not the biggest – feeder markets for Sea Isle’s vacationers. Glancey said the meet-and-greet with representatives of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce should strengthen the relationship.
“To start doing some stuff with them is not a bad idea because a lot of our customers come from there,” Glancey said.
Sponsoring the meet-and-greet for the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is Michael Brady, owner of the Delaware County-based LPL Financial Services firm. Brady owns a home in Sea Isle, said Jessica Hoffman, senior director of events for the Delaware County Chamber.
If the first meet-and-greet proves successful, it may turn into an annual event to help stimulate business and tourism in both Sea Isle and Delaware County, Hoffman noted.
“Clearly, the partnership makes sense,” she said.
Trish McFarland, president of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, said there is a strong kinship between Delaware County and Sea Isle because they offer similar attractions.
“Sea Isle is such a great place for not only Delaware County residents, but all of the Delaware Valley, because of the great restaurants, bars and shopping that we also have in Delaware County,” McFarland said.
During Super Bowl weekend in February, Sea Isle bar and nightclub owner James Bennett said a lot people who live in suburban Philadelphia, especially Delaware County, came to Sea Isle to watch the game at their seashore vacation homes.
“Sometimes, we’re called ‘Delaware County East,’’’ Bennett said in an interview during Super Bowl weekend.
At his LaCosta Lounge liquor store, Bennett carries six packs of Del Co. Beer, a perfect brew for visitors from Delaware County.
