By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Sea Isle City is spending more than $100,000 this year for summer entertainment that includes concerts, family movie nights and an array of special events.
The cost to you to enjoy them?
Nothing.
They’re absolutely free.
“Obviously, everyone enjoys free entertainment,” Sea Isle spokeswoman Katherine Custer said.
Custer noted that the weekly summer entertainment lineup is a huge hit with the public each year and is an important part of Sea Isle’s tourism strategy.
“We receive a great deal of positive feedback from the people who attend the weekly events. Because there is something for everybody, our summer lineup is a big attraction,” she said.
The full entertainment lineup follows below. It includes options for every member of the family. Similar to previous years, this summer’s entertainment features Family Fun Nights, Movies Under the Stars, Beachcomber Guided Tours, Farmers Markets, Open Mic Nights for teens and Concerts Under the Stars.
Those attending the free movies and concerts are reminded to bring folding chairs or beach blankets so they can relax outdoors on the lawn at Excursion Park during the shows.
Reflecting their popularly, the Concerts Under the Stars attract crowds of 2,000 people or more in Excursion Park. Top tribute bands play the music of Elton John, Elvis Presley, Queen, Billy Joel and other big-name performers throughout the summer.
New this summer are Queen tribute band Queen Flash, Stevie Mac performing the music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac and Parrot Beach playing the tropical-themed songs of the late Jimmy Buffett.
Altogether, Sea Isle spends more than $120,000 for its full array of summer entertainment, Custer said.
“We feel it’s a good investment for the community. “The feedback we get from the public indicates that it’s a good investment,” she said.
Following is the schedule of weekly events from June 24 to Aug. 31:
Family Fun Nights on Mondays:
The Sea Isle City Tourism Office will host free Family Fun Nights on Mondays beginning with the Sara the Turtle Festival on June 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Excursion Park. Families will enjoy exhibits from environmental organizations, a “Diaper Derby” baby crawling contest, strolling entertainers, face painters, an interactive “seed ball” booth, and other attractions. The rain date for the festival is June 25.
Following the Sara the Turtle Festival on June 24, Family Fun Nights will continue throughout the summer at Excursion Park each Monday, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a Character Show and DJ Dance Party featuring a different theme each week:
July 1: Summer Kickoff Show
July 8: Mickey’s Magical Showcase
July 15: Minion Mayhem
July 22: Christmas in July
July 29: Royal Princess Showcase
August 5: Trolls, Better Together
August 12: Superheroes Unite
August 19: Villains & Descendants
August 26: Frozen Fever
Farmers Market on Tuesdays:
The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization will host the weekly Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon (June 18 through August 27) at Excursion Park. Shoppers may purchase Jersey Fresh produce, specialty foods, crafts and other items. Call (609) 263-9090 or visit www.seaislechamber.com for more information.
Beachcomber Tours on Tuesdays & Thursdays:
The beachcomber guides will host their popular beach tours from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each Tuesday on the 29th Street beach (June 25 through August 27), and Thursday at Townsends Inlet Park at 94th Street (June 27 through August 29), weather permitting.
The family-friendly beach tours are fun and informative – plus each child will receive a complimentary sand pail, environmental bracelet, and Sara the Turtle Activity Book. The tours are free, but cash donations are accepted. For more information, call (484) 557-5783.
Movies Under the Stars on Wednesdays:
Free family-friendly movies will be shown at Excursion Park on Wednesday evenings at dusk (July 3 through August 28), featuring a different film each week:
July 3: “Wish”
July 10: “Super Mario Bros”
July 17: “Trolls Band Together”
July 24: “The Muppet Christmas Carol”
July 31: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
August 7: “Elemental”
August 14: “Wonka”
August 21: “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”
August 28: “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie”
Acoustic Open Mic Night on Thursdays:
The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization will host the weekly Acoustic Open Mic Night on Thursdays (July 11 through August 22), from 9 to 11 p.m. at Excursion Park. Teens (ages 15 to 20) can enjoy a night out with their friends, sing songs and play games. Call (609) 263-9090 or visit www.seaislechamber.com for more information.
Concerts Under the Stars on Saturdays:
Sea Isle City’s Tourism Office will host the popular Concerts Under the Stars at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday nights (June 29 through August 31) at Excursion Park. A different tribute band will perform each week:
June 29: Streetlife Serenade (Billy Joel tribute)
July 6: Jesse Garron (Elvis tribute)
July 13: Queen Flash (Queen tribute)
July 20: Seven Bridges (Eagles tribute)
July 27: Kick It Out (Heart tribute)
August 3: Real Diamond (Neil Diamond cover band)
August 10: Frontiers (Journey tribute)
August 17: Parrot Beach (Jimmy Buffett tribute)
August 24: Yellow Brick Road (Elton John tribute)
August 31: Stevie Mac (Fleetwood Mac tribute)
For more information about these and other events taking place in Sea Isle City, go to www.VisitSICNJ.com or call the Tourism Office at (609) 263-8687.
