The 2023 holidays are off to a great start in Sea Isle City! If you were here over Thanksgiving weekend, you know that our town was bustling with homeowners, visitors, shoppers, and diners. Also, we had a huge turn-out for our annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 24 – and I was delighted to see so many people along the parade route and at Excursion Park, where Santa helped us light Sea Isle’s giant Christmas tree.

I want to thank everyone who made the parade a success, including the numerous fire companies from nearby communities, local civic organizations, and our municipal employees who appeared in the procession. I also want to thank the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization for providing hot chocolate to the spectators at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and our Tourism Office for organizing the evening’s festivities. Lastly, my congratulations go to the members of Goshen Fire & Rescue for receiving the trophy for Best Decorated First Response Vehicle in this year’s parade.

Now that the holiday season is underway, I remind everyone that the fun is just getting started in Sea Isle City, thanks to the many events that are taking place over the next month. For example, the Recreation Office is once again hosting a Holiday Lighting Contest, which will be judged on December 14, and their Santa’s Calling Program takes place on December 6. Also, the VFW is offering a free showing of White Christmas at the Band Shell this Saturday Night, December 2; the Fire Department will drive Santa through town on December 9; Saint Joseph Church’s Live Nativity takes place on December 16; and our annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display will light-up the sky on December 31.

For more information about these and other seasonal events that are taking place during the weeks ahead, please see the “Holiday Happenings” section in this week’s newsletter or phone the Tourism Office at 609-263-8687.

I have often said that we have a wonderful community for various reasons – but most importantly it’s the people of Sea Isle City who make our town special. With that in mind, I have two stories to share about a pair of Sea Isle City natives, who are worthy of praise…

First, I want to acknowledge Michael Carr, a young member of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol who is also a senior at Ocean City High School. Earlier this month, Michael and his family were surfing in Costa Rica, when a fellow surfer (who was separated from his surfboard) was floundering in the Pacific Ocean. Within moments, Michael recognized the severity of the situation and quickly paddled in the direction of the distressed-surfer, and he brought the man safely to shore, saving his life. Clearly, Michael is someone who can be counted-on when “the chips are down,” and we are very fortunate to have him in our family of lifeguards here in Sea Isle City. Keep up the good work, Michael – and thank you for taking action when action is needed!

Next, I want to congratulate Dan McCann, who recently completed the lofty goal of running a marathon on each of the earth’s continents. On November 18, Dan ran in a marathon “down under,” which made him an official member of the “Seven Continents Club” after completing seven marathons all around the globe – which less than 1000 individuals have done to date. During his most recent conquest, which took place in New Zealand as part of the “Oceania Marathon,” Dan also raised over $1000 for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Therefore, not only did Dan’s most recent marathon serve as an indication of his impressive athletic prowess, it also showed what a big heart he has. Congratulations, Dan – and please let us know what your next big adventure will be!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! Please remember to “Shop Local” at Sea Isle’s many fine businesses as you shop for Christmas gifts and share good times with family and friends.

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle,

Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio