THIS WEEKEND: Turkey Trot, Holiday Extravaganza, & More

From post-feast Turkey Trots to festive holiday extravaganzas, here’s how to do the shore the weekend after Turkey Day.

Festive Friday
Friday, November 29th from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Avalon
Embrace the holiday season with Festive Friday in Avalon! Featuring over 40 holiday activities for the entire family to enjoy!

2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza
Friday-Saturday, November 29th & 30th from 5 pm
Where: Excursion Park -JFK Blvd & Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City
Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 29-30, the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization (in cooperation with the City of Sea Isle City) will host the resort’s 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza.
The two-day event will begin at 5:00 pm on Nov. 29, when a free ice-skating rink free opens at Excursion Park, located on JFK Boulevard next to the Promenade. For those without their own ice skates, complementary skates will be available, courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. Also on Friday evening at the Excursion Park Band Shell, a free Christmas Concert will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 pm featuring performances by American Idol finalist Christian Foti and singer Eric Apelt, host of this year’s Sea Isle City’s Got Talent competition. Then, the Extravaganza’s Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 pm, featuring a fleet of decorated fire engines from around the region as well as other participants – including Santa Claus, who will cruise along on a festive holiday float.
Afterwards, youngsters will get the chance to speak with Santa Claus and tell him what items are on their Christmas wish lists. And, if anyone feels a chill, they can fend off the cool night air with hot cocoa and cookies, provided courtesy of the Sea Isle City Taxpayer’s Association.

The holiday fun will continue Nov. 30, with more free ice-skating at Excursion Park between 12 noon and 5:00 pm. Santa Claus will return to Excursion Park on Saturday between 2:00 and 4:00 pm for an additional meet-and-greet with kids. There will also be live entertainment on Saturday afternoon, including performances by members of the Joanne Reagan Dance Studio, who will appear at the Band Shell between 1:00 and 2:00 pm. For a complete list of businesses that will participate in the 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza Television Raffle or to learn more about the event’s various activities, visit www.seaislechamber.com or phone (609) 263-9090.

Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
Friday, November 29th from 2 to 5 pm
Where: Asbury Ave, Ocean City
Join the merchants & Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. For more information call 609-399-2629.

Wetland Wonderland
Saturday, November 30th from 9:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Wetlands Institute – 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor
Experience the wonders of the wetlands as the seasons change. Learn about hibernation in the salt marsh! Have your face painted and go on a scavenger hunt. Special creature features, visit the aquarium and watch the animals have lunch! Snack on homemade baked goods. We will have extended teaching tank demonstrations, hibernation & winter crafts, games & more. Non-Member: $10 Adult, $8 child, $30 family pack of 4; Member: $8 Adult, $6 child, $25 family pack of 4.

4th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1 Mile Run/Walk
Saturday, November 30th from 10 am
Where: Cape May County Park – 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House
South Jersey Triathlon Club Presents the 4th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1 Mile Run/Walk at the Cape May County Park, Route 9 entrance on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 beginning at 10 am. Awards will be presented for Top 3 M/F and Age Group Awards will be presented. Refreshments available and t-shirts will be issued to all pre-registrants. Register at Active.com or email barbaracresse@hotmail.com. Same day registration at the Park starts at 8:30 am.

Snowfest Saturday
Saturday, November 30th from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Avalon Elementary School field – 29th & Ocean Dr, Avalon
This year, Avalon is excited to announce a new event for Nov. 30. Snowfest Saturday will be held from 11 am to 5 pm at the Avalon Elementary School field at 29th and Ocean Drive. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a winter carnival, complete with rides, a rock wall, bungee jumping, carnival games, prizes, and the added bonus of a second day of the iceless ice-skating rink, which will be moved overnight to the Snowfest Saturday site.

6th Annual Jazz Brunch to Benefit Animal Outreach
Sunday, December 1st from 10:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Merion Inn – 106 Decatur St, Cape May
Merion Inn will host its 6th annual Jazz Brunch to benefit Animal Outreach on Sunday, December 1 from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Enjoy a hot buffet, silent auction, and cash bar along with cool jazz from vocalist Paula Johns and pianist Dean Schneider. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.aocmc.org or at the Animal Outreach Adoption Center, 600 Park Blvd, Unit 3 in West Cape May. Or call 609-898-1738 to make a reservation.

For more information about these, and other community events, see the Herald’s online calendar.

Be sure to visit DoTheShore.com for more information about entertainment happenings and nightlife.