From post-feast Turkey Trots to festive holiday extravaganzas, here’s how to do the shore the week of Turkey Day.
Festival of Trees
Wednesday, November 27th from 5 pm
Where: The Whitebrier -260 20th St, Avalon
Kick off this fun weekend with Festival of Trees at The Whitebrier, 260 20th St. Sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association, local businesses will decorate holiday trees and wreaths that will be available for auction starting Nov. 27 at 5 pm. Participants are encouraged to bid on the trees throughout the weekend (bidding continues Friday at Noon). Winners will be notified on Nov. 30, and can take home a beautifully decorated tree or wreath for a shore home that day.
The Fast and The Furriest 5K Turkey Trot & One Mile Fun Run
Thursday, November 28th from 8:30 am
Where: Music Pier -Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk, Ocean City
A 5k run/walk Thanksgiving morning and 1 mile kids fun run benefits the Ocean City Humane Society. Pre-register on line at www.active.com . Registration 7:00 am – 8:25 am in front of the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Race starts at 8:30 am. Applications available at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, The Sneaker Shop and the Humane Society. For more information call 609-398-5068.
Brendan’s Fund 11th Annual Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 28th from 9 am
Where: Cape May Fitness – 600 Park Blvd, Cape May
Get “fit before you feast” with Brendan’s Fund 11th Annual Turkey Trot the morning of November 28th starting at 9 am. Sponsored by Cape May Fitness, the trot will commence at 600 Park Blvd in West Cape May. Wear your Thanksgiving pilgrim best and walk, run, or bike your way to the trot’s finish line.
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 Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Walk
Friday, November 29th from 10 am
Where: Avalon Community Hall – 3001 Avalon Ave, Avalon
On Nov. 29, support the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children, with the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Walk. This event is not only the best way to burn the calories from that extra slice of pie, but also supports a local nonprofit organization. The run will begin at 10 a.m. (packet pick-up at 8 a.m. at Avalon Community Hall), and will take participants on a scenic route through Avalon.
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.
19th Annual Great Cookie Exchange
Monday, December 2nd from 6 to 8 pm
Where: Cape May Elementary School – 921 Lafayette St, Cape May
The Center for Community Arts is excited to present the 19th annual Great Cookie Exchange, Dec. 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Cape May Elementary School, 921 Lafayette Street, Cape May. Kids young and old are welcome to make cookies, decorate cookie baskets and hats, make holiday cards and ornaments, and get your photo taken with Santa. The event is free and open to the public.
Every year, the cafeteria turns into Santa’s bakeshop where children and the young at heart decorate and eat holiday cookies to their heart’s content. This Cape May holiday ritual also brings together artists, bakers, crafts people and volunteers. No time to bake cookies, order cookie dough from Chef Michele of the Red Store. Chef Michele will make dough and deliver it to the event for $2.00/lb. Call 609-884-7525 to order. This offer is valid for the Great Cookie Exchange only.
Children’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tuesday, December 3rd from 6 to 7 pm
Where: Sea Isle City Hall – 4501 Park Rd, Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City residents and their children and grandchildren are invited to attend a special Children’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 3, at 6:00 p.m. in front of City Hall, 4501 Park Road. Hosted by Mayor Leonard Desiderio, the gathering will feature the illumination of the City Hall Christmas tree, Christmas caroling, and an appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive on a fire engine. Children attending the event will also enjoy sweets and cookies, provided by Sea Isle City’s local parents association.