From exotic animal displays to a fierce best-dressed pirate contest, this week at the shore offers a number of celebrations of our local culture and rich history! Shop treasures of the past, snag the freshest local produce, or even support your local heroes with a scenic run along Cape May’s beach. We’ve got your rundown of upcoming event highlights here:
Sara the Turtle Festival
Thursday, June 19th from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Excursion Park – JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City
Festival-goers of all ages will enjoy exhibits by the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the Sea Isle City Beachcomber Guides and representatives from other organizations who will offer information and hands-on displays. There will also be live animal exhibits by New Jersey Nature and the Wetlands Institute, who will give everyone a close-up look at Diamondback Terrapin Turtles, snakes and other exotic animals. Plus, the 2014 Sara the Turtle Festival will have strolling entertainers, face painters, a moon bounce, a sand art booth, a turtle nesting display and mascots – not to mention many family photo-ops.
Non-walking babies are invited to participate in the festival’s charming “Diaper Derby” crawling contest, which will begin at 7:10 p.m. at Excursion Park. Then, at 7:20 p.m., boys and girls, ages 2 to 12, can compete in the evening’s “Turtle Races” on the JFK Boulevard Beach. Awards will be presented to the winners of both competitions.
The Sara the Turtle Festival will culminate with a musical presentation by The Turtlesingers, who will introduce audience members to a variety of live turtles as they sing about the important role the hard-shelled reptiles play in nature. For additional information about the Festival, call (609) 263-8687 or visit www.VisitSICNJ.com.
36th Annual Cape May Point 5 Mile Run
Saturday, June 21st from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Cape May Point Fire Station – 412 Yale Ave, Cape May Point
The 36th annual Cape May Point 5 Mile Run for the benefit of the Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company will be held on Saturday, June 21st. The 2 mile run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5 mile run starts at 9 a.m. A registration form is available at http://cmp5mile.com. The fast and flat course is scenic and offers views of the Lighthouse, Lake Lilly, and other community attractions. Trophies are awarded in all age groups in the 5 Mile run and for special categories. The field for both races usually totals around five hundred finishers. The run is supported by over two dozen sponsors from the Cape May area and has benefitted the Fire Company since 1979.
Craft & Flea Market
Saturday, June 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Wilbraham Park – Broadway & West Perry Sts., West Cape May
The Greater C.M. Historical Society invites you to help preserve a piece of history and enjoy a beautiful day in the Borough of West Cape May at Wilbraham Park! Tourists and locals alike will find it fun browsing (and buying) the many antiques and wares offered. The Colonial House Restoration fund will benefit from the proceeds. For more information, call (609) 898-1236.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival
Saturday-Sunday, June 21st & 22nd from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse – 111 N. Central Ave., North Wildwood
The 5th Annual Festival is a celebration of New Jersey’s rich maritime history. Over one hundred artists, crafters, authors, historians and museums will be on hand. There is also live music, food and children’s activities. New at this year’s festival is a youth art show to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Hereford Light, first lit in 1874. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 will display their creations and three awards will be given for outstanding work. Children and their parents must drop off their work and register (for free) by Friday, June 20 at 5 p.m.
Also new this year is Pirate Day. On Sunday, patrons are encouraged to attend the Festival in their best or most outrageous pirate outfit. Prizes will be given to the best dressed male, female and couple. Judging will take place on Sunday with well-known South Jersey buccaneer “Little Joe” the pirate acting as master of ceremonies.
Sea Shanties, Folk Songs and Stories of the Sea will be performed both days on the Festival’s main stage by balladeers Chris Kastle, Teri Hisplop and Valerie Vaughn. Pirate stories, tales and history will be presented by “Little Joe” the pirate as well.
Tours of Hereford’s beautiful Victorian gardens will be offered for free on Saturday and Sunday at 11 am by master landscape designer and historian Steve Murray. For more information, call (609) 522-4520 or visit www.herefordlighthousefestivals.org.
Stone Harbor Farmers Market
Sunday, June 22nd from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Water Tower Plaza – 95th St. & Second Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ, 08247
For the third consecutive year, the Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market returns to the Water Tower Plaza located at 95th Street and Second Avenue. “The Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market has truly become a destination event for residents and visitors throughout the southern New Jersey seashore region”, said Stone Harbor Councilwoman Joan Kramar. There is no fee to visit the Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market. Parking is available nearby in the Borough’s municipal parking lot, along with ample off street parking.
FUNday at Playland
Wednesday, June 25th from 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: Playland’s Castaway Cove – 10th & Boardwalk, Ocean City
The $15 per person FUNday wristband provides four hours of unlimited access to all rides, two mini golf courses, plus go-carts. Mini-golf and go-carts close at 4:30pm. Wristbands may be purchased starting at noon on day of event at Playland Ticket Booths. Community Quest, Inc.’s FUNday benefit helps to provide innovative “Housing & Employment” services to low-income individuals and families, those with disabilities and most recently veterans in New Jersey. For more information, call (609) 646-0388.
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.