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 p.m. 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 p.m. 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 p.m., 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.
The Extravaganza Parade will run along JFK Boulevard to Excursion Park, then continue north on Pleasure Avenue before culminating at 40th Street next to the Excursion Park Band Shell.
Upon arriving at the Band Shell, Santa, Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization President Christopher Glancey and other local officials will gather on stage, where they will present a trophy to the fire company with the evening’s best decorated engine. Then, Saint Nick will flip a ceremonial switch and light the City’s municipal Christmas tree, which will mark the official start of the holiday season in Sea Isle City.
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 p.m. Santa Claus will return to Excursion Park on Saturday between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. 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 p.m.
Kids attending the Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday will receive juice boxes and cookies, courtesy of Wawa and Acme Food Markets respectively (while supplies last).
On Saturday, the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will raffle-off a flat-screen television to a lucky retail customer in honor of “Small Business Saturday.” Shoppers at participating business throughout town will be entered in the raffle (with required purchase) and the winner’s name will be drawn on Saturday night at the close of the Holiday Extravaganza.
In addition to launching Sea Isle’s holiday season, The Holiday Extravaganza will also serve as the kick-off for Mayor Leonard Desiderio’s 2013 Holiday Toy and Food Drive. During the Extravaganza, collection boxes will be positioned at Excursion Park, where toys and non-perishable food items will be gathered for families in need.
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. For more information about Mayor Desiderio’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive, phone (609) 263-4461, ext. 1245.