THIS WEEKEND: Beach Races, Family Festivals, & More!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out some of the fun going on at the shore!

The Race of Gentlemen Vintage Car & Motorcycle Beach Drag Races
Friday-Sunday, October 3rd through 5th 2014 – 10:00 am
Where: Spicer Avenue Beach, Wildwood

Vintage auto (pre-1934) and motorcycles (pre-1948) will compete in an exhibition style beach race at the water’s edge at Spicer Avenue. Friday features a pre-party including a car and bike show at the Starlux Hotel. Saturday features vintage auto and motorcycle races from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. with live rock ‘n roll all day. Beach entry is at 8:30 a.m. for spectators. A bonfire and beach party will take place on Saturday night from 8 p.m. until midnight, with live rock ‘n roll. More beach racing will take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony, beach party and more rock ‘n roll music. Tickets will be on sale soon through Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit http://www.TheRaceOfGentlemen.com.

Toys for Tots Fun Fly
Saturday, October 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Club Field – 125 Main St, Ocean View

Come join us at our field to watch R.C. airplanes & helicopters fly! Take a shot in Paint Ball Alley where you can purchase 15 paintballs to shoot at a R.C. airplane for $3.00. Enjoy a hot dog or burger and chips & soda for lunch. All proceeds benefit the Marine Corps for Toys for Tots. There will also be a 50/50 & raffle prizes donated by HOBBICO & WASP Club.

Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Jackson St, Cape May

Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition on Historic Jackson Street as it is transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food. Visit the Beer Gardens and browse the artisans tables selling crafts, antiques and collectibles.

Harborfest
Saturday, October 4th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 42nd Place & the bay, Sea Isle City

This bay-side festival celebrates Sea Isle’s fishing and nautical history. Festival-goers will enjoy delicious seafood, live music, nautical display, crafts and specialty vendors.

Free Moonlight Nature Walk
Saturday, October 4th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge – 12001 Pacific Ave, Wildwood Crest

Join the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge volunteer guides and interpreters on Saturday evening, Oct. 4th at 7:00 pm at the Two Mile Beach Visitor Contact Station as they lead another in a series of free Moonlight Nature Walks!

October’s Hunters Moon won’t be full until Oct. 8th, but if the skies are clear, we will be able to see the waxing moon as it climbs the sky over the Atlantic Ocean! Also, this will be the first program since April where we will be able to walk on the Refuge’s own beach, which re-opens to the public on Oct.1. This small (.7 mile) section has been closed to the public since April 1 to provide a safe refuge for nesting and feeding shorebirds.

This program is free and open to the public, and is suitable for adults and families with children. Please meet at the Visitor Contact Station at the Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, 12001 Pacific Ave (Ocean Dr), Wildwood Crest, near the former Coast Guard Loran Station. For more information or directions, please email info@friendsofcapemayrefuge.org. Heavy rain cancels the event.

2nd Annual Fall Festival
Sunday, October 5th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Messiah Lutheran Church – 2298 Route 9, Ocean View

A 10:30 a.m. outdoor worship service, remembering the witness of St. Francis of Assisi will conclude with the blessing of the animals. Picnic goodies will be available after the service. Homemade cakes, pies and breads will also be sold Children can participate in games, face painting, etc.

The New Jersey Nature Center and the Cape May County Shelter will be in attendance. The County Sheriff’s Canine Corps will give a demonstration. Through donations, the festival will benefit the Seaview Equine Learning Facility, a horse-therapy facility, and Beacon Animal Rescue, a no-kill pet adoption center. Both of these agencies will be present at the Festival.

*Note: The Wildwoods 7th Annual Seafood & Music Festival that was previously scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, has since been cancelled due to forecasts for inclement weather throughout the day. Check back for updates on the status of other scheduled events.

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