THIS WEEKEND: Maritime Festival, Fantasy Faire & MORE

36th Annual Cape May Point 5 Mile Run
Saturday, June 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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 21. The 2 mile run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5 mile run starts at 9:00 a.m. Early registration starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening June 20 at the Fire Station on Yale Avenue in Cape May Point or by mail. 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.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival
Saturday-Sunday, June 21 to 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse – 111 N Central Avenue, North Wildwood

The Fifth Annual Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival will take place this weekend, June 21 & 22 in North Wildwood (old Anglesea), New Jersey. The 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 pm. Artwork will be displayed in the Hereford Lighthouse Gazebo all weekend with awards given Saturday at 3 pm.

Also new this year is Pirate Day. On Sunday, patrons are encouraged to attend the Festival in their best, sexiest or most outrageous pirate outfit. Prizes will be given to the best dressed male, female and couple. There is no entry fee or registration required. Judging will take place on Sunday with well-known South Jersey buccaneer “Little Joe” the pirate acting as master of ceremonies.

Five book signings are also planned for Saturday and Sunday. Authors Steve Murray, “Guardians of the Hereford Inlet,” Chris Kastle, “From the Icy Fingers of the Deep,” Nancy Patterson, “Hereford the Handsome Lighthouse,” Carolyn Miller, “Counting the Fish in the Sea” and Anita Hirsch, “A Taste of the Wildwoods.”

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.

The 140 year old lighthouse will be open for tours with a $5.00 charge for adults and $2.00 for children. The first one hundred patrons to tour the lighthouse will receive free Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Coffee Mug compliments of local artist Donna Elias. 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.

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is located at 111 North Central Avenue in North Wildwood, NJ. All festival activities and events are free (except for lighthouse tours) and open to the public. Open Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 9 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. Phone 609-522-4520, www.herefordlighthousefestivals.org.

Antique Auto Show
Saturday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 6th & Asbury Ave., Ocean City

Antique Auto Show – Over 300 vintage vehicles. Boardwalk parade after 2 p.m.

Fantasy Faire at WheatonArts
Saturday through Sunday, June 21 to 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: WheatonArts – 1501 Glasstown Rd., Millville

The Kingdom of Wheaton comes to life with characters from folklore, fairy tales and fantasy at the Fantasy Faire at WheatonArts on June 21 and 22. This family-friendly festival blends historic fact with myth and popular fantasy from the medieval and renaissance periods of history.

The event is produced by WheatonArts in partnership with Mystic Realms. Mystic Realms is a theatric arts organization that combines traditional theatric skills with live-action role playing to create an interactive experience where the participant is both the actor and the audience. Strolling costumed characters, portraying historical and mythical figures, interact with visitors on the grounds each day.

This year’s highlights include:

■ Shows throughout the day engage visitors in an interactive story. Watch as the four Baronies of the Kingdom of Wheaton prepare for the Tournament of Prosperity where their champions will fight for glory and honor.
■ Watch sword fighting and other medieval skills demonstrated by stage combat and historical reenactment groups.
■ Children will meet and interact with many characters of Grimm’s Fairytales including Little Red Riding Hood and the Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm, authors of Grimm Fairytales.
■ Hold court with the Knights of the Round Table including Sir Lancelot, Sir Gwian and Merlin. Listen to Queen Mab, Titania, Oberon and Puck tell stories from the Land of the Fairy.
■ Performing Renaissance and folk music throughout the day, both wandering and stage performances, will be music groups 4 Pieces of 8 and the Misplace Pub.
■ Professional stage and street magician, Joshua Berstecher, will perform throughout the day.
■ At the Court of Miracles meet Esmeralda and other characters from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
■ Dancing and drumming techniques by individual and troupe performers. Performances every half hour.
■ Attend Medieval Dance lessons.
■ Musketeer Training with the Three Musketeers. Persons age 14 and older, and in good physical health, can train to become musketeers.
■ Children can attend and participate in the raising of the Spring Pole and wrapping dance at 1:30 p.m.
■ Meet Robin Hood and his Merry Band. Practice your archery skills for a small donation to the band.

In addition, author Carol J. Weakland will sign her new novel, Morgen of Avalon, for visitors both days. Learn more about the author at www.carolweakland.com.

Merchants and vendors offer jewelry, medieval and fantasy costumes, leather goods and psychic readings. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Visitors will receive a detailed program of activities both days.

WheatonArts is open Tues. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Open July 4 and Labor Day. The Fantasy Faire is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts. Adults $10.00, Senior Adults $9.00 and Students $7.00. Children five and under are free.

For information about the event and WheatonArts, call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit wheatonarts.org. For more information about Mystic Realms, Ltd., visit www.mysticrealms.com.

Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) hosts Community Day
Sunday, June 22 – All Day
Where: Cape May

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) hosts Community Day June 22, in 2014 rather than a Friday as in years past, to encourage even more county residents to participate in this annual event.

Community Day is a way of saying an enthusiastic “thank you” to members of the local community by offering admission to some of the most popular MAC tours and attractions for free to county residents. It is only through the ongoing and enthusiastic support of local residents this not-for-profit organization’s cultural and historical programs and preservation efforts are made possible.

With only a proof of residency, MAC offers Cape May County residents free admission June 22 to the following: the restored the Cape May Lighthouse, the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23), Emlen Physick Estate Tours, Historic District Trolley Tours, and Combination Trolley/Physick Estate Tours. Suggested proofs of residency include a driver’s license, voter registration card, passport or utility bill. Children under the age of 18 do not need to prove residency, but must be accompanied by an eligible adult.

Some tours may be subject to availability. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org.

ELTC’s and The Cape May Film Society’s “Sunday Film Series” – Pilots and Pirates
Sunday, June 22 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May – 500 Hughes Street, Cape May

“Wings,” shown June 22 at 8:30 p.m., is the first of ELTC’s and The Cape May Film Society’s “Sunday Film Series” with the theme “Pilots and Pirates.” The other “Pilot” film is “The High and the Mighty” June 29 and both are directed by William Wellman. The “Pilot” films are “The Crimson Pirate” and “The Black Pirate” Aug. 3 and 10 at 8:30 p.m. In the fall, Oct. 19 at 8:00 p.m., the final day of the Cape May Film Festival, it’s an evening of spooky classic silent short films.

Tickets for “Wings” are $15, and for “The High and the Mighty,” $10, with ages 12 and under free. The location is The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., where ELTC is in residence. For reservations and information, contact ELTC at 609-884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org.