The good times keep rolling along this summer, and all over town countless people are enjoying our beaches, local businesses, and the many events and activities that help make Sea Isle City the popular destination it is!

In recent weeks – during which we have had some amazingly beautiful weather – several notable events have taken place that were very successful, including on June 29, when the Dave Farina Men’s Basketball Tournament featured seven teams of talented players, and the Stomp Cancer Run-Walk brought over 1000 people to Sea Isle City’s Promenade.

After the month of June came to a close, the long July Fourth holiday weekend began with our annual Junior Olympics competition at Dealy Field, where nearly 600 children competed in throwing, jumping and running races. I want to thank the small army of volunteers from the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City, who once again made the Junior Olympics a success by hosting the event, making sure everything ran smoothly, and ensuring that all of the participants had a fun morning. --Thank you for your hard work, Yacht Club members!

If you were in town on July Fourth, you know that the holiday literally ended with a “bang” – thanks to our annual Independence Day fireworks display, which was quite a sight to behold! Afterwards, on the morning of July 5, we kept the fun going strong with a new Bicycle Decorating Contest & Family Dance Party, which brought dozens of children and their families to Excursion Park with decorated bikes, scooters and wagons – each of which was trimmed with eye-catching decorations.

In addition to the numerous special events that were offered over July Fourth weekend, I am also happy to report that our other seasonal activities are also going strong, including the Recreation Office’s Youth Basketball League, which is delighting nearly 500 kids each week, and our summer camps and sports clinics, which help many youngsters sharpen their athletic skills, learn about nature, and explore other personal interests.

Additionally, each week, young and old alike are enjoying Sea Isle’s Family Fun Nights, Farmers Markets, Movies Under the Stars, Open Mic Nights for Teens, Beachcomber Guided Tours and Concerts Under the Stars. –And that’s not to mention the many other activities and special events that are being offered this summer, such as the new Adult Pick-Up Softball Games on Monday nights at Dealy Field, the Steve Libro Men’s Basketball Tournament, which takes place this Saturday on the JFK courts, the VFW’s “Dollar Dog Day” fundraiser and the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s One-Mile Ocean Swim, both of which happen on July 20, the Tourism Office’s Christmas in July Celebration with Santa Claus on July 24, and the many other listings that you’ll discover on Sea Isle’s calendar of events, which you can find online at www.VisitSICNJ.com.

With an array of great events to enjoy, a pristine shoreline, terrific dining and shopping options, and the friendliest people you’ll find anywhere, Sea Isle City is a perfect place to enjoy your summer – and I hope you can be with us every step of the way!

Before I close, I remind all motorists to please drive slowly and safely, and be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists, people in wheelchairs, and families pushing baby carriages and beach carts. Also, please don’t block the sidewalk, park against the flow of traffic, or park your vehicle along yellow curbs or in other “no parking” areas, even if you only plan to do so for “just a moment” – because it only takes “just a moment” for an accident to occur.

This week’s “Shout Out” goes to local property owner Joe Cappello, who recently told me that he loves Sea Isle City, and he wants us all to do everything we can to keep it beautiful! Thank you for your kind words, Joe!

Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio