Times Talk
New light poles at Excursion Park will illuminate the lawn during events.
EXCURSION PARK LIGHTING COMPLETED
Excursion Park is shining a little brighter following the completion of a new lighting project designed to enhance the city’s premier outdoor gathering space.
The project included the installation of two light poles that will illuminate the park’s lawn during special events, concerts, ceremonies, and community gatherings. The work was completed by Lee-Way Electrical of Buena, N.J., under a contract awarded by Sea Isle City Council on July 22, 2025, in the amount of $176,048.75.
“During our busy summer season, Excursion Park is a hub of many free family friendly activities, from the farmers market to the movie nights to the popular concert series,” said Mayor Len Desiderio. “The new attractive lighting helps achieve our primary objective which is each visitor’s safety and security during our nighttime events and this improvement elevates their experience while they enjoy their time in Sea Isle City.”
At the time the contract was awarded, city officials noted that lighting equipment required a lengthy procurement period, prompting the city to move forward with the project well in advance. The project is now complete prior to the start of the summer season.
Located at the ocean end of John F. Kennedy Boulevard at Pleasure Avenue, Excursion Park serves as one of Sea Isle City’s most recognizable public spaces. The expansive green lawn is frequently used for concerts, festivals, family events, and community celebrations throughout the year.
The park was a centerpiece of Sea Isle City’s ambitious “Beach to Bay” beautification project, a multimillion-dollar initiative that began in 2008 and transformed the JFK Boulevard corridor, the city’s main gateway. As part of that effort, the Excursion Park Band Shell and the oceanfront Promenade gazebo were completed in 2011 at a cost of approximately $2 million.
With the addition of the new lighting, Excursion Park is better equipped to host evening activities while enhancing safety and visibility for residents and visitors enjoying one of Sea Isle City’s most popular gathering places.
Mayor Desiderio presented the 2026 Beach Tag Art Contest Award winners with framed tags of their designs during Community Day in May. Front, from left: Mayor Desiderio and winners Michael Marchio, Sonia Bonita, and Genevieve Conte.
2027 BEACH TAG ART CONTEST OPEN FOR ENTRIES
Calling all artists! Sea Isle City is once again inviting local children with the opportunity to leave their mark on one of the community’s most recognizable summer traditions through the 2027 Beach Tag Art Contest.
“I always look forward to seeing how our future generation views Sea Isle City and how they take their vision and incorporate into their very own beach tag design,” said Mayor Len Desiderio. “Each year, we receive an overwhelming response to this friendly competition, with a variety of entries from all ages from visitors and residents showcasing their unique artistic abilities. The winners definitely do deserve bragging rights on the beach when their families and friends get to show the beach taggers the tags their children, grandchildren or loved ones designed!”
The annual contest is open to children up to age 17, with four winning designs selected for next year’s beach tags. Categories include Seasonal, Winter Holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, and Veterans. Participants may submit one piece of artwork in only one category, and designs may contain no more than four colors.
All entries must be created using the official contest template and accompanied by a completed entry form and signed waiver. Contest materials are available on the Beach Tag page of the city’s website, at City Hall, and at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center.
Artwork may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Tax Collector’s Office on the second floor of City Hall, located at 233 JFK Boulevard. Entries must be received by Friday, Sept. 4.
The four winning designs will be announced during the Sept. 22 City Council meeting and will appear on Sea Isle City’s 2027 beach tags. Winners will also be recognized during Community Day in May 2027.
Lady Liberty, as seen in a drone show.
PATRIOTIC DRONE SHOWS SET FOR SEA ISLE
As part of the nationwide celebration marking America’s 250th birthday, Sea Isle City will host patriotic drone shows on June 30 and July 7, in addition to the annual fireworks display on July 4.
“We’re always looking at ways to enhance our residents’ and visitors’ experiences here in Sea Isle, and these drone shows are another event that will add to the enjoyment, and that will be part of the city’s celebration of America,” said Mayor Len Desiderio.
The June 30 drone show will take place at Dealy Field on Central Avenue, and the July 7 show will be held at 42nd Street beach. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 9pm and will last approximately 14 minutes. The displays will feature patriotic imagery in the night sky blended with a touch of Sea Isle City flair, and will be accompanied by music. Each show, presented by Cape May Drones, will use approximately 200 drones.
For the June 30 show at Dealy Field, the aerial display will be over the marsh area to the left of the kayak launch, with the show facing toward Dealy Field to provide optimal visibility for spectators. Attendees will find the best viewing areas within Dealy Field itself, including near the kayak launch or seated on blankets across the soccer field.
The July 7 show will be over the ocean at the 42nd Street beach. Attendees are encouraged to find spots along the Promenade between 39th and 42nd Streets, on a blanket in Excursion Park, or the beach on either side of the 42nd Street restricted launch area to view this show. Due to the current Beach Fill Project, the precise beach that will be used to launch the drones may have to move one block north or one block South, depending on the progress of the beach fill. Please check visitsicnj.com for updates.
This special event is made possible through the “CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” grant program. The initiative represents an effort across Cape May County to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through locally driven celebrations that honor the nation’s history while highlighting the unique character of each participating community.
Sea Isle's poster for the ACC #YEStobeaches campaign.
SEA ISLE JOINS BEACH PROTECTION COALITION CAMPAIGN
Sea Isle City has joined the American Coastal Coalition’s #YestoBeaches 2026 campaign. The ACC’s mission is to protect beaches and the 129 million people who live within 50 miles of coasts across America.
The coalition was founded in 1996 to ensure that government policies protected beaches and coastal restoration projects. The ACC represents more than 150 communities, including federal agencies like FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Over its 40 years, the ACC has awarded more than $1.5 billion in federal funding.
The 2026 campaign, #YestoBeaches, aims to specifically address storm protection, economic impacts, community stories, and environmental influences. The campaign outlines direct calls to action for Congress.
Sea Isle City becomes one of many coastal towns in New Jersey to join the ACC and support its 2026 campaign. The ACC will voice concerns from Sea Isle City straight to Congress in Washington and fight to receive federal funding for beach restoration projects.
The ACC asks you to sign its petition, call your representatives, and spread the word. If you are a business owner, you can join the ACC as a member organization. For more information on the American Coastal Coalition or how you can make a difference for Sea Isle and shore towns everywhere, visit americancoastalcoalition.org.
