Five Mile Beat > Family Celebration a hit
Last Updated on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 01:43 pm Written by Joyce Gould Tuesday, December 11, 2012 01:38 pm
Over the weekend, the Convention Center in Wildwood hosted the fifth annual Family Holiday Celebration, which is a two-day event involving several thousand island people as well as guests’ from off the island.
On Friday night the Greater Wildwood Jaycee’s sponsored the annual Christmas parade, and except for a slight drizzle it was a huge success.
The parade had a barrage of fire trucks and the Best Overall Fire Company was Rio Grande, with Dennis Township Fire Company winning most original and best illuminated went to Goshen Fire Company. However, Best Overall went to Wildwood Fire Company, Pine Avenue for “The Grinch.”
Best for Public Works went to Wildwood Crest for its entry, Best Comedy float went to Neil’s Steakhouse, Best Marching Band went to Wildwood High School, the only band that participated.
Community Service first place prize went to St Demetrios Church, second place to Vietnam Vets & American Legion, third place Greater Wildwood Jaycee’s.
In the commercial division, the winner was Bill Shisler Sr. and family for their boat entry, second place was the J. Byrne Agency and third place the Wildwood Convention Center. Best individual/small group first place was Wildwood Catholic and Cape Trinity, second place North Wildwood Brownies, third place “The Green Angel,” presented by Suzanne Muldowney. Finally the “Holiday Spirit Award” went to the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce entry that had Santa on the float at the end of the parade. Nick Konides was the toy soldier for the parade with his daughters Nicole and Sophia along with Cecilie Reeb and Jenna Sittineri.
The head of the Jaycees is Jodie DiEduardo and she made sure that the parade moved smoothly. She was also in control of two craft tables for the children, one so that that children could design their own Christmas stocking and another for children beaded bracelets and door hangars of snowman and reindeer. Each table was crowded and the children were very excited about the program.
Speaking about children, they were everywhere at the craft tables and also getting their faces painted. Kahlan and Samantha Schaffer from North Wildwood had theirs done and so did the Gift brothers John and Ben from Lower Township.
There were several vendors in place including the American Girl doll clothes concession. Many bought items for their little girls, including Jen Vodges and Ava, Lisa Harkins and Chole, and Trish Feketics and Megan.
Rob Seitzinger was there representing the “Freedom Fighters”, an organization that aids American troops overseas. From donations that he receives, packages are sent containing items you don’t ordinarily find like DVDs, silly string, Band-aids, magazines and feminine products for women overseas. He was very successful and the donation jar was extremely full.
There was a magician, several balloon people, and the “Avalon String Band” played as they strolled the convention center.
The highlight was Santa Claus, and hundreds lined up to sit on his lap and have their picture taken, including Olivia Baxewans, Diane Baker, Vincenzo Fusco-Sweeney, and the Farreny twins William III, and his sister Aubrey.
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