Annual boat parade raises money, welcomes end of summer
STRATHMERE — Island residents and friends from near and far marked the closing of another summer season with the annual boat parade and house decorating contest along Strathmere Bay.
Wayne Thomas, president of the host Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club, said the event began in 1984, noting that next season would be the 40th annual.
“It started as a play off of other towns, such as Sea Isle City and Ocean City’s Night in Venice,” Thomas said. “Our spin is Nightmare in Strathmere.”
Thomas said the event is the SFEC’s big annual fundraiser to support its environmental activities, such as erecting osprey nests, planting dune grass and holding beach cleanups.
The majority of the funds raised comes from the sale of merchandise, such as themed T-shirts, hats and mugs, while raffle tickets and a 50/50 also are part of the evening.
Nightmare in Strathmere was held Aug. 26 along the bayfront, followed by an awards ceremony and afterparty at the Deauville Inn.
The fun started early on Sumner Avenue beach with “Surfmare in Strathmere,” a children’s surfing contest. There were surfing mermaids, superheroes, ghosts, witches, firefighters and ponies.
The contest has helped turn the parade into an all-day event.
“It was a fun-filled morning for the little ones in town, and the smiles were contagious,” said Janice Connell, president of the Strathmere Improvement Association.
“In the morning, we try to incorporate kid-friendly events,” Thomas said, noting it is more about dressing in goofy costumes than it is about surfing skill. “That transitions into the boat parade between Twisties Tavern and the Deauville.”
Then over on the bay, Barbie and her Dream Boats were everywhere, along with the Sesame Street crew, Super Mario and wolves howling at the blue super moon.
Thomas said the awards ceremony included prizes for decorated homes and decks as well as boats, bringing the entire community into the mix.
“It’s more about bragging rights than anything,” he said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff