Sea Isle City Reflections

The search has begun for Sea Isle City’s new Polar Bear Queen Sea Isle City – After 13 years as Polar Bear Queen in Sea Isle City’s annual Polar Bear Plunge, Dr. Irene Jameson is ready to relinquish her throne at the age of 82. Some may say that they’ve heard this from her in the past, but this year it is definite. So definite, in fact, that the Sea Isle City Tourism Commission has already begun a search for a new Polar Bear Queen, andthey have wasted no time beginning their search.  A Polar Bear Queen Contest is currently underway to find Jameson’s replacement, and, considering the event’s popularity, a good turn-out is expected. A new queen will crowned at the next Polar Bear Plunge on February 16, 2008, and Jameson will be on hand to officially pass the baton. The contest for a new queen will serve also as a fund-raiser, and all contestants will be partly judged on how much money they raise. Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation of New Jersey and the balance will support free family events sponsored by the Tourism Commission.  Interested participants must be 21 years of age, or older, and must agree to adhere to a strict “Polar Bear Queen Conduct Code.” The new queen must also follow specific guidelines, such as being willing to wear a swimsuit while riding on a throne of ice. All contestants must jump in the ocean in February because, according to Jameson, “Real queens do plunge!” Jameson, who has been the director of Sea Isle City’s Public Relations Department for 18 years, was the original organizer of the city’s first Polar Bear Plunge 13 years ago. She got the idea from her son, Robert Jameson, while he was working as a police officer in New Castle County, Delaware. At that time, police officers of the entire state of Delaware were planning a plunge to raise funds. That’s when a light bulb went off over Jameson’s head, and the glow from that bulb would lead Sea Isle City toward a new tradition. In February, 1994, when Jameson and a handful of others took their first plunge, there was only an estimated 100 bystanders in attendance on the beach. But word quickly spread and the event has attracted more and more people every year since. In 2007, the plunge attracted a record 1000 “plungers” and over 10,000 viewers. What a difference a decade has made.

On the first year of the plunge, Jameson had her husband, John, paint “AARP” on the backside of her swimsuit. That was so well received, it started the whole idea of wearing a different costume every year. Some of her costumes are even on display at the Sea Isle City Historical Museum.

“The coldest year was 2003, with snow on the beach, 33 degree ocean temperature, 20 degree air temperature and brisk winds making the chill factor single digits,” said Jameson. “Many of the plungers never returned after that year; I think some of the viewers stopped coming after that year too. However, many others have turned out to replace them since then.” Now that she is officially retiring, she has mixed emotions about passing the torch to a new Polar Bear Queen.

“I was supposed to retire after my 10^th plunge when I was 79, but I wanted to keep going into my 80’s. Now, I am sad but I am also glad, and I am sure that the Tourism Commission will do a good job selecting a new queen.  Plus, I think it will be good to have a new queen every year, so it will be more interesting,” said Jameson. Polar Bear Queen Applications can be obtained on the Tourism Commission’s website, www.seaisletourism.org, or by phoning (609) 263-TOUR.  

Six beachfront properties burned to the ground Saturday Evening in Sea Isle City. Properties between 64th Street and 65th Street burned to a char early Saturday evening. Fortunately the properties were vacant and the wind was calm or things could have been worse. Investigators are searching for the cause of this devastating blaze.

A transportation Committee was formed earlier this year by the new City Council, to provide a trolley service for our summer visitors. The Committee is speaking with the Great American Trolley Company, reviewing the different types of services available and determining which are most applicable to our city’s needs. Yet to be determined is the planning routes, times, costs, subsidies, etc.

A program of this type will relieve some of the congestion and transport people to the downtown business district who may otherwise avoid the area because of parking problems. The committee is confident that a Trolley service will be in place by Memorial Day Weekend 2008.

The weekend of October 20th, 2007 will be the first annual Octoberfest in Sea Isle City. Everyone will be able to enjoy a family fun day with activities for all ages. There will be a beer garden and fun for all.

July 4th is a major event in Sea Isle City, but next to that, the Sea Isle City Baby Parade comes in at a close second. Locals and tourist all enjoy the parade with contestants, floats, and costumes of small children from around the area. A fun time for all, the Baby Parade is a must see if you are in the Sea Isle area.

For those of you who love watching the fireworks in Sea Isle City, don’t panic. The cancellation on Wednesday July 4th because of strong winds has them re-scheduled for Friday July 5th at dark. Come over to Sea Isle on Friday and enjoy all the excitement.

Mayor Len Desiderio once again triumphed on May 8th as he defeated his closest rival, Don Larick for mayor. Len won by almost 200 votes after the citizens of Sea Isle City voted for a change in government last November. Congratulations to Len who will once again lead our city for a four year term.

Just a reminder that seasonal beach tags in Sea Isle City are $12.00 up until May 15th. After May 15th, the rates goes up to $15.00/tag.

This past Sunday was the 9th annual Ocean Drive Marathon that started in Cape May and ended in Sea Isle City. Although the weather was cold, damp, windy, and cloudy, hundreds of participants entered this marathon. If twenty six miles was too long, you could run a 10 mile, 5k, or 1.5 mile walk/run on the Promenade.

The event was a huge success and the monies raised go to local charities. Our applause goes out to the Ocean Drive and all of their efforts.

   Owning a second home or future retirement home at the Shore is a GREAT long term investment. Historically, properties have appreciated by an average of 15% per year over the past 25 years.The downturn is over. It’s “OK” to buy again. In fact, savvy investors will make a purchase within the next 12 months.Interest rates are still at historic lows. Prices have come down, and there are good buys to be had. Sea Isle City not only has some of the nicest, widest and cleanest beaches at the Jersey Shore; it is situated within 30 minutes of Atlantic City, historic Cape May, both the Ocean City and Wildwood boardwalks, and more than a dozen top flight golf courses, not to mention the myriad of dining and nightlife opportunities. It is the perfect location to access all of what the Jersey Shore has to offer, while residing or vacationing in a clean, quaint, affordable seashore community.