Henry Hudson’s 400th Anniversary Events Scheduled

CAPE MAY — A number of events have been scheduled here this summer for the 400th anniversary of explorer Henry Hudson discovering the Jersey Cape including a beard growing contest and a prize for the 400th car that enters the city on Aug. 28.
Chairpersons Carol Boyd and Robert Elwell visited the Feb. 10 meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May with a list of scheduled events.
On the schedule:
• July 6: Overview of Cape May’s history lecture.
• July 7 East Lynne Theater presents Hans Brinker.
• July 13: Cape May: “Queen of the Seashore Resorts” lecture.
• July 14: Music of the Victorian era lecture.
• July 20: Cape May’s maritime heritage lecture.
• July 21: Maritime music of old Cape May.
• July 27: History of Cape May Point lecture.
• Aug. 4: Music of World War II lecture.
• Aug. 10: Victorian Architecture lecture.
• Aug. 17: John Philip Sousa lecture
• Aug. 27: Judge Frank Visser mock trial: people of Cape May vs. Manhattan.
• Aug. 28: 400th car over Schellenger’s Landing prize.
• Aug. 29: Beachfront parade: 11 a.m. and beach party/picinic: 4:30 p.m.
• Sept. 8” Birding in Cape May lecture.
Most lectures will be held at Cape Island Baptist Church.
Among the more offbeat events: a beard growing contest beginning now with trophies awarded July 4. Prizes will be awarded for the most authentic Henry Hudson beard, the longest beard, the best overall and scraggliest beard.
A similar contest was held 50 years ago in Cape May for the 350th anniversary.
Boyd said a mock trial would be hosted by Frank Visser, described at the “Judge Judy” of Holland. The trial will cover whether Cape May or Manhattan contributed more to the exploration and settlement of the New World, she said. A production crew will arrive from Holland with assistance from East Lynne Theater Company.
The mission of the 400th anniversary celebration is to present events, most of which are free of charge, to bring visitors to Cape May, said Boyd.
Ellwell said he hoped the events would be helpful to the city during this economic slump. He said the city has pledged to contribute $15,000 to the events with a portion as in kind donations.
Elwell said much of the city’s funding would help with the parade. He encourages businesses to donate the event.
The organization meets Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. at Cape Island Baptist Church, Columbia and Guerney streets.
A Web site has been created: www.capemay400.info