Octoberfest in Sea Isle City Celebrates Perfect Season

SEA ISLE CITY — Sea Isle City’s Annual Octoberfest celebration, which was hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Sea Isle City, took place on Oct. 23 under sunny skies. The day included an abundance of family entertainment, including free hay-rides on the beach, children’s activities, live “oompah” music and a pie-baking contest that attracted over a dozen entries. Most of the event’s festivities took place along the Promenade or at nearby Excursion Park, however several local businesses also opened their doors to host Oct. fest activities as well.
While some children were jumping on the festival’s inflatable obstacle course or watching a clown twist balloons into colorful creations, others were enjoying pony rides, playing free games or having their faces painted. There were also magic shows, pumpkin painting stations and other activities adding to the day’s enjoyment for the youngsters.
Meanwhile, adults and children were enjoying a variety of hands-on displays presented by local environmental organizations, including the Wetlands Institute, The Marina Mammal Stranding Center and the Cape May County Beach Plum Association. Additionally, vendors were selling seasonal produce and other items and a handful of non-profit organizations were raffling-off gift baskets and handing out interesting literature. Festival-goers were also able to closely inspect a United States Coast Guard rescue vessel, which was on display and open for tours.
While most people were enjoying the many activities outside, a team of eight judges were busy inside, sampling 16 varieties of homemade pie at The Braca Café. With entries ranging from Caramel Pecan to Pumpkin Chiffon to Black Current Tiramisu, choosing a winner in the pie baking contest proved to be a challenge for the judges. However, in the end it was a “Fresh Blackberry Pie” by Rita Kauffman of Somers Point that was declared the best of the best. For her efforts, Kauffman received a collectible ceramic pie dish, a trophy and gift certificates to Mike’s Seafood Restaurant, the Braca Café and the Lobster Loft Restaurant.
Other winners in the pie contest included a “Crumb Apple Pie” by Chris Cowperthwait, Seaville, NJ, 2nd place; and an “Apple Crisp Pie” by Rachel Mammele, Seaville, NJ, 3rd place. Lara Litwornia, Tabernacle, NJ, who baked a”Sweetie (potato) Pie” received honorable mention. Each of the runners-up in the pie bake-off also received a variety of great prizes, such as gift certificates to Uncle Oogie’s Pizza and O’Donnell’s Pour House Restaurant.
As the Oct. fest fun was coming to a close, Tom Henry, one of the event’s organizers, stated that the Chamber of Commerce was very pleased with the day’s outcome. “We had terrific weather and many fun attractions for the entire family, and everyone had a great time,” said Henry. “The hay-rides on the beach were very popular; and we are already considering adding an extra tractor for next year.”