“We wanted to ‘step it up a little’ this year,” said Stone Harbor Tourism Director Joann DelVescio.
The “it” that is getting stepped up is the borough’s annual “Christmas in Stone Harbor” celebration, subtitled, “An Island Christmas.” It’s held every year on Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov. 26-27), and is subsequently the official opening to the holiday season.
Expect the usual festivities — family-style entertainment aplenty — just expect it to be better than ever. There will be the requisite carolers, face-painting, letters to Santa (with the U.S. Postal workers on site to help out), and even an official Stone Harbor Lifeguard Boat you can use as a set for your own photo op. But this year’s theme is particularly compelling.
“This year the store windows will be decorated with scenes from the movie, “A Christmas Story,” DelVescio explained. “There will be a trivia contest based on the ‘Christmas Story’ game, and the correct answers lead to clues that will help shoppers figure out the secret message on Ralphie’s decoder pin.”
Ahhh…Ralphie’s decoder pin — so central to the plot and atmosphere of that classic film.
By simply taking a walking tour of Stone Harbor’s shops, visitors can recreate Ralphie’s Christmas adventure and get to the bottom of the mystery. Of course, they can also discover a trove of bargains along the way, as the shops each offer their own brand of holiday deals.
If you have a pet, bring it along too. Friday at 1 p.m. the Pet Parade kicks off, and this year you can even have your pet’s photo taken with Santa.
There will be carolers (one is abnormally tall, I’m told), and a trumpet player serenading. Hospitality Night runs Friday from 6-9 p.m., and that means not only refreshments offered by many shops, but great specials also.
On Saturday, don’t miss the Sandy Paws run (I had to read that three times before I caught on to the Christmas connection). And the Toys for Tots complimentary continental breakfast at the Woman’s Civic Club (96th and the Beach) is free to everyone who brings in a new, unwrapped toy.
Kids can help decorate the Christmas tree at the Post Office, 96th and Second Ave., while they help feed the birds in a most unusual way.
All day long on Saturday, Just Bead It, 9631 Third Ave. will feature Christmas ornament making, and no matter where in Stone Harbor you buy your presents, you can have them wrapped for free at Diller and Fisher, 9614 Third Ave.
The biggest event begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday as the Christmas Parade steps off at 108th St. and Third Ave., winding its way down Third Ave. to 96th St. and the Firehouse. Watch for marching bands, string bands, local business and organization floats, Miss New Jersey, and even Elvis.
The guest of honor will be Santa himself, who will arrive at the Firehouse, then make a tour of 96th St. after the parade. But Stone Harbor’s Island Christmas doesn’t end there.
“From Thanksgiving to Christmas, shops will run Saturday and Sunday specials,” DelVescio said. “And Breakfast with Santa will be held at Jack’s Shack in the Mall on 96th St. We’re even getting Terry Ivory to do a live remote one weekend.”
There will also be a “Locals’ Night,” according to DelVescio.
“That will be from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11,” she noted. “Downtown shops will offer specials plus there will be live entertainment.
“This is all a part of bringing the local, regional, and summer community back to Stone Harbor during the holiday season,” she continued.
Everyone knows what a great place Seven Mile Island is in summer, but if you don’t check it out during the holidays, you’re cutting yourself short of some great holiday family enjoyment.
“The Chamber of Commerce is very excited about this holiday season,” said Phil Barber, Chamber president. “This is the first time we’ve had a tourism director, and have moved away from 100 percent volunteers to a professionally-managed event. Entering into a partnership with Joann (DelVescio) has raised the bar. We’re going to have a truly ‘Main Street USA’ type of event, with security, safety, and layout. It should be great family fun.”
A Christmas Story is the movie that has become a holiday tradition in many American homes in the last 10 years, narrating the nostalgic tale of a 9-year-old’s quest for the only Christmas present he really wants — a Red Rider BB Gun. Stone Harbor’s ‘Island Christmas’ promises to be every bit as enjoyable as the 1983 film.
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