In tune with our country’s incredible milestone of celebrating 250 years, many towns are keeping the festivities going well beyond the Fourth of July, making it a summer filled with patriotic celebrations. One such town is Brigantine. On Friday, Aug. 8, residents and visitors alike will come together for Brigantine’s own version of Ocean City’s iconic Nights in Venice with this year’s theme, Stars and Stripes on the Bay.
For the last six years, Brigantine’s beloved coastal community has transformed its back bays into a floating celebration with a different theme each summer. Previous years have featured pirate adventures, tributes to first responders and other creative ideas, but this year’s theme felt especially fitting in order to keep celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Joe Martin, who coordinates the event each year, said it continues to grow bigger and better with every summer.
“It has evolved so much since that first year,” Martin said. “Every year we see more participation and more people coming out to enjoy it.”
The event features a fleet of around 50 boats, all decked out in red, white and blue with lights, decorations and plenty of patriotic fun. The boats line up in Brigantine’s Cove before slowly cruising through the island’s back bays, putting on a show for spectators along the way.
However, the fun isn’t limited to just those on the boats. Homeowners along the bay also get into the spirit by decorating their homes, docks and bulkheads to match the theme. As the fleet passes by, boaters get to enjoy the festive displays while residents on shore cheer them on, creating a celebration for the whole island.
Even those who don’t live on the water or participate in the boat parade can still be part of the festivities. Friends and families gather along the streets to watch the decorated boats pass by, many dressed in patriotic colors themselves. The energy, excitement and community spirit make it one of Brigantine’s signature summer traditions.
“This day helps build community spirit,” Martin said. “I love just seeing everyone getting involved. Getting the community all together is super rewarding.”
The community-wide participation extends to Brigantine’s local businesses as well. Nearly every business on the island contributes gift cards, prizes or donations for participants. Awards are presented in several categories, recognizing everything from the best-decorated boats to the most festive waterfront homes and the overall spirit of the event.
While the lights, decorations and patriotic displays make for an unforgettable evening on the bay, Martin said the true heart of the event is the sense of community it creates. Neighbors, businesses and visitors all come together for one night to celebrate community and summer.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
