Letter from the editor
Fall has become synonymous with festival season at the Jersey Shore. Our calendars fill with street fairs, seafood festivals, art walks, craft shows, and harvest celebrations. Every weekend offers another reason to get outside, explore a neighboring town, and enjoy the local creativity, music, and community spirit.
The Shore may be known for the summer season, but locals know that September and October are among the best months of the year. The crowds thin, parking is easy, and the temperatures remain warm. Soon we will be trading beach chairs for hayrides and water ice for apple cider — though the warm weather often sticks around long enough to enjoy both.
One of the things I love most about festivals is the opportunity to experience familiar places in a new way. A street we drive down every day suddenly lines up with artists, musicians, and food vendors. A quiet park fills with laughing children, neighbors catching up, and local organizations sharing their missions. Historic sites, marinas, farms, downtown districts, and boardwalks transform into gathering places for car shows, walks, and runs.
This upcoming weekend of Sept. 19-20 alone offers so much to take in:
- Ventnor Seafood Fest (Saturday & Sunday)
- Egg Harbor Township Spirit of 1776 Festival (Saturday & Sunday)
- Absecon CreekFest (Saturday)
- Smithville Italian Festival (Saturday)
- Somers Point Art in the Park (Saturday)
- Atlantic City Arts Foundation 48 Blocks (Saturday)
What used to be considered the shoulder season at the Shore is now prime season, in more ways than one.
Festival season is especially vital for our local businesses and nonprofit organizations. For a small shop, restaurant, artist, or crafter, a single busy weekend can introduce their work to hundreds of new people. For a nonprofit, it provides a valuable chance to recruit volunteers, raise funds, or raise awareness for a worthy cause. Every purchase, conversation, and interaction can make a meaningful impact.
These events also remind us of the value of connecting face-to-face. In a world dominated by screens, festivals encourage us to meet one another. We bump into old friends, meet new neighbors, and discover local talent. Some of my favorite festival memories are the unexpected moments: hearing a great band around a corner, finding a unique handmade gift, or watching a child’s face light up during a parade.
As you look through this week’s edition, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season. Bring your family, invite a friend, and consider visiting an event you have never experienced before.
Summer may receive most of the attention, but festival season brings together everything we love about South Jersey: tradition, creativity, good food, live music, and a strong sense of community.
I hope to see you out there.
Peace & Love, Cindy
