Set for Friday December 4th – 6:30 PM
The Coronavirus Pandemic has taken away many of the great events and traditions that we all look forward to throughout the year. Somers Point has always been known for the great collection of happenings in the town. Unfortunately, many had to be canceled, such as BayFest, Good Old Days, Beach Concerts, Horse Power by the Bay, to name just a few. As we enter into the holiday season, the need for some festivity has never been so great. With that in mind, The City of Somers Point will have its annual Christmas Parade on Friday December 4th.
Due to the obvious circumstances, there will be changes to the event. There will be no gathering for a tree lightning at City Hall or visiting with Santa. All spectators and participants must adhere to all CDC protocols. The parade will consist of all vehicles with no one walking. The parade will cover much more of the town, traveling west of Route 9 for the first time (see the route of the parade below). Since the parade will be much longer, there will be plenty of space for everyone to practice proper “social distancing”.
The parade will feature many of our first responders along with our emergency response equipment. As always, Santa Clause will be the highlight of the parade. But this year, he has insisted on sharing the Grand Marshall duties with former City Council President and longtime City Administrator Wes Swain. After serving the City for nearly three decades, Wes has chosen to retire at the end of the year.
Taking time out from his busy work shop, Santa said “It will be an honor to be Co-Grand Marshalls with such a great guy and public servant like Wes. I can’t wait to see all the boys and girls along the parade route. See you on the 4th.
The parade route:
The parade will begin at the corner of Dawes Avenue and Shore Road at 6:30 PM
It will proceed south bound on Shore Road pass Maryland Avenue
Continuing south on Shore Road, the parade will make a right hand turn on to New Jersey Avenue
Next is a right hand turn on to 5th Street and then a left on to New York Avenue
The parade will continue west on New York Avenue, crossing Route 9 (New Road)
The parade will turn right on to Private Anthony J. Sausto Way (10th Street) and make a left on to Bala Drive
The parade will then follow Bala Drive to the corner of Bala Drive and Exton Road
Making a right turn and heading North on Exton Road to Groveland Avenue
Making a right on Groveland Avenue and heading East, crossing Route 9 (New Road)
The parade will continue on Groveland Avenue and make a left-hand turn onto to Atlantic Avenue (Purple Heart Way Bike Path) and finish at the Dawes Avenue School
For more information, contact:
Jason Frost, City Administrator
609-927-9088 Ext 136
