Easter weekend is a big hit at the shore

It would have been completely understandable if someone had confused the start of Easter weekend on Saturday with Memorial Day weekend, the blockbuster holiday that traditionally kicks off the busy summer tourism season at the shore.

There were, for instance, large Memorial Day-like crowds. Often nearly empty at this time of year, the beaches had their fair share of sunbathers. Even the weather was summer-ish, with temperatures rising into the comfortable 70s.

“I never thought that I would be spending my birthday on the beach in the middle of April,” said Kelly Janke, while standing just steps from the ocean in Sea Isle City.

Kelly, her husband, David, and their 9-year-old daughter, Lorraine, drove down to Sea Isle from their home in Philadelphia to take advantage of the fabulous weather and celebrate Kelly’s 40th birthday.

Even their dog, Enola, was having a good time on the beach.

“This is her first time seeing the beach. She is seeing that hunting seagulls is her life calling,” Kelly joked of Enola.

    From left, friends and family members Sheni Adewale, Garrett Penven, Lati McKnight, Julia Fitzgerald and Nevaeh Alicea take a selfie on the beach.
  

Other visitors were enjoying a holiday getaway at the shore. Among them were Lati McKnight, Sheni Adewale, Julia Fitzgerald, Nevaeh Alicea and Garrett Penven, a group of friends and relatives from the Swedesboro, N.J., area.

Without planning ahead, McKnight said they simply decided on Saturday morning, “Let’s go to Sea Isle.”

“We love it here. I like the peace and quiet,” McKnight added while they were relaxing on the beach and taking selfies.

A little farther down the beach, MaryPat Berman was joined by her son, Connor, 11, and 9-year-old daughter, Olivia. They made the two-hour drive from their home in West Chester, Pa., and planned to spend the entire day in Sea Isle before heading back home for Easter Sunday.

Like others who were surprised by the gorgeous weather, Berman said she never imagined that the first half of her Easter weekend would be spent lounging on the beach and hunting for seashells with her children.

“We found some shells. Some were good ones, some were whole ones, and some were pieces of shells or rocks,” she said.

    MaryPat Berman and her children, Connor and Olivia, drove down to the shore from their home in West Chester, Pa.
  

Off the beach, Sea Isle’s oceanfront Promenade came alive with walkers, bikers and young families pushing baby strollers.

But even bigger crowds headed to Excursion Park for Sea Isle’s Spring Fling Family Fun Day, an annual event to celebrate the start of Easter weekend.

“People really want to come back to the shore. Sea Isle is the place to be. We’re looking forward to a great summer,” Mayor Leonard Desiderio said while admiring the crowds packing Excursion Park.

Desiderio pointed out the importance of having nice weather to draw the crowds to the shore.

“You give us the great weather and we’re all geniuses,” he joked.

Families enjoyed an afternoon of free, kid-friendly activities such as face-painting, sack races, a jellybean counting contest, arts and crafts and photos with the Easter Bunny at the Spring Fling. Mickey and Minnie Mouse made the rounds to give the event some star power.

    Minnie and Mickey House attract some admirers.
  

The Easter Bunny kept the kids entertained by dancing on the Band Shell stage at Excursion Park. The buck-toothed bunny with floppy ears and fuzzy feet was stylishly dressed in a top hat and pink and purple outfit.

Clare Dever, 4, her 8-year-old sister, Brenna, and their 10-year-old cousin, Evan Ralph, posed for pictures with the Easter Bunny. Clare gave the Easter Bunny a hug before leaving the stage.

Laura Dever, mother of Clare and Brenna, and Caitlin Ralph, Evan’s mom, said the entire family was having fun at the Spring Fling.

“It’s great,” Laura Dever said. “We’re lucky to have such great weather today.”

Caitlin Ralph, who is Laura’s sister, said Easter weekend at the shore was a treat for everyone.

“We’re getting to see family, we’re hanging out together and enjoying the weekend,” Caitlin said.

    Clare Dever, 4, gives the Easter Bunny a hug while her 10-year-old cousin, Evan Ralph, watches.
  

    Kids compete in sack races at the Spring Fling Family Fun Day.
  

    Crowds pack Excursion Park for the Spring Fling Family Fun Day celebration.
  

    A digital sign near Sea Isle's Promenade proclaims, "Happy Easter!"