Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday: It’s a Wonderful Weekend
Stone Harbor stores celebrate the season throughout the weekend including Friday evening’s Merchants’ Hospitality Night.
“What is it that you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.”
I grew up watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” from the time I could sit still. It was a longstanding family tradition that started with my grandparents, and continues with my mother every year. As a child watching a black-and-white movie, I never really understood it. Give me Charlie Brown, give me the Grinch, give me anything but this black-and-white film! But now as I grow older, I am so absolutely in love with this classic, small-town story, that teaches the true value of family, friendship and holiday spirit. I get it now, and honestly foresee myself carrying on this annual tradition, and thankfully I now have the help of Stone Harbor … or should I say Bedford Falls?
Stone Harbor celebrates an Island Holiday on Thanksgiving weekend and literally transforms into the iconic small-town holiday tradition featuring George Bailey and Bedford Falls … with a bit of an island twist, of course. Bedford Falls (95th Street Water Tower Plaza) is open throughout the weekend, offering carousel rides, games, crafts and more!
Plus, starting on Friday, Nov. 24, check in at Bedford Falls and participate in a daylong, family-fun scavenger hunt. Be sure to return with a photo of the final clue for prizes and a chance at the grand prize - Harbor Square Theatre movie tickets!
Speaking of Harbor Square Theatre, stop by throughout the weekend to enjoy a continuous screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life” plus a full schedule of holiday movies for just $5 starting at 9:30am.
In addition to the scavenger hunt, grab the family and be sure to stop at Seashore Ace Hardware for Letter Writing to Santa plus enjoy the picturesque train display – a must-stop for all ages! Andrew, Santa’s Toy Testing Elf, will be performing a fun variety show starting at 10:30am.
Grab the fur babies and deck them to the nines in holiday attire for the Paw Prints Pet Parade at 1pm (registration from 11am-12:30pm at Paw Prints), followed by the popular Yappy Hour at The Walk at Harbor Square from 2-4pm. Yosi returns for a fun sing-along followed by The Middletones a cappella group from Middle Township High School.
And finally, join Stone Harbor Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour for the annual lighting of the pallet tree, and bundle up because the town is guaranteeing 100 percent chance of snow!
Following the lighting, attendees can enjoy the Merchants’ Hospitality Night featuring holiday favorites, sales, sweet treats, refreshments and the perfect holiday setting. Plus, if you need to warm up in between shop stops, cozy up to one of the many fire pits located along 96th Street and make a s’more!
Saturday, Nov. 25 begins with a Toys for Tots complimentary breakfast at the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor followed by the popular Downtown Holiday Dash Fun Run along 96th Street. Follow George Bailey himself, and be sure to dress in your silliest and most creative costume to compete for prizes. (The run is open to ages 6 and up.)
Bedford Falls returns with fun rides, games and crafts plus the scavenger hunt and, if you didn’t get a chance on Friday, the official letters to Santa station opens for the day at Seashore Ace with the fun addition of snowglobe-making starting at 1pm. Also at 1pm, Sciencetellers present on “Pirates Lost at Sea” for kids of all ages at The Alley, plus Hoy’s 5 & 10 will feature a magic and comedy show, face painting and balloon twisting for all ages.
Mr. North Pole himself, Santa, will make a quick appearance at Stone Harbor’s firehouse from 3-5pm, before hopping on his sleigh and appearing at the grand finale of the annual Stone Harbor Christmas Parade that starts at 6:30pm. And that’s just a preview of this great holiday weekend in Stone Harbor!
OK, so technically we can’t lasso the moon, we know. But I’m sure that a number of organizations will debut some really great floats and paper-mache moons that are lasso-worthy! And truly, the quaint town of Stone Harbor literally transforms into this picturesque scene from an old movie for one whole weekend! Full families, from toddlers and teens to great-grandparents, enjoy the weekend and the many activities offered for all ages, while parents pick up those wish-list items from more than 100 specialty stores … and maybe a cocktail to warm up for the parade. Cheers, and join us in lassoing the best moon you can find. Seriously, we’ll give you the moon, visitor!
