Turkey Day Weekend Stuffed with Fun Activities in Avalon
Bridget, Meara, Emma and Brendan Collins pose with Santa on Snowfest Saturday.
Get ready, folks. Thanksgiving weekend is fast approaching. For those who don’t know me, I come from a super-Irish family. This actually doesn’t mean anything other than we stick to tradition (string bean casserole, here we come), there are a lot of “refreshments” and we end up hugging at the end of the night. But truly one of my favorite traditions is when we go around the table and ask each person what he/she is thankful for. Depending on the age, the answer is often amusing, but when it comes to me I’m just thankful for the weekend! It’s a weekend where everyone stops for 10 seconds, turns on the oven (me included, don’t be too shocked) and truly embraces the season. And as a side note, my family embraces sleep, so those crazy 4am Black Friday shoppers – cheers to you. We’ll wake up … slowly … and shop local when the stores open at a reasonable hour of 10am.
And speaking of traditions, for years my family would stay up until endless hours of the night scooping and blending twice-baked potatoes, to wake up early Thanksgiving Day and travel TWO hours to where the remainder of the family lived … Philadelphia, Lansdale, Springfield, etc. … We’re pilgrims ourselves, settling in the small and quaint town of Avalon, while the remainder of the family stayed behind, on the motherland of Philadelphia and its suburbs. But alas, thankfully a new tradition has been developed and that is all in thanks to Avalon. These days, the relatives … travel to us! The Seven Mile Beach has developed, and every year expanded, Thanksgiving weekend to offer an endless schedule of family-fun activities from sunup (literally there’s a run, folks) to sun down throughout the weekend!
The festivities begin early with twinkly lights and cocktails, and frankly it couldn’t start better in my opinion! The Festival of Trees begins at 5pm Wednesday, Nov. 22, at The Whitebrier. More than 40 local businesses compete for the best and most popular decorated tree and/or wreath, all of which are displayed and up for bid throughout the weekend. Early arrivals to the island can stop by The Whitebrier and browse a beautiful display of holiday cheer, while The Whitebrier passes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for all to enjoy. Tree themes run the gamut from Disney to “50 Shades of Grey” and bids are accepted with all methods of payment for your favorite tree. And fear not, if you can’t make it on Wednesday, the bidding resumes on Friday from noon to 8pm.
Unlike my children, who manage to live on Goldfish and chicken nuggets, I live for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a night every year when 10 courses are presented and I’m encouraged to grab seconds. And I do. And then maybe thirds. I don’t know what your schedule is like, but folks I have a beach wedding to attend in June and these calories are not working with the dress I have planned. Luckily, I can burn the calories … at a reasonable hour, 10am on Friday, Nov. 24 … for the Turkey Trot 5K run/1.5-mile fun walk to benefit the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. It’s the best way to get up, burn those turkey calories and gear up for a super-fun weekend of family fun and new traditions. Signups are available ahead of time by visiting dillerblindhome.org, or you can sign up the day of! And once again, all payment methods accepted!
There is something so peaceful about running the quiet streets of Avalon, and this is truly one of my favorite holiday traditions. The air is crisp, you can hear the ocean, people are cheering and the finish line is in sight. What a peaceful morning!
And then … your toddlers greet you and the parent portion of the day begins.
Festive Friday in Avalon. It’s a beautiful thing, and one I’ve seriously come to appreciate as a parent. Starting at 11am from the top of the business district to the end, there is nonstop entertainment, sponsored by businesses throughout Avalon. There is so much to offer that you need to grab a schedule and plan accordingly. Snap photos with a variety of popular characters, hop on board the Polar Express, take a carriage ride with some famous princesses, craft a Santa hat, glitter an ornament, dance to some music, create a photo frame, smile and, poof, it’s only noon! Enjoy iceless ice skating throughout the day, and be sure to stay for the 5pm arrival of Mr. Claus himself, traveling via fire engine to Veterans Plaza. Following his arrival, the evening continues with a number of character appearances as well as extending ice skating through 8pm.
Stagger home and hit the hay because the sun rises on Saturday to an entirely different day full of family fun and activities with Avalon’s Snowfest Saturday. Catch a thrill with the North Woods Toboggan Slide, or spin around on Jack Frost’s Mini Tea Cups. Bounce around on Elsa’s “Frozen” Bounce House and, of course, hit Veterans Plaza for the return of Santa Claus and a free photo op available from 11am to 4pm!
New this year, those strolling through town will enjoy the festive sounds of The Marinos band performing live throughout the day, featuring holiday music for all to enjoy. And in between be sure to stop by 26th Street for a variety of family-fun performances and character meet and greets including a Family Frozen Sing-a-Long, a dance party and sing-a-long with Mouse & Friends and even a holiday elf celebration! The new stage, located among the popular rides between
26th and 27th streets, is an exciting addition and a festive treat for those walking through town.
And speaking of walking through town – do it! Stores are open throughout the weekend with fantastic holiday items, discounts and perfect gifts awaiting you and your shopping list. Shop local and avoid those crazy shoppers at the malls. Avalon’s unique stores feature a variety of gifts for all ages and interests. And finally, stop by one of the local dining establishments and enjoy lunch and a refreshing beverage.
Avalon is a one-stop-shop for all things festive, and it’s the perfect weekend for the entire family to enjoy. You know it’s a great event when you can convince a stubborn Irish family to uproot and travel south, so trust my advice! Grab your turkey and join Avalon (and Santa) for a great family tradition at the shore!
