Centennial - A party to talk about for 100 years
The 100th year since the borough of Sea Girt’s incorporation was cause for celebration. Council started planning in 2016. They formed a committee. Sue Blasi, a former operating room nurse and business owner who had volunteered for the Board of Health, the Borough Hall Committee, the Friends of the Library, Shade Tree Commission and the Chamber of Commerce, was an excellent selection to be the Centennial Reception Chair.
The Fireworks were bigger and closer than anyone could recall
Sea Girt went all out for 100. Police and Fire trucks got new centennial logos. Fireworks opened the celebration. There was a traditional parade, with firetrucks, kids and fancy cars. John Shibles lent his classic cars for VIPs. Prayers, speeches, and singing filled the Plaza. A memorial monument was dedicated to noted citizens J. Bunford Samuel who donated the Borough Hall, first cottage owner Elliston P. Morris, who saved Crescent Park in 1881, and Richard Sudowsky, who served the fire company for almost 40 years and was fireman of the year twice. The Morris family, who had preserved 2,500 photos of Sea Girt from its early days flew in from Oregon and South Carolina. But the true class event was an intimate tented dinner at the National Guard Training Center Grounds for 750.
A perfect September evening for dancing in the twilight
Sue Blasi had worked to pull out all the stops. She used local connections to show off their best efforts. The Parker House provided a huge raw bar. Favorite bartenders from local establishments, Rod’s Fratellos, and Harrigans prepared the libations from Egan’s Liquors. Tyler Waltsak “Wally’s” provided transportation, and Joe Leone’s catered the plated dinners and hors d’oeuvres. The Phil Engel band kept the dance floor filled. The centerpieces were created by the DPW. They were replicas of the street monuments in town with “100 Years” and “Sea Girt” instead of street names. The Holly Club decorated tables with flowers.
The street monuments made great centerpieces. Many were auctioned off for the Library
The night was as perfect as the weather. No speeches, no agenda. Just friends, neighbors, and pure pride for the community and the joy of celebration on a late summer evening. The Coast Star quoted Sue’s reaction to seeing it all come together. "This has been the night of a lifetime," Ms. Blasi said. "I am lucky to have been here all of these years. I am lucky to share a place with all of these people who love it so much. We are very, very blessed."
Sue, Second from center on right continues to contribute to quality of life in town (2024 flag display on boardwalk)
A party goer described it, “Think of the best outdoor wedding you have ever been to. Great food, drink, music and dancing. This was way better.”