By MAUREEN L. CAWLEY
Staff Writer
NORTH WILDWOOD – The city kicked off its 2006 centennial a month early by introducing Mr. and Mrs. 1906 at the city’s annual Christmas party on Saturday. Decked out in turn of the century style were Nancy Cellini, a former wardrobe dresser for the stars in Philadelphia, and Jim MacMillan, the voice of radio station WCMC, who will attend the city’s birthday celebrations throughout 2006. Their costumes were created by Tish Jacoby of Lower Township, and they’ll be donning them at special events throughout the year. As it turns out their first appearance at the Christmas party at Anglesea firehouse was a record-breaking success, according to event co-chair Joe Quattrone
“It was the biggest party ever,” he said, estimating that 300 local kids and their families squeezed into the firehouse for the festivities.
“My God, I thought the kids were coming in from Kansas,” he said.
And why wouldn’t they? The event featured free hot dogs, pizza and treats, entertainment and a chance to get an early sighting of Santa Claus.
Magican Chad Juras also performed for the crowd. Juras, 17, of Ocean City, has performed for audiences across the United States. He recently performed for President George Bush and First lady Laura Bush at the White House, and at the party he wowed North Wildwood’s honorary first couple, while entertaining the children as they awaited the arrival of the big guy.
Every child who attended the party was allowed to choose an early Christmas gift from the hundreds that were donated by local businesses, and 26 very lucky kids won new bicycles, as well.
The party also gave the couple of the century a chance to meet and greet their 21st century neighbors at a holiday party that has been a community tradition for many years.
“They are quite an item” Quattrone said.
As the couple circulated at the event, they listened to Christmas carols sung by the duet Hart to Hart, and they even seemed to enjoy less traditional numbers like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” You can bet they never heard that on their old Victrola. Quattrone said the event is an annual collaborative effort coordinated by himself, Alex Moukas, and a group of 15-20 volunteers, many from the Anglesea fire company.
Volunteers from Crest Savings Bank help out as well by decorating the hall for the event.
“This year they bought us a new Christmas tree,” Quatronne’s wife Peg said.
Refreshments for the event are donated by local businesses, as well, Peg said.
North Wildwood centennial organizers say that the inaugural visit of Mr. and Mrs. 1906 marks the beginning of an exciting year for the city.
Events planned for the upcoming year include a grand parade, an old time picnic at 8th Avenue athletic field, a street festival on Olde New Jersey Avenue, a reenactment of the turn-of–the-century auto races that occurred on Central Avenue, an aerial photo of the city’s residents on the beach, and a time capsule.
“And it’s all free to residents,” Quattrone said.
Before bidding adieu North Wildwood’s now-famous couple had their picture taken with departing Mayor Aldo Palombo and Mayor-elect Bill Henfey.
The couple made a second appearance at a second community event last weekend. They rode on the front of a decorated tram car in the Christmas Parade on Sunday night. The car was filled with North Wildwood residents who had gotten together to celebrated the Christmas season and the 100th birthday of their community.
The centennial Tram Car took second prize in the parade, but the real prize was the celebration of community.
Together participants sipped hot chocolate and sang Christmas carols, accompanied by Quattrone on a banjo, and Mr. and Mrs. 1906 joined in the fun.
“Sometimes you have to be from somewhere else to appreciate all of this,” Quattrone said.
