Children lined up to get an image of the Longport smiley-faced water tower airbrushed on their faces.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT The borough Saturday, July 22 celebrated 125 years since its incorporation with 500 of its closest family, friends and neighbors. Those who attended the celebration raved about the party, which was organized by a team of residents to celebrate all that's great about living in small town America.
Like the iconic landmark water tower that hovers over the shorefront community, Mother Nature smiled on Longport, providing a perfect summer night for a celebration.
Longport American Legion Chaplain John Murphy said he was responsible for putting in a good word for the weather, and he came through with sunny skies, low humidity and temperatures in the high 70s with a mild breeze.
Year-round resident Gina Giuliani said she loves everything about Longport.
It's such a small community, it's like Mayberry, she said.
Triplet Maddie Clark, who won the Longport beach tag art contest this year, enjoyed the party with her sisters, Ella, who won last year's competition, and Avery, who plans to submit her artwork next year.
This is the best party ever, and I just got here, Maddie said.
American Legion member Dennis McGuigan enjoyed the food, entertainment and the company of his comrades in arms.
We get tremendous support from Longport and we want to support them as well, he said.
The event was held under several Big Top tents in the park behind Borough Hall, including food provided by Essl's Dugout, Tacocat and Josie Kelly's food trucks, Philly Pretzels, and ice cream and beverages. Nucky's Speakeasy provided libations for the adults. DJ-EK played popular music, but took a break when several members of the Fralinger String Band of South Philadelphia showed up in costumes to get Longportians strutting their stuff. Children enjoyed seashell painting, cornhole and inflatable games, while their parents dressed up for snapshots at the photo booth. Airbrush facepainting was a popular activity, especially for the young girls who lined up for a turn at getting an image of the Longport water tower airbrushed on their arms and cheeks.
The Celebration Committee, which also organized Longport's official incorporation anniversary celebration on March 7, all wore Longport blue aprons. One dressed as a clown offering inspiration to have fun by handing out big red noses to the children.
Committee members include Mindy Bell, Ellen Cohen, Joanne Davidow, Betty Devereaux, Joseph DiLorenzo, Angel DiPentino, Trish English, Lee Karlock, Debra Kelly, Mary Kreiser, Suzy Lawler, Ilene Matthews, John and Patricia Murphy, Likie Nika, Mary T. Nugent, Michelle Perna, Chrissy Roche and Delores Wilson, and Harriet and Philip Bell.
DiPentino provided all the table decorations, including potted plants on each table. Other sponsors and donors included Jerome DiPentino, Remington & Vernick Engineers, Deb and Joe DiLorenzo, Lena Black Rubbin Mud, Affanato Marut, LLC, Ocean Plaza Condo Association, Robert and Lisa Stern, Linda and Scott Porter, Longport PBA 363, WC Ice Cream, LLC, and Pepsi.
Lynn Bilinski, who has been summering in Longport with her family since the 1950s and six years ago became a full-time resident, was twinning with her granddaughter Brooke, age 10. They both wore the same outfits.
This is a great night to be celebrating coming here since the early 1950s, she said.
Although the town has changed a bit over the years, it still has the small, hometown feel enjoyed by those who come to stay at the big house on Oberon Avenue.
I will continue the traditions with my grandchildren that my grandparents had with me, she said. It's not like the 50s anymore, but it's our happy place and the best place to be.
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