According to history books, 400 years ago, explorer Henry Hudson got his ship, the Half Moon, stuck in a sandbar off Cape May Point in Delaware Bay and in the process discovered Cape May and the surrounding area.

So this year Cape May has been celebrating Hudson’s “discovery”  with a variety of lectures, presentations and special events. The celebration culminated last Saturday with a day jam-packed with with activites for the whole family.

Although the mornning started off overcast and drizzly from the remnants of Tropical Depression Danny, the skies cleared about a half hour before the offical 400 Anniversary parade kicked off at 11:00 AM.  Participating string bands fron Philadelphia included Fralinger’s, Quaker City and South Philadelphia. Local bands included Lower Cape May Regional, Wildwoood Warriors and the US Coast Guard Training Center. Visiting bands appearing were Oakcrest Marching Ambassadors from May’s Landing, the Original Hobo Band from Pitman and Bonsal Blue Military Band from Woodbury. Floats, fire engines, city officials both walking and rising in convertibles, as well as Cape May’s indominitable “Underdog” also participated.

Later at 4:00 PM, Jerry Blavat, “The Geator with the Heater”, hosted a beachfront dance party just west of Convention Hall. I’ve got to say for a someone who’s 69 years old, he looks terrific and has more energy than someone a third his age. It was great listening to the oldies, dancing to the “Electric  Slide” (which I am totally hopeless at, though I had a great time trying).

There was also a competitive volleyball tournament on Steger’s Beach from 4 – 7:00 PM.