It’s that magical time of year again … when lights twinkle, carols play, and our towns transform into something truly special. From Avalon’s tree lighting to Stone Harbor’s parade, the holidays on Seven Mile Beach are filled with joy, tradition, and community spirit.

When the last slice of pumpkin pie disappears and the football game fades into background noise, the spirit of the season comes to life in the Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor. You won’t want to miss one minute of the fun over Thanksgiving weekend on Seven Mile Beach.

The Five Man Electrical Band, a Canadian rock group, had a Top 10 hit in 1971 with a novelty song called “Signs.” It was written by the band’s frontman while he was driving back to Los Angeles from Canada. He was struck by the number of “signs, signs, everywhere a sign” along his journey.

There are not many times a person who is beloved can pass away, and after the initial shock and grief, the passing is met with a knowing smile.

In 1946, Stone Harbor’s 96th Street looked strikingly different from the bustling thoroughfare it is today. A nearly empty business district, a gas station prominent on the Third Avenue corner, cars parked in the middle of the street (yes, the middle). And so much empty space.

Don’t miss one of Avalon’s most family-favorite tradition! With 40+ free activities including character meet & greets, face painters, balloon artists, and holiday themed activities, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. This incredible event is sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association.

The 14th annual Barefoot Ball, held Sept. 6 at ICONA Windrift, had a record-setting year, raising more than $450,000 for the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. The milestone was achieved through generous sponsorships, donations, and proceeds from the evening’s live and silent auctions.

Marilyn Hahle savors a mutual 7 Mile love affair.

The Riverton native, who made Stone Harbor her home 54 years ago, has gained a high-profile recognition of gratitude.

Expect the 2025-26 winter weather to be pretty similar to last winter’s. However, there’s enough support in the forecast to give snow lovers hope this season.

You may not recognize his face; after all, he moved to Florida more than 30 years ago, but you definitely know his name: Jack Erkert, THE Jack from Jack’s Place. Jack spent 52 years living here on Seven Mile Beach.

In every great career, hindsight reveals a breakout.

It’s the time period later viewed as the omen, the blazing trumpet, and the fireworks that signaled something special.

Matt Wolf is in that breakout mold now.

“Our dad would have been very proud of us.”

That’s how Fenton Groff III described the efforts of the Groff family on Oct. 25 when eight members from as far away as Maine, joined more than 50 other volunteers in Avalon’s annual fall dune grass planting effort.

It was an evening of prestigious awards and silly superlatives at the Avalon Yacht Club’s 2025 Family Night dinner, celebrating the end of summer and the conclusion of this year’s AYC Junior Sailing Program.