Sea Island Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 31

Sea Island’s array of holiday celebrations offer both traditional and novel experiences for the whole family, including children and even pets.

Perhaps the most treasured Easter activity,
however, takes place that afternoon, as kids—
and kids at heart—descend upon the Retreat
Clubhouse for the annual Egg-Stravaganza and
egg hunt. “It’s best described as an egg free-forall,” laughs Anne Harvey, activities manager at
Sea Island. “[More than] 10,000 eggs are scattered in sections corresponding to different
age groups. After a dramatic countdown, 1,000

and, a few days before the holiday, take part
in the much-anticipated Fourth of July Family
Olympics with three-legged races, egg tosses
and tug-of-war matches.

from the ground. The golden egg is a coveted
discovery, as it means big prizes.”
In keeping with tradition, ladies and girls

Merry and Bright

Sunday, which often means bright and cheery
Lilly Pulitzer attire, while gentlemen and
boys sport suits, ties and seersucker.

Red, White and Blue
Drive usher in the Fourth of July and inspire a
patriotic and celebratory mood in everyone.
“Our annual Fourth of July parade down
Sea Island Drive is the place to be seen,” says
Elizabeth Killgallon, Sea Island’s associate
cars, bikes, tricycles, golf carts and strollers all
decorated in red, white and blue. People strut
down the road all dressed up like Uncle Sam
and Lady Liberty—even pets wear patriotic
costumes. Last year, one dog was dressed like
Betsy Ross and posed on a rocking chair like he
Amid dozens of summer activities, families

feasts, scrumptious brunches and divine dinners of traditional holiday fare.

Toasts and Cheers
spectacular that illuminates the night sky, followed by the After-the-Fireworks Party with live
music, delectable food and more celebration.

Poinsettias, evergreens, sparkling lights and
Christmas trees transform Sea Island into a
holiday wonderland just after Thanksgiving.
“It’s magical,” says Melissa Ippensen, event
design manager at Sea Island. “We decorate
27 twinkling trees and line the walkway with
glowing luminaries. Our guests can visit with
Santa Claus or listen to carolers while strolling
cent gingerbread house.”
In the evenings leading up to Christmas, little
ones look forward to the Elf Tuck-Ins. For more
than 16 years, Santa’s Sea Island elves have
visited hundreds of children at bedtime, serving milk and cookies, and reading a Christmas
storybook to sleepy kids who soon have visions
of sugarplums dancing in their heads.
The Reindog Parade is another opportunity
to make jolly family memories as guests and
members dress pets in fanciful costumes.
Judges determine which pet is most likely
to lead Santa’s sleigh in the tradition of one
famous, red-nosed reindeer.
The days surrounding Christmas also are

“We have various types of parties on New Year’s
Eve and each is structured to accommodate
our guests’ tastes and preferences,” Killgallon
says. “Some people like big, bold extravaganzas
with live music, dancing, noisemakers and lots
of fanfare, while others may want a more lowkey evening with a quiet four-course dinner.
All of these parties lead up to the countdown
to midnight at The Cloister—’party central’—
where guests can toast the new year with a
the terrace.”
On New Year’s Day, more than 150 daring
souls line the shoreline to take a refreshing dip
in the Atlantic Ocean in the annual Polar Bear
Plunge. Note their heads have to go all the way
under the water for their effort to count.
Bloody marys and tall mimosas await back in
the lobby, and heaping platefuls of traditional
celebratory foods such as black-eyed peas and
collard greens are served in the dining areas.
While any holiday spent with loved ones is
a special one, the Sea Island staff delights in
creating events that are nothing short of magical. From rummaging through the grass for
Easter eggs to sparkling Champagne toasts,
Sea Island’s enduring holiday traditions are
sure to create countless timeless memories for
members and resort guests of all ages.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | SEA ISL AND LIFE 31

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