THE COAST GUARD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL HAS BEEN SUSPENDED
WE FIND OURSELVES IN UNCHARTED TERRITORY…
When we chose our theme for this year, “Charting Our Course,” we never expected to be navigating such uncharted waters. It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the suspension of the Coast Guard Community Festival. After careful consideration and consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, ongoing government shutdowns and heightened security protocols have made it impossible to plan safely and effectively.
The Festival is more than an annual tradition—it’s a celebration of our Designated Coast Guard Community, local businesses, community connections and the unwavering support we share for those who serve. We deeply appreciate everyone’s dedication and the time invested in planning each year, and we understand the impact this announcement may have.
Thank you for your support and patience. Although we are unable to reschedule the Festival in its original format at this time, we are proactively pursuing alternative opportunities to collaborate with our Community Partners, Donors, Vendors, and the Coast Guard for the benefit of our community.
The partnership between the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation and the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May remains strong and collaborative. The Foundation will continue to support service members, their families, and recruits, particularly during periods of uncertainty and transition. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our community and will actively pursue alternative ways to foster engagement and connection.
We value our relationships and remain — ALWAYS READY— standing beside those who serve.
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The Coast Guard Community Festival is proudly presented by the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation. Festival goers will get an inside look at an Active-Duty Coast Guard Base while exploring Training Center Cape May, the nation’s only boot camp for enlisted Coast Guard Recruits. While on foot and by trolley, you will have access to view and go inside the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape May vessels, view a Coast Guard helicopter up close and much more.
You may see the Coast Guard Recruit Band and Precision Drill Team give an engaging performance as they march through the festival grounds. Watch a thrilling Search and Rescue Demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City as the helicopter hovers above Cape May Harbor. Enjoy live music all day, Kids’ Zone, great food from local food vendors, local brews, merchandise and community vendors . In past years, the Festival has drawn upwards of 5,000 people for this FREE event.
Active-Duty Military Members who attend the Festival receive a Coupon toward their purchase of lunch in appreciation for their service. The Festival also generates funds for the USCG Training Center Cape May’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) branch to provide leisure programs and services to improve the quality of life of Service Members and their families.
This event is produced, hosted and funded by the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation through the generous support of our individual donors, businesses and organizations.
The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN#47-3594081
