By Maddy Vitale
Evan Coup doesn’t mince words when it comes to what he wants under the tree from Santa Claus.
He also doesn’t go small.
“I want a huge Jurassic Park Lego set,” Evan, 5, of Milton, Pa., shouted out, while fittingly wearing Santa Claus-themed pajamas.
His sister, Maddie Coup, 9, seemed just as certain about what she wanted.
“Slime!” she said with authority.
The siblings were in the right place, at least to get a “sneak peek” at what would likely be under the tree for them.
Their parents, Bridgette and Chris Coup, took them down to Ocean City on Saturday for “Earlier Than the Bird,” the early morning shopping extravaganza organized by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Judy Coup, the children’s grandmother, who owns a home in Ocean City, said she finally got her wish.
“I have been trying to get them down for this event for years,” she said with a wide smile.
Bridgette Coup noted the family was having a lot of fun shopping and getting ideas for Christmas presents.
While it isn’t a requirement, in addition to discounts on merchandise, strolling around in pajamas is welcomed. Free hot chocolate, coffee and donuts were also given out by businesses as an added bonus of getting out of bed early to catch some deals.
Asbury Avenue bustled with shoppers heading in and out of stores on a chilly, but sunny day. The event began at 8 a.m. and went until noon.
It is a way to jumpstart the holiday shopping season, while taking notice of all the unique and wonderful shops along Asbury Avenue, said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Large wreaths adorned with red ribbons and Victorian-style lampposts decorated with green garland lined the avenue. Festive lights lit up storefronts. Adding to the fairy-tale atmosphere were free horse and carriage rides beginning at noon. The rides will be offered on the weekends through December.
Chamber Special Events Coordinator Justin Juliano is in charge of the event. He said it grows every year.
Juliano pointed out that “Earlier than the Bird” has become a tradition for families in and outside of Ocean City.
“Year after year it just builds in popularity. This really is the start of the holiday shopping season in the downtown. The turnout is great,” Juliano said. “Everyone is in the holiday spirit. I just saw a family dressed like elves. It just puts a smile on your face to see everyone having fun. You can roll out of bed in your PJs and shop. Who doesn’t like that?”
Friends and co-workers in a school in Chester County, Pa., really got into the holiday spirit. Linda Brown, Sandy Brower, Kiersten Geist, Amelia Reed and Deb McDonaugh perused some books in a shop while dressed as elves.
For the last four years, the friends have dressed up for “Earlier Than the Bird.”
“One year we were cookies. Last year we were snowmen. We have also been reindeer,” said Brown.
The friends laughed.
“This is our tradition,” McDonaugh said. “We all work together at an intermediate school. We just have fun. We spend the morning here.”
Throughout the morning a steady stream of customers filtered out of stores along Asbury Avenue. Several shoppers in Stainton’s were dressed for the occasion. A group of women even wore blinking lights to go with their festive pajamas.
Chris Fusco, of Galloway Township, and her daughter, Sofia, 9, checked out some jewelry in a glass case filled with trinkets.
Sofia had her eye on a necklace and called her mom over to look.
“It’s so perfect here. We come every year,” Chris Fusco said of Ocean City and the shopping event. “It is a nice town and we find different things than in the mall.”
Stainton’s Director of Operation Bridget Buchanan said of the business Saturday morning, “I couldn’t be happier. Things are coming together for the holiday season. There is a flow of customers.”
Buchanan noted there is a variety of shops within Stainton’s, the prices are affordable and the merchandise is special.
“You can come here and support local businesses. It caters to everyone,” Buchanan said. “It really is one-stop shopping.”
Vince and Heather Piekarski, of Villas, dressed in Christmas pajamas. They didn’t have anything specific in mind when they came out for “Earlier Than the Bird.”
But by 9:30 a.m., they already had a bag filled with gifts.
“We got a bunch of stuff,” Vince Piekarski said as he opened a bag with a scarf and other goodies.
Julie Bickings, of Ocean City, and Jayne Gandy, of Mullica Hill, brought their children out for some festivities. All of them dressed up in pajamas. Ella Gandy,11, wore pig pajamas. Her cousin, Rose Bickings, 4, sported a headband with a cut-out of a turkey and Johnnie Bickings, 2, was clad in pajamas showing his holiday spirit.
They browsed several shops.
“We are going to get some hot chocolate and go to the bookstore Sun Rose. They have some great sales. We are also looking for some other things for the holiday,” Julie Bickings said.
Mother-daughter teams also came out for the big shopping spree in search of great deals.
Alyson Dagen and her mom Kim Dagen wore their warm pajamas that had red cardinals on them.
“My mom loves cardinals,” Alyson Dagen said with a chuckle.
The duo brought their dog Muffletta, who also sported some flannel pajamas of sorts.
“These are Muffletta’s brother’s PJs,” Alyson Dagen joked.
After browsing through some bins and a table set up outside of Animal House, they said they were off to Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro for some coffee.
Sharon Schneeweis, of Marlton, brought her daughter, Shelby, 26, to get a jump on holiday shopping.
“We come to Ocean City in the summer. This is our first time at “Earlier Than the Bird,” Sharon Schneeweis noted. “I think it is such a crazy and fun idea to shop in your PJs.”
The two were on a mission to find the perfect Christmas decorations and some unique gifts.
“We will probably look at some jewelry, too,” Sharon Schneeweis said.
For information about the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce call (609) 399-1412, visit www.oceancityvacation.com or download the new Ocean City Vacation mobile app on your smart phone.
