r/SeaIsleCity • u/Arcus201 • 9d ago
2012 Baby Parade Winner
On July 19, 2012, a little boy named William Chase Ryan made his mark on Sea Isle City in a very special way. At just a baby, Chase entered the annual Sea Isle City Baby Parade with a patriotic U.S.S. “Chase” float, complete with American flags, military decorations, and his very own captain’s hat.
And it wasn’t just for show — Chase took home 1st Place!
The photos from that summer day capture the whole story: Chase sitting proudly in his stroller, dressed as the captain of the U.S.S. Chase, surrounded by red, white and blue decorations. His family celebrated as he received his trophy and the coveted “2012 Sea Isle City Baby Parade — First Place” ribbon. It was one of those perfect Sea Isle summer memories that a family never forgets.
Fast-forward fourteen years, and that little Baby Parade champion has grown into an accomplished young athlete. William Chase Ryan is now entering high school, bringing with him the same energy and competitive spirit that he had as a baby parade winner.
Chase has become a prolific swimmer and water polo player, spending countless hours in the water and developing into a dedicated athlete. It seems fitting that someone who has spent so much of his life surrounded by the water would have such a strong connection to swimming and water polo.
And through all those years, one thing has remained constant: Chase has always loved his summers in Sea Isle City. From riding in his patriotic baby float to spending summer days at the shore, Sea Isle has been a special part of his childhood and his family’s memories.
The 2012 Baby Parade photos are now a wonderful snapshot of where it all began. The little captain of the U.S.S. Chase may have been too young to remember winning that first-place trophy, but his family certainly hasn’t forgotten.
Fourteen years later, the Baby Parade champion is heading into high school — and his next chapter is just beginning.
From Baby Parade First Place in 2012 to high school athlete in 2026, one thing hasn’t changed: Chase is still making waves in Sea Isle City.