Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Day Return to Boardwalk on Saturday
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY
The second annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Day on Saturday, Oct. 22 will invite dogs and their owners to enjoy a day of fun on the Boardwalk, where pets are prohibited during the rest of the year. Leashed dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22, and activities will include dog-specific vendors at the Ocean City Music Pier, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, order custom engraved dog tags, shoot photos with Santa and much more.
People are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in Halloween costumes for the Howl-O-Ween Parade at 3 p.m. Registration is now open, and all proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City. Advance registration ends at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21. Day-of registration begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sports and Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk). The parade route will run from Sixth Street to 12th Street on the Boardwalk. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories with an awards ceremony at the 11th Street Pavilion following the parade. Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent and his wife, Gini, and their dog, Sophia, will be grand marshals for the parade. To sign up as a participant and for more information, please visit www.ocnj.us/dogday.
RESCHEDULED JEEP INVASION SET FOR SUNDAY
About 500 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Sunday, Oct. 23 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14th Street. The Jeep Invasion will run from noon to 5 p.m. The event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show also includes vendors displaying and selling accessories at the Music Pier. This event had been scheduled for Oct. 1 but was postponed due to the weather. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information.
FIRST NIGHT ADMISSION BUTTONS ARE ON SALE NOW
It’s not too early to think about celebrating the arrival of 2023 at Ocean City’s family-friendly First Night celebration. All-inclusive admission buttons are on sale now. First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31. One $15 button is good for all programs. This year, Ocean City celebrates the 30th anniversary of the event.
Spend “Saturday in the Park” and catch “Saturday Night Fever” at the Music Pier on Saturday, Dec. 31 as the Music Pier features the BeeGees tribute band Stayin Alive and the high-energy Chicago tribute band Brass Transit. The return of perennial favorites like outdoor ice-skating, rides, magic shows, the Harlem Wizards and a variety of musical performances also highlight the entertainment lineup.
To learn more about all the ways to buy buttons, visit firstnightocnj.com/buy-buttons. Don’t wait, because button sales are limited. The price goes up to $20 on Dec. 1.
Tickets for the annual Ocean City Pops holiday show are also on sale now. The show is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Enjoy your favorite holiday songs with the Pops. Led by conductor Vince Lee, the Pops will perform your classic favorites and modern holiday hits featuring soloist Angel Gomez. More information and online ticket sales are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
COMING UP IN OCTOBER
OCTOBER 26 – OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet OC groups, businesses & organizations! Free event!
OCTOBER 27 – Halloween Parade: 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. For more information call 1-800-813-5580 or visit ochp.blogspot.com.
OCTOBER 29 – Halloween Costume Skate: The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will celebrate Halloween 4 p.m. to dusk on Saturday, Oct. 29. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume.