Events

(Feb 6) A free RABIES CLINIC for cats and dogs will be held 10 a.m. until noon at the 5^th Street Fire House, 550 Asbury Ave. Under City and State law anyone owning, keeping or harboring a dog of licensing age, 7 months or older or that possesses a set of permanent teeth, must annually procure a metal tag from the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 861 Asbury Ave. Please bring your renewal notice to the clinic or clerk’s office, first floor, Mon.-Fri., 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Licenses are available for a small fee. For information, call (609) 525-9328.

(Feb. 13-14) LET BROADWAY BE YOUR VALENTINE, a program featuring the greatest love songs of all time from Broadway by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. The show will feature a cast of professional singers and dancers with direction and choreography by the talented Michael Hartman.

What's Happening 1/27/16

Let Broadway be your Valentine… and spend the weekend with your special someone in Ocean City. The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company and City restaurants, Inns, Suites and Bed and Breakfasts want to make it something very special for you and your loved one.

Centerpiece of the event is the performance of the most enchanting and unforgettable love songs ever to grace the stage. The show is presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company renowned for its Broadway productions under the direction of Michael Hartman. Resort restaurants and accommodations will offer specials for the weekend to make it even more enticing.

The productions are set for (Feb. 13-14) at the City’s historic Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace on Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m.  A professional cast of singers and dancers will perform the greatest love songs of all time. Hartman, who has choreographed events for the Miss America Parade in Atlantic City, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade and pageants and productions throughout the East Coast will add his magic to the event.

What's Happening 1/20/16

Longtime Boardwalk businessman Hank Glaser and veteran journalist Dick Sheeran will receive “Lifetime Appreciation Awards” during the City’s third annual Mr. Mature America Pageant on March 12th at the Music Pier.

The Pageant celebrates the achievements of men 55 years and older, and is the only event of its kind in the United States “or the world as far as we can determine,” notes Mark Soifer, pageant founder.

Glaser, former owner of Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy, has been a driving force on the Boardwalk for years. He was the first president of the Ocean City Boardwalk Merchants Assn.  and the initiator of Family Nights on the Boardwalk. The success of that event prompted the City’s Downtown to start its popular Market Day entertainment.

Hank has supported numerous City events including the Doo Dah Parade, Weird Contest Week, Martin Mollusk Day, the Fall Guy and Fall Gal Contest, The Street Rod Weekend, to name a few. He has officiated as a judge at many of these programs.

The celebration of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S BIRTHDAY will start this Saturday, (Jan. 16th) in Ocean City. The yearly national celebration is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Hughes Performing Arts Center of the Ocean City High School, 6^th and Atlantic Ave.  A Soul Food Dinner will follow the program.

Ocean City hosted the first celebration of Dr. King’s Birthday in Cape May County 26 years ago and has held one ever since. The program will begin with introductions by City Business Administrator Jim Mallon, followed by a musical selection, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” There will be a scripture reading by Rev. Stephen Donat of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Invocation by Rev. Anna Livingston of Shiloh Baptist Church and greetings by Mayor Jay A. Gillian and elected officials.

Ocean City has an array of facilities that will keep you entertained, informed and healthy all winter. Let’s start with the Community Center Complex, 17^th and Simpson Ave. It offers a Library, Historical Museum, Aquatic and Fitness Center, Art Center and Senior Center.    

The OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC Library offers free programs for all ages from tots to teenagers to adults the year-round: musical entertainment, free movies, computer instruction, and more.

There will be a cooking class on Jan. 30^th to celebrate National Croissant Day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Senior Room Kitchen. Programs include Chess and Bridge Clubs, Meditation Workshops, Book Discussions, Bay Atlantic Symphony lectures, Learn to play mah-jongg and AARP Save Driving course.

NOW is time to get your First Night Admission buttons for New Year’s Eve. The word from First Night Headquarters is that they will definitely sell out! SO ACT NOW! You don’t want to be that breathless person who rushes up to the counter at the last minute and finds a “SORRY! SOLD OUT!" sign staring you in the face!!

Your children will begin screaming and beating their fists against your chest. Your wife will repeat “I told you so! I told you so!” over and over as she tries to calm the children. And you will feel like a complete and absolute failure. It won’t be a pretty scene. Here’s how it can be avoided.

Buy your buttons NOW online at www.firstnightocnj.com , or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. Buttons are also available at the Causeway Welcome Center, at Stainton’s Square, 810 Asbury Ave. and the City Hall Welcome Center, 9^th and Asbury Ave. DON’T DELAY! Do it NOW! Unless now is January 2nd and you are just reading this notice. In that event, this is what you will have missed:

(Dec. 25) FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER: For the 27^th year, the Community Christmas Celebration will offer a free buffet dinner with all the trimmings. ALL are welcome! The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 8^th and Central Ave. Take outs will be available. Volunteers will deliver to those who can’t attend. Transportation will be provided if needed. Call (609) 398-8781. There will be special access for the disabled and free parking.

No need to spend the Holiday home alone. There will be folks to talk to, entertainment and games at the centrally located church. All this in addition to a tasty meal. The dinner was started by Mike and Peaches Lukens to provide good food, good cheer and promote comradeship in the community. It is now run by Holly Martinez, their daughter. Ocean City is truly a great family community with a big heart that takes care of its own and its visitors. Merry Christmas to all and to all a happy and healthy 2016.

(Dec. 31) FIRST NIGHT began here 24 years ago. It is patterned after a celebration in Boston designed to keep folks off the roads, entertained and safe on New Year’s Eve. It was brought to our attention by Carla Heist who pushed hard for the event and helped form the first committee that now consists of over 100 volunteers under the direction of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday shows and opportunities to meet Santa lead the way to First Night, our gala New Year’s Eve Celebration.

(Dec.16) SHARON M. DRAPER, author, educator and prominent public speaker will talk about Education and Literacy 7 p.m. in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17^th and Simpson Ave. Ms. Draper has been honored as National Teacher of the Year, is a New York Times Best Selling Author and is the recipient of the American Library Association’s Award for National Achievement. She is also a five time winner of Coretta Scott King Literary Awards. She is involved in motivating and encouraging teachers and students throughout the world.

(Dec. 18) SWINGIN’ INTO THE HOLIDAYS: 2015 Christmas Spectacular, at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The Ocean City Theatre Co. has brightened our holiday season with a number of entertaining performances. This is one of them! A cast of professional singers and dancers present a high-energy, family oriented, song and dance tribute to the holidays, directed and choreographed by the talented Michael Hartman. With familiar songs, toe tapping numbers, special effects and dazzling costumes, this production will kindle the holiday spirit in all of us with a brand new musical journey through seasonal favorites. Tickets: $18 general admission, $15 children 12 and under. Show times 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Call (609) 399-6111 or visit www.ocnj.us/boxoffice.

(Dec. 9) DAN SKELDON to talk at Library: El Nino. The Polar Vortex. Will both or either impact our coming winter? The Farmer’s Almanac says it’s going to be a cold and snowy winter. But is there any truth to that? Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Dan Skeldon, will report on what he expects will happen during the upcoming winter. Will there be pipe freezing cold like last year? Or a major snow storm? Dan will give his winter forecast and take questions from the audience on any South Jersey Weather topic. He will also review this year’s hurricane season and look ahead to what 2016 may have in store. Dan forecasted South Jersey Weather for 12 years for NBC 40 before it went off the air. He will speak at 6:30 p.m. in the Ocean City Free Public Library’s Chris Maloney Lecture Hall, 17th and Simpson Ave. Admission is free.

(Dec. 11-13) SWINGIN’ INTO THE HOLIDAYS: 2015 Christmas Spectacular at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, presented by the Ocean City Theatre Co. A professional group of singers and dancers present an enchanting tribute to the holiday season. Directed and choreographed by Michael Hartman. Tickets, $18 general admission, $15 children 12 and under. Show times Dec. 11&12-7:30 p.m., Dec. 13-2 p.m. Call (609) 399-6111 or visit www.ocnj.us/boxoffice.

(Dec. 4) The City's Annual CHRISTMAS PARADE brings Santa to town in a horse and buggy. The Parade begins 6:30 p.m. Route is from 6^th to 11^th Sts. on Asbury Ave. Afterwards Santa will be at the Park across from City Hall, 9^th and Asbury Ave. He will pose for photos (bring your camera) and hand out treats.

Bands featured in the Parade include the Ocean City High School Marching Band, the Pitman Hobo Band and the Ed Coles Dixieland Band. Among the groups to march are the Ocean City Theatre Co., the Atlantic Shore Babe Ruth All Star Team, the American Legion, Girl Scout Troop 41371, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Cape May County Sherriff's Dept. Mounted Unit, OCHS Best Buddies International Club, Strathmere Fire Co.,  Jr. Red Raiders Football Team, Miss Middlesex County, Starstruck Dance Academy, 7^th St. Surf Shop, Barbizon Modeling, Vittorio's Restaurant, The Walking Christmas tree and more.                                                                                                                                                  

(Nov. 27) This popular event will feature lots of free fun and entertainment from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. SANTA descends from the City Hall Roof at 5 p.m., the PHILLIE PHANATIC and many others entertain: Program includes Show Stoppers (Carolers and String Band) strolling Avenue 6-9^th St. from 2 - 4 p.m.; Fox Production Singers strolling from 8^th-11^th St., 2 -4 p.m.; Michael Hartman, Ocean City Theatre Co., 4-5 p.m. at City Hall; Keith Hickman, performing on City Hall Steps, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.; Dean Duncan, Stilt Walker, strolling from 6-11^th St., 2-5 p.m.; free Horse and Carriage Rides, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. from in front of City Hall; SANTA, Gazebo Park, across from City Hall, 2-3 p.m., 5:15-5:45 p.m. (bring your camera), the PHILLIE PHANATIC, 4-6 p.m.  at City Hall. Program sponsored by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Ocean City specializes in entertaining and inspirational holiday events.

(Nov. 21) EARLIER THAN THE BIRD, 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A Downtown Asbury Avenue Holiday Shopping celebration and fun filled experience! Enjoy the best bargains in the morning! Shop in your PJs. Win a Turkey if judges select you as one of the best dressed. You may also win gift certificates or more.

From noon until 3 p.m. enjoy FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES and photos with Santa in Ocean City’s Award Winning Downtown. Bring your camera!

(Nov. 16-22) FITNESS WEEK: Benefit from a week of workouts, seminars, lessons and demonstrations designed to help you improve your mental, physical and spiritual health and better enjoy the holidays in top condition. Try cycling, Pilates, yoga, pickleball, kickball, Zumba and more at various City locations including: OC Aquatic and Fitness Center, Golden Buddha, Yoga Ginger, OC Arts Center and Local Studio Workout. $20 for any 5 sessions. Visit www.ocnj.us/recreation or OC Aquatic and Fitness Center for a complete schedule. Also check out the list of free events offered. For more information, call (609) 398-6900.

Ocean City’s Annual VETERANS DAY PROGRAM will be held Wed., Nov. 11^th at 11 a.m. in Veterans Memorial Park, 5^th and Wesley Ave. In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will be held at the Tabernacle adjacent to the Park.

The program includes a Welcome by Jim Mallon; Invocation by Pastor Steve Donat, St. Peter’s Methodist Church; Presentation of the Colors by L/CPL George L. Dramis, Marine Corps League Detachment 676; the Star Spangled Banner will be sung by Julia Mary Wilson; the Pledge of Allegiance led by American Legion Commander Bob Marzulli followed by the Armed Forces Medley Colors Retired.

Mayor Jay A. Gillian will offer remarks and Ocean City Primary School students will present a “Thank You To Veterans.” VFW Commander, Mike Morrissey will introduce guest speaker, Vietnam Veteran, Joe Griffies. There will be a Placing of the Wreath by Clark Manley and Jim Riviello, Benediction by Reverend Mark P. Bruesehoff, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Closing by VFW Commander Mike Morrissey. The Memorial Wreath is provided by Mark Videtto, Spinning Wheel Florists.

The City’s popular Trail of Two Cites 5K Walk/Run over the Causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point is set for Saturday starting 8 a.m. at the Transportation Center, 9^th and Haven Ave. It ends at JFK Park in Somers Point.

THE CAUSEWAY WILL BE CLOSED TO INCOMING, EAST BOUND TRAFFIC from approximately 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Pre-registration is $25. It ends Nov.4, and is available online only at www.lmsports.com. Same day registration is $30 starting 7 a.m. at the Transportation Center.

The Trail of Two Cities provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy and photograph the scenic causeway including the wetlands, bay and outline of Ocean City. Runners from 9 years and under to 70 and older compete for medals. There is an awards ceremony when all runners have completed the course at Kennedy Park. Free refreshments will be available for participants. Race results will be available at 9:30 a.m. at www.lmsports.com.

THE QUIET FESTIVAL is coming soon. I’d like to review that first, because it takes some preparation. Then we’ll review HALLOWEEN and The TRAIL OF TWO CITIES.

The 12th Annual Quiet Festival, the only event in the area that celebrates quiet things and contemplation, is set for Fri., Nov. 13 and Sat., Nov. 14. Let’s start with Nov. 14. This is the center piece of the Quiet Festival. It features a QUIET PET CONTEST, the only one in the universe that we know of plus other fun activities.

The events are held in the Senior Auditorium of the Community Center that takes up an entire block between 17^th and 18^th Sts. on Simpson Ave. The Senior Center is on the 18th Street side.

The 20^th Annual Trail of Two Cities 5K Run/Walk over the Causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point is set for Sat., Nov. 7^th starting 8 a.m. The event begins at the Transportation Center 9^th and Haven Ave. in Ocean City and ends at JFK Park in Somers Point. Race day entry will be conducted starting 7 a.m. at the Center. Beat the crowd and pick up entry packet early (pre registrants only) Fri., Nov. 6^th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.

The event is open to all ages from 9 years and under to 70 and over. Pre-registration is $25 if received by mail by Oct. 30^th or online at www.lmsports.com if received by Nov.4^th. Day of the race is $30. Immediate families up to four can register for $75. Families must pre-register and all forms must be received by Oct. 30^th. (See entry form for details.)

(Oct. 17) The JUNIOR MISS Ocean City Pageant is set for the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, at 7 p.m. Eleven contestants between ages 12-15 will compete. Admission is $10, available at the door.

(Oct. 28) Ocean City Chamber of Commerce WELCOME NIGHT is set from 6-8 p.m. at the Music Pier. Meet Ocean City groups, businesses and organizations. A free event. Call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

(Oct. 28) THE MONSTER and HIS BRIDE: You are cordially invited to Frankenstein’s 80th Anniversary Party, 7:30 p.m., at the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall of the Ocean City Free Public Library,17th and Simpson Ave. The following friends and family are expected to attend: Dracula, Wolfman, The Mummy, Zombie, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and the Hunchback. Featuring student performers from Ocean City High School. Reception to follow. Come howl the night away with all the cool Ghouls. For more information, call (609) 399-2434 ext. 5222.

(Oct.10) The City’s popular Fall Block Party is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will extend from 5^th to 14^th Sts. on Asbury Ave. and feature over 400 crafters, food vendors, entertainment and public service displays.

Over 100 downtown stores, plus restaurants will be open featuring their specialties. Free entertainment is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It includes free pony rides and nationally acclaimed magician, Chad Juros at the Tabernacle grounds, 6^th and Asbury Ave.

Entertainment on the Avenue: The Big Daddy Band led by Larry Conner and Mike Bracey will perform at 6^th St., Robert Boney, 7^th St., Tony DeLuca, 9^th St., Tidal Wave,10^th St., the Bubba Mac Blues Band, 13^th St. and Keith Hickman, 14^th St. There will be public service booths at 9^th St., opposite City Hall. 

The Chamber will also be selling First Night Admission Buttons at its Block Party Booth on 9^th St. by City Hall. Buy them now for $15. Price goes up to $20 after December 15. You can also order at www.firstnightocnj.com or by calling 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

Saturday evening will feature a spectacular FIREWORKS DISPLAY at 9:30 p.m.

(Oct. 10) Ocean City’s Mile - Long Fall Block Party: It will be here before you know it. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, entertainment and public service displays will be featured. The event extends from 5^th to 14^th Sts. on Asbury Ave. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s lots of fun and good exercise.

Over 100 Asbury Ave. stores in the City’s award winning downtown will be open featuring an array of gifts for the holidays. The popular Greek Food Festival will return to 9^th and Asbury Ave. and downtown restaurants will be offering their specialties.

There will be free entertainment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. including free pony rides for children on the Tabernacle grounds, 6^th and Asbury Ave. Nationally acclaimed magician, Chad Juros, will also perform at the Tabernacle Grounds at that time.

Two events that honor our heroic service personnel are scheduled this week:

(Sept. 24) Ocean City hosts THE RUN FOR THE FALLEN on Thursday. This is an organization of runners and their support teams whose mission it is to run one mile for every New Jersey resident in the Armed Forces killed during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Heading north from Cape May, the runners pause briefly at each mile marker in homage to a specific service member and their family. The military runners will stop at each of the HERO MARKERS where a brief ceremony will take place. The group will stop and stay in Ocean City at the end of the first day.

Our Veterans Organizations ask as many residents as possible to come out to one or more of our HERO MARKERS to support the runners and reflect on the sacrifices of these service members and their families. For information about when runners will be at Ocean City locations along the route, call Jack Hagan, Adjutant, Post 524 of the American Legion (609) 304-3088 or access http://www.oceancityvacation.com/job/321/49/list.html.

(Sept. 26) WALK FOR THE WOUNDED, A three mile walk on the Boardwalk to raise money for wounded soldiers returning from overseas will be held on Saturday. The event benefits Operation First Response a non profit organization that provides financial aid to the veterans and their families.