LAST MINUTE REMINDERS: You can purchase $15 admission buttons for First Night, Ocean City’s gala New Year’s Eve Celebration, at Stainton’s, 8th and Asbury Ave., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., buy them online at www.firstnightocnj.com or call (609) 399-1412. First Night buttons will be available at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th and Boardwalk, when Stainton’s closes on New Year’s Eve.
Ocean City’s First Day at the Beach Celebration on January1 features a 5K Run starting 1p.m. on the Boardwalk by the Music Pier at Moorlyn Terrace, with registration beginning 11:30 a.m. at that location. There is also a first dip in the Ocean beginning at
2 p.m. Register and sign waiver form by the Music Pier before start.
There is also a First Day in the Downtown shopping extravaganza with bargains all day at the Asbury Avenue Shopping district.
Activities will continue through winter capped by the Mr. Mature America Pageant on March 22. This new program will introduce our spring Special Events. Here are some locations that will provide plenty to do in the coming weeks:
The Ocean City Community Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. includes:
- The Ocean City Library that features an array of activities including free Saturday afternoon movies; TED Talk, which presents experts speaking on various subjects; jazz concerts and an array of other musical programs, cooking classes, instructive classes including crafts for elementary, grade and high school students, practical information on how to access programs on banks, mutual Funds, and stocks; talent nights, holiday features, story book readings for tots and much more. Call Karen at (609) 399-2434 ext. 5238.
- The Aquatic and Fitness Center is a multi-faceted facility that encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in programs to promote good health. The Center has strength and cardio vascular equipment training space, an aerobics studio for exercise classes, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and martial arts, racquetball, indoor cycling classes, child care and youth programming spaces. It features a 25 meter swimming pool and is open seven days a week. Call (609) 398-6900 or visit www.ocnj.us and click on Aquatic and Fitness Center for more information.
- The Ocean City Arts Center is also located in the Community Center with Continuous Art Exhibits, classes in drawing, painting, sculpting, dancing, music, and much more. Call (609) 399-7628.
- The Ocean City Historical Museum with exhibits of City memorabilia and programs of historical interest is located on the ground floor of the building adjacent to the Atrium. Call (609) 399-1801.
- There is also a Senior Center located in the building that offers year around Programs and events of interest and assistance to Senior Citizens, call (609) 399-0055.
Ocean City offers year around shopping with over 100 stores plus restaurants from 6th to 14th Streets on Asbury Ave. Ocean City’s other Art Center, the Ocean City Fine Arts League, is located in the downtown at 608 Asbury Ave. “Art on Asbury,” as it is also known, presents monthly exhibitions. In January it is featuring “Judges Tribute,” paintings from the 2013 exhibits favored by the Judges. For information, call (609) 814-0308 or access This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Accent Gallery, 956 Asbury Ave., also shows and sells work by outstanding artists year around.
The City has two theater companies:
The Ocean City Theatre Company presents many Broadway quality productions during the year plus winter Theatre and Music Programs for children in 3rd to 8th Grades. Call (609) 525-9300 during regular business hours for information or access www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
The Ocean City Repertory Theater, 813 Asbury Ave. presents programs year around. Call (609) 457-6686 or access www.ocrep.org.
Upcoming: The City will celebrate the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday Jan. 18 at noon. The ceremony will be held at Ocean City’s Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave., at noon. On Monday, Jan. 20, his birthday will also be marked by the annual Volunteer Citywide Clean Up from held from10 a.m. till noon. Volunteers or families wishing to participate should call the Ocean City Public Works Department, (609) 399-6111 ext. 9702 or 9711.
Teen Contest Includes Two from Ocean City: Fifteen contestants from throughout the State will compete for the Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen title, Sat., Jan. 11 at Millville High School, 200 Wade Blvd. The Pageant starts 7 p.m., doors open at
6:15 p.m. This year’s theme is Disney on Parade.
Two of the contestants are from Ocean City. Cassidy Diamond will perform a tap dance and Megan Keenan, a lyrical dance. Tickets are $35, available at the door or in advance from Joan Cooper, Pageant Director (856) 825-6937 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Stay tuned for more City events as we proceed quickly through the winter and into the spring.
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