This resort’s 10th annual Business Persons Plunge will kick off the Memorial Day Weekend in Ocean City, notes realtor, John Walton, a founder of the event and its director.
The popular plunge is the way City merchants and organizations celebrate the coming of a new season. In dramatic fashion, dressed in business suits and sporting other unusual costumes, they smart step into the sea. This year they will march to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance played by the Ocean City High School Band standing on the sidelines.
The action begins at noon on Fri., May 24 on the sands opposite the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.
Walton is enthusiastic about the event declaring there will be a record number of participants on the 24th.
“Future business students from Ocean City High School will enter Brigades,” says Walton. At the other end of the spectrum, 88 year old Betty Trout, representing Brown’s Restaurant on the Boardwalk, will take the plunge.
Among the new entries will be the Ocean City Exchange Club represented by Frank McCall; Winnie Piriano’s South Jersey Home Care; Roz Lifshin, representing the Ocean City Arts Center and Sun Rose Book Store; George Loeper, for the City’s Historical Museum; Yoghurt Land’s Michael Haines; Nichole Foxman for Stainton’s Gallery of Shops; Tina Spadafora of Yoasis and Sheikh of Ocean City Wireless Variety Store.
Doug Jewell of Air Circus will blow a tinny tune on his bugle to signal the start of the annual seaside frolic. The colorful contingent will be led by Walton carrying an American flag. Beside Walton will flutter a flag declaring that Ocean City is Ready and Open for the season.
“We want to emphasize that the community is back in business following Super Storm Sandy and ready to serve its many vacationers,’ says Walton.
Prior to the plunge, the Cumberland Regional High School Chorus led by Ed Sayre will serenade spectators. They will be followed by City officials and members of the Beach Patrol who will turn a large, wooden key in the sand to officially open the ocean. Local fish will rejoice because it will be legal for them to swim in City waters again.
Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in participating in the plunge should contact Walton at (609) 338-7667.
(May 8) LAST MINUTE REMINDER: There will be an art sale and auction to benefit Ocean City High School Art Scholarships from 5-7 p.m. at Positively 4th Street Café, 4th and Atlantic Ave. Limited tickets include Hors d’oeuvres and beverages for $10. Tickets sold at Café or by contacting Paul Matusz (732) 690-7755. Preview dates until May 12.
(May 12) The 16th Annual MOTHER’S DAY Concert in memory of arts benefactor, Esther Weil, is set for 4 p.m., Sun., May 12 at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The concert features the West Chester Strings Orchestra directed by Charles de Pasquale. Admission is free.
(May 14) The Ocean City Nor’easters professional Soccer Team kicks off its season against the New York Red Bulls U23’s in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup at Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk with a 7:30 p.m. start, Adults $10, children are free.
(May 14) The third annual Esther Weil Student Music COMPETITION will be held 4:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. The program is sponsored by the Friends of Music of the Ocean City Pops. It will feature ten outstanding vocalists and six instrumentalists competing for prizes. Admission is free.
(May 15) The Annual Roger LaRosa GOLF KLASSIC is set for Greate Bay Country Club with registration and lunch at noon and tee-off time at 1 p.m. All proceeds go to OCNJ C.A.R.E. (Clean Up and Recovery Effort Project) The monies will be used to assist families devastated by Super Storm Sandy. For information call John Van Stone, (609) 412-9607 or Frank McCall (609) 602-7545.
(May 18) The American Heart Assn. HEARTWALK, Registration begins 9 a.m. at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th St. off Boardwalk., walk starts10:30 a.m. Call (609) 926-3663.
(MAY 18) 4th Annual Miles for Melanoma 5K. Registration 9 a.m. at 34th St. Beach. Run begins at 10 a.m. Register on line before May 16, $25. Day of event, $30. Awards follow race. Call (717) 538-4359 or access www.milesformelanomaoc5K.com, (717) 538-4359.
(May 19) Ocean City Triathlon/DUATHLON, ¼ M swim, 2 M run, 16 M Bike/2 M run, plus kid’s course. Swim start 6-8 a.m. Run/Bike/Run start 9 a.m. Call (609) 525-9317.
(May 19) The Ocean City Fire Fighters GOLF TOURNAMENT is set for the Ocean City Municipal Golf Course, Bay Ave. near Airport, with tee time 8:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit American Cancer Society: Foursomes, Shotgun Format, 12 hole 3 par course, $35 per person with lunch included to follow afterwards at DiOrio’s in Somers Point. Luncheon guests are welcome, $10. For information, call Chris (609) 412-6663 or access This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The 2013 Concert Series at the Music Pier features Dave Mason, July 8, Jars of Clay, July 15, Hot Tuna Electric, July 22, Rusted Root, August 12. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
EVENTS at Ocean City Free Public Library: (May 8) Young Adults After School Movies, the Emperor’s New Groove (G) (2000) at 3 p.m. featuring Eartha Kitt and John Goodman. Evil sorceress Yzma is eventually foiled in attempt to take over mythical South American Kingdom. Free. Call Sara (609)399-2434, ext. 5235 for more info.
(May 9) Open Mic Night every Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Room N116. Come to perform or relax and enjoy the talent. A sign up sheet is at the door. Free refreshments. Sponsored by the Library and Ocean City Repertory Theater. Free to attend. Call Karen (609) 399-2434, ext. 5238. (May 10) Ocean City’s own, Andrew Hink, will perform songs from his original debut album, Lindenwold, 7 p.m. Main Lecture Room N110. Hink has performed extensively throughout the area. Admission free. Call Karen for more info. (May 11)TED TALKS, Video and Discussion Series. Ideas Worth Spreading! A discussion will take place following recorded lecture. The program is free. Call Karen for information on topic (609) 399-2434 ext. 5238.
New this year will be STAND UP FOR THE SEALS, an organization dedicated to raising funds for fallen Navy Seals and other special forces. They have selected Ocean City for its first annual Beach Adventure Race that includes an obstacle course for adults and a sand challenge run for kids under ten. The Memorial Day Weekend event also features a Stand Up Paddle Ocean Challenge
Events start on the Fourth St. Beach at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25th. Teams and individuals interested in participating should visit www.StandUP4SEALS.com. The group participates in “One Team, One Fight” which includes the Navy Seal Foundation and the 31 Heroes Project that honors and supports families of fallen service personnel. Contact Kristen Gallagher (610) 401-1510.
NOTE: The City of Millville is holding a Flower Festival on Sat., May 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Arts District between Main and Broad Sts. The Festival is dedicated to the late Jim Penland, legendary Artist and business man formerly of Ocean City. Penland wished to create a Flower Show for Millville just as he did for Ocean City over 30 years ago.
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