In addition to its usual array of outstanding indoor entertainment, First Night Ocean City has expanded its New Year’s Eve events at Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk and the adjacent 5th St. Parking Lot.
The new programs will feature everything from the largest ice rink south of Rockefeller Center to “Bouncy,” the world’s tallest snowman, a 30 ft. inflatable.
There will also be a Dixie Dragonfly Swing Ride with ten swings that holds up to 20 adults or 30 children, a trackless train ride around the ice rink and an up and down Peanut the Elephant Ride. These attractions will be available from 4 to 8 p.m. Pony rides are scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. at the same location.
Skates will be provided for use at the 80 ft. by 40 ft. rink at the 5th St. Parking lot or First Nighters may bring their own. The rink can accommodate up to 100 skaters at a time.
The 6th St. Sports and Civic Center will feature four new inflatables from 4 to 7 p.m. The Fabulous Grease Band will entertain there from 9 p.m. till midnight.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will not be open for First Night due to construction.
Ocean City’s popular New Year’s Eve Gala roared back in 2013 just two months after Super Storm Sandy entertaining 10,000 people. Admission remains at just $15 per person, “The Best Entertainment Value at the Jersey Shore.” Admission buttons are available on line at www.firstnightocnj.com, can be ordered by credit card by calling (609) 399-1412 and are also available at the Information Welcome Center on the new 9th Street Causeway. Buttons will soon be available at Stainton’s Square, 8th and Asbury Ave. in Ocean City.
This year’s program, its 22nd consecutive edition, starts with opening ceremonies at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace 4 p.m. and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Headliners this year will be the Original Blue Notes performing at the Music Pier Auditorium at 8 and 9 p.m. and the Trammps scheduled at that venue 10 and 11 p.m.
In addition, First Night offers an extensive program of entertainment including a children’s show Rapunzel and the Broadway Hit Smokey Joe’s Café: popular Juggler, Chris Ivey; nationally acclaimed, magician, Chad Juros; the Jungle John Animal Show; Broadway By Request; the Grease Band; the Norristones Doo Wop performers; the Ocean City Pops Orchestra; the Dinosaur Zoo in the High School gym; the Mainstage Singers, Allo Magic and fun, the Turtle Singers; Dan Chain, Mentalist; the Lucky Guess Game Show; world renowned Abbott and Costello performers; a Barber Shop Quartet; the Bubba Fan Gospel Group, the Paisley Pickles, telescope observation of the skies at the High School Planetarium, the Veggie Tales, the Disney Pixar movie shown hourly at the Moorlyn Theater from 6 to 11 p.m. and more.
The Ocean City Restaurant Assn. will again offer “A Taste of the Jersey Shore” with hourly seating from 4-8 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria. Book reservations and see extensive menu on line at www.EatInOCNJ.com.
There will be free parking at City lots and a free jitney service to take First Nighters to entertainment spots. Complete information will be in the program book provided to all First Night button holders.
First Night will be followed by First Day at the Beach featuring a First Dip in the Ocean at 2p.m., preceded by 5K Boardwalk Run at 1 p.m. beginning at the Music Pier, plus First Day Shopping Bargains all day at downtown Asbury Ave. For information, call 609-525-9300.
(Nov. 14) The Ocean High School’s Annual SCHOLARSHIP Dinner will be held in the School’s Cafeteria (5th St. Entrance) from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy specialties of local chefs and music by Tym Cox and his Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $25, children 3 to10 are $10, children under 3 are free. All proceeds benefit High School Scholarships. For information and tickets contact Ms. Amy DePasquale (609) 399-1290 Ext. 1312 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
(Nov. 14) The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce CITIZEN of the Year Award will be presented to Drew Fasy owner of N.J. Realty and Pastor Brian Roberts, Senior Pastor at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at the Ocean City Yacht Club, Bay and Battersea Rd., 6 p.m., Social Hour, Dinner 7 p.m. Following Super Storm Sandy, the two civic leaders co-chaired OCNJ C.A.R.E. that mobilized hundreds of volunteers and was instrumental in facilitating the recovery from Super Storm Sandy with the City. Tickets are $55 per person. Call (609) 399-1412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
(Nov. 14) Senior WALKABILITY Workshop: The New Jersey Department of Transportation invites Seniors, community decision makers and advocates who want to help shape the transportation future of our communities to attend a meeting 9 a.m. to noon at the Ocean City Senior Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. The purpose is to learn about best practices in walkable community design for Seniors, to better understand the needs of our seniors and engage N.J. decision makers on how to confront this challenge. Please RSVP (609) 512-3542 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
(Nov. 16-17) Christmas ARTS & CRAFTS Festival: This event features the finest artisans on the East Coast exhibiting and selling one of a kind specialties ideal for gift giving during the holiday season. Produced by JoAnne and Norman Schaut of Ocean City, this event has raised thousands of dollars for local charities. The show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Free parking available at nearby City lots. Contribution of $3 supports the charities. Call Call 1-800-822-4112.
(Nov. 17) The Historic Flanders Hotel will hold a 90th ANNIVERSARY GALA from 4 to 8 p.m. “The Jewell of the Southern Shore” invites you to join as they celebrate this special occasion for the benefit of the Ocean City Historical Museum. The day will include a day a Display of Flanders Memorabilia and Antiques, Presentation of the History of the Flanders and a full course dinner with Hors d’oeuvres plus music and dancing. Tickets are $50 a person with all profits donated to the Ocean City Historical Museum. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum, 17th and Simpson Ave., (609) 399-1801 or the Flanders Hotel, (609) 399-1000.
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