Dear Friends,
I’ve always been proud of how our Ocean City community comes together to give thanks for all we have and to provide for the less fortunate. I want to encourage you all to attend the annual Ecumenical Council Thanksgiving Service, which will be held this year at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (2998 Bay Avenue).
I encourage everybody of all faiths to attend this service. It is truly inspirational. Please bring a donation of canned goods for the local Food Cupboard to the service, and plan to stay afterwards for a dessert reception with your neighbors.
Our downtown is now decorated for the holidays, and the “Earlier than the Bird” shopping extravaganza will be Saturday, Nov. 17. This unique downtown event invites everyone to shop in their pajamas to take advantage of early-bird specials. The fun runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Free turkeys will be awarded to the best-dressed, and you can register for chances to win gift certificates and other prizes.
Take a break from the chaos of Black Friday on Nov. 23 and enjoy Christmas in the Downtown, our annual kickoff to the holiday season. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with live entertainment, the annual Christmas tree lighting at City Hall, and maybe even a visit from our friend from the North Pole.
Young singing sensation Jackie Evancho will be on hand to preview a song from her holiday show on the Music Pier on Saturday, Nov. 24. There are still some tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice .
Please remember that Saturday, Nov. 24, is Small Business Saturday. I always want everyone to shop local throughout the year, but please make a point to visit our local stores next Saturday.
Seasonal beach tags for summer 2019 go on sale starting Saturday, Nov. 17. They’re available at a discounted price of $20 and can be purchased online (www.ocnj.us/beachtags) or at locations throughout town, including at City Hall. Stop by if you’re planning to attend Earlier Than the Bird. With winter on the way, beach tags can be a great gift or reminder that summer is always around the corner.
First Night admission buttons are also on sale now. Attendance for our family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration is capped at 10,000 and the event sells out year after year. So don’t miss out. Information on the event, the schedule and how to purchase buttons is available at firstnightocnj.com .
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
