Longtime Ocean City 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 12 at the Ocean City 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 Association and the initiator of Family Nights on the Boardwalk. The success of that event prompted the city’s downtown to start its popular Market Days entertainment.
Glaser 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 genial Glaser has turned over the business to members of his family but remains as an advisor and welcome presence at Boardwalk and other city promotions.
Dick Sheeran was a popular news anchor and feature reporter for Philadelphia’s KYW-TV3 for 30 years. He covered stories throughout the world for the station including three national political conventions, a sit-down interview with President Jimmy Carter and the canonization of Bishop John Neumann in Rome. He has assisted the Mr. Mature America Pageant as a co-emcee and this year will interview contestants on stage during the final question segment of the pageant.
The pageant opens with a rousing and humorous dance routine choreographed by Jessica Albertson. All contestants participate in this crowd pleaser that sets an entertaining tone for the evening. Contestants then compete in talent, poise and interview segments.
A new feature this year will be a Seniors Art Exhibit presented by the Ocean City Arts Center and Ocean City Fine Arts League. Outstanding senior artists will display their work at the entrance to the solarium of the pier. Pageant attendees will be able to view the work before and after the Pageant which begins at 7 p.m.
CALL NOW TO ENTER PAGEANT: (609) 399-6111 or email msoifer@hotmail.com.
Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, call (609) 399-6111 or email msoifer@hotmail.com or visit City Hall Welcome Center, 9th St. entrance.
— News release from the City of Ocean City
