Ocean City’s 105th Baby Parade on the Ocean City Boardwalk is set for Thursday, August 14 starting at 5 p.m.
Founded by Philadelphia photo engraver Leo Bamberger, it is the oldest, continuously run event of its kind in the nation.
The parade starts at 5 p.m. at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk and concludes at 12th and Boardwalk. It is open to children from infants to 10 years of age. Contestants can register at the Ocean City Information Center, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Registration closes 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 12.
Parade Divisions include:
- Division A: Children in fancy decorated go carts, strollers, coaches, kiddie cars, express wagons, etc. or walking. Section 1: Up to two years; Section 2: Two years up to 6; Section 3: Age 6 to 10. Note: In Division A, if there is more than one child in an entry, they will be placed in the section of the oldest child.
- Division B: Children in comic decorated go-carts, strollers, coaches, kiddie cars, express wagons, etc. or walking up to 10 years.
- Division C: Small children’s floats, up to 10 years. All vehicles including express wagons and baby carriages with tops or sides built or added measuring more than 3×5 ft.
Parade Information: Division A and B will form inside the Civic Center and Division C outside the Civic Center, 6th St. at the Boardwalk. Judging begins at 3:45 p.m. sharp. An awards ceremony will be held in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, following the parade. For information, call (609) 525-9300.
The Parade has a storied history. In 1983 New York Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio was grand marshal. Princess Grace Kelly, whose family owned a home in Ocean City, also appeared in the parade and was known to enjoy the event while spending her summers at Ocean City.
Mark and Toby Soifer will be grand marshals of the parade. Soifer has been the City’s Public Relations Director for 43 years. He has initiated the unusual events and some practical ones. He also appears in City parades as Trash Buster, the City’s environmental symbol and promotes recycling and anti litter causes. Mark and Toby have been married for 57 years. Toby has assisted Mark in many of his projects while raising four children and pampering eight grandchildren, some of whom will be at the parade.
