MediaWize

The south end of Ocean City came alive Fourth of July morning as hundreds of people lined Central Avenue to watch the participants of the annual holiday parade stroll by in the hot summer sun. Onlookers enjoyed the sights and sounds of the parade from the comfort of their porches and beach chairs lining the streets. The Ocean City police and fire departments also joined in on the fun -- lights, sirens and all. The parade included bicyclists, walkers, cars and more as they traveled from 40th Street to the playground on the corner of 53rd Street and Haven Avenue. There was even a dog in a stroller sporting its patriotic pride.

We humbly ask our readers to pause and reflect on our nation: still imperfect and a work in progress nearly two and a half centuries after its founding, yet still the standard for the rest of the world. In your reflection, please remember the foresight of those whose grand experiment made the Unites States of America possible, as well as those whose blood was shed to preserve it...

Mayor Jay Gillian is wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July. In a message posted Wednesday on the city's website, he is encouraging the holiday crowds to check out Ocean City's array of restaurants and shops. With so many people in town for the holiday weekend, he is urging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to be particularly careful in sharing the roads. He is also asking beach-goers to respect the power of the ocean and swim only in areas protected by lifeguards.

The Atlantic City Blackjacks (4-6) are still alive and fighting for a playoff spot heading into Week 11 against the Philadelphia Soul (6-4). The Soul have won the first two meetings of the season against the Blackjacks but this one is the most important yet. Atlantic City must win its last two games in order to make it to the playoffs. Fans can watch live on NBCSP+, ESPN 3, or the ESPN app, or listen to the call live on 97.3 ESPN on Saturday, July 6 at 7:00 pm. “Facing the Soul for the third time this season is a big challenge,” said Ron James, Head Coach of the Atlantic City Blackjacks. “They are playing very well at this point of the season and we are going to need a total team effort to win this weekend.” Over the past two weeks, Warren Smith and his offense have put up a combined 131 points against...

Before the barbecues and fireworks start, Shore Medical Center is hosting a “Celebration of Independence” ceremony Wednesday, July 3 at noon in front of the hospital. The ceremony will include essays read aloud by local children from Ocean City and Somers Point schools on what independence means to them. There will also be an appearance and speech by an actor who portrays George Washington.

A group of young athletes and coaches were treated to a free presentation Monday afternoon in Ocean City by Dr. Buzz Mingin on the importance of training the brain for optimal peak performance. Mingin, a brain and behavioral health expert, discussed with the group how learning to become a master breather and training your brain could lead to excellence in their respective sport.

Ocean City’s Independence Day celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, and include bike parades, music, family contests and fireworks to cap off the summer holiday. The fireworks will be launched from a barge in the ocean near the Music Pier at 9 p.m. and will be best viewed from the beach and Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street. The fun starts with two bike parades at opposite ends of the island. Everybody is invited to participate, and thousands usually do. Both parades start at 10 a.m., and organizers encourage riders to dress themselves and their bicycles in the spirit of the holiday. More details on the grand holiday celebration follow.

Mayor Jay Gillian announced an agreement Monday that will preserve public space on the popular Ninth Street beach. The deal involves a lease between two companies for beach chair and umbrella rentals at Ninth Street. The mayor's statement follows.

Dr. Buzz Mingin, a nationally recognized sports psychology consultant, will be conducting a training session in sports psychology and performance Monday at 11:45 a.m. at Yoga Ginger. This free event is open to the first 25 individuals who register ...

In collaboration with Ocean City and the Ocean City Pops, the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) presents its production of “Mamma Mia!” as part of its 12t​h​ season. There will be four performances, July 9, 10, and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and July 11 at 2 p.m., at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center.