Beaches, Boardwalk, Bay

Being the type of guy who “never takes myself too seriously,” Jack Merritt answered a question about his year of holding the title of Mr. Mature America with a quip. “It’s been the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on,” Merrritt said. The reigning winner of the zany pageant-style competition for men 55 and older says his successor is in for a similar thrill-packed ride. “People stop me at events and chat, I get to come to Ocean City more often than I normally would, and I’ve made many new friends. It’s been great,” he said. For Merritt, a consultant and private pilot from West Grove, Pa., who owns a summer home in Ocean City, the ride will end on Saturday, April 18, at the conclusion of the 7 p.m. event at the Music Pier.