By MADDY VITALE
After riding down the Ocean City Boardwalk Monday night, contestants gathered at the Ocean City Tabernacle, where Katie Bowman was crowned the 2021 Miss Night in Venice by 2019 winner Brooke Powell.
First runner-up was Ella Osbeck and second runner-up was Marissa Green. The other contestants were Gianna DiFelice, Tricia Nicoletti and Kirsten Zoellner.
Former Miss Night in Venice Queens rode in the Boardwalk parade and were introduced on stage at the Tabernacle.
The six contestants collected over $40,000 that was donated to the HERO Campaign, Ocean City High School After Prom Party and the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard.
Cathy Finnegan, who has been one of the Miss NIV organizers for 30 years, said the pageant began years ago and funds formerly were donated to the Ocean City Rescue Squad.
“When the city took over the rescue squad, we started having the funds go to charities,” she noted.
Bowman and her fellow contestants will ride in a 44-foot yacht in the Night in Venice Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday from the Ocean City Longport bridge to Tennessee Avenue.
“It’s nice that all of the girls that compete get to be on the boat,” Finnegan said.
While there were just six contestants this year, Finnegan said the hope is the contest returns to its typical size of 12 contestants next year.
