Week in O.C.: Miss Crustacean, Pier Open House, Boardwalk Art and More

The annual Miss Crustacean Pageant will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, on the beach at Sixth Street. Summer kicks into high gear as we move into August. Here are some highlights of events this week: Monday, August 3 THE THREE LITTLE WOLVES and the BIG BAD PIG is a new musical based on a book by Eugene Trivizas. When it comes time for the three little wolves to go out into the world, their mother warns them to beware of the Big Bad Pig. But the little wolves sturdy dwellings are no match for the persistent porker, who does more than just huff and puff. It takes a chance encounter with a flamingo pushing a wheelbarrow full of flowers to provide a surprising and satisfying solution to the little wolves' housing crisis. 10:30 a.m. at Music Pier. Tickets $10, Call (609) 399-6111 or www.ocnj.us/boxoffice. DAVID BROMBERG - An American multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter plays bluegrass, blues and folk music. He has accompanied many artists during his career including Bob Dylan. Bromberg's Quintet and Band will be joined by special guest, singer- songwriter, Dar Williams. Show host will be legendary folk DJ, Gene Shay. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39, all seats reserved and can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-300 at tickemaster.com and at Music Pier Box Office. Tuesday, August 4

• Funtastic Tuesdays (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.): On downtown Asbury Avenue (6th to 11th streets), entertainment, face painters and balloon sculptors. (Starting July 7)
• Mummers Night  (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.): String bands march and perform on the Ocean City Boardwalk (6th to 14th streets), sponsored by Shrivers, Ocean Paradise, Prep’s Pizzeria and Henry’s.  (Starting July 7)
• Beach Walks: Tickets may be purchased on-site, adults for $1 and children for 50 cents; South End at 9 a.m. at the 59th Street and Central Avenue entrance to Corson’s Island State Park; North End at 6:30 p.m. at the Ocean City-Longport Bridge Parking Lot (Gardens Parkway)  (Starting July 7)

Wednesday, August 5 Second Sand Sculpting Contest of the season starts 9 a.m. at the 6th Street Beach. Categories for ages 5 and under, 6-8, 9-12, Teens, Individual Adults and Families. Free. Prizes awarded. For information, call (609) 399-6111. Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant at 1 p.m. on 6th St. Beach, registration at noon. This Pageant attempts to find and honor the most glamorous Crustacean in existence. Previous winners have included Crabunzel, Copa Crabana, Taxi Crab and Crabahontis. Winner is awarded the "Coveted Cumber Rind Cup," symbol of Crustacean comeliness. Entry is free. Prizes are awarded. Absolutely no painting or gluing objects to crab's shells.  Contestants are briefed and given information on how to care for Hermit Crabs. Pageant is followed by King of Klutz Races to determine the world's fastest Crustacean. Also:

• Farmers Market (8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 9) On the Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds (Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) every Wednesday, produce vendors as well as crafters will also gather to display their goods.
• Downtown Merchants Sidewalk Sale: Look for sale items on tables set up the Avenue (Asbury Avenue between Sixth and 14th streets) every Wednesday in July and August.
• Beach Walks: Tickets may be purchased on-site, adults for $1 and children for 50 cents; South End at 6:30 p.m. at the 59th Street and Central Avenue entrance to Corson’s Island State Park; North End at 9 a.m. at the Ocean City-Longport Bridge Parking Lot (Gardens Parkway)

Thursday, August 6 Ocean City Fishing Club member Bob Dever demonstrates some long casts from the end of the 14th Street Pier during an open house on Thursday, July 23. OCEAN CITY FISHING CLUB OPEN HOUSE: Experience the beautiful view and talk to members of this historic 635 ft. Pier, the oldest, continuously operating facility of its kind in the nation. Tour 6 to 8 p.m. at 14th St. and Boardwalk. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations of canned or dried food for the Ocean City Food Cupboard. Event is held to coincide with City's popular Family Nights on the Boardwalk. Call George Ingram (609) 398-0534 for information. TWINS CONTEST: Prizes for twins who look most alike and least alike. Divided into age groups, 5 and under, 6-8, 9-12, Teens and Adults. Registration begins at 6 p.m. in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Contest starts 6:30 p.m. Entry is free. Prizes are awarded. Also:

• Market Days (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.): On downtown Asbury Avenue (6th to 11th streets), entertainment, face painters and balloon sculptors.
• Family Nights (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) On the Ocean City Boardwalk (6th to 14th streets), musical and family entertainment at different blocks on the boardwalk sponsored by: OC Waterpark, Henry’s, Playland Castaway Cove, Johnson’s Popcorn.
• Inn to Inn Tours (2 p.m. to 4 p.m) Commencing at 7th Street and Central Avenue, an old-fashioned trolley winds its way through center city neighborhoods for an intimate visit to four or five bed and breakfasts. Afternoon refreshments are offered at the conclusion of the tours. $14 per person. Call 609-399-1412.

Friday through Sunday, August 7 to 9 53rd ANNUAL BOARDWALK ART SHOW: Leading artists from throughout the East Coast exhibit and sell their work. Traditionally an ideal place to buy fine artwork at reasonable prices. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Begins in vicinity of Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Ocean City Art Center is offering free space to student artists. Call (609) 399-7628 for information. Event started by Dr. Marcia Smith, James F. Penland and Mayor B. Thomas Waldman.