If the calendar reads mid-July, that means Night in Venice plans are heating up in Ocean City.
The annual boat parade, one of the most eagerly-anticipated events of the summer season, takes place in its 62
nd annual edition this Saturday, July 16
th. And why wouldn’t it be anticipated? Where else can you join thousands of spectators and watch as dozens of decorated boats make their way along the route from the Longport Bridge along the back bays to Tennessee Avenue?
This year’s official theme of “Destination America” encourages entrants to represent the great cities and regions of the United States. But participants may also express themselves with a theme of their own choosing. That leaves the door open to irreverent, humorous and downright wacky entries guaranteed to delight and entertain the spectators. In addition to the many great viewing locations along the route, thousands more will attend private parties at bay front homes decorated for the occasion.
"Forrest Gump" on the Keeper took second place in the Comic Division for big boats. Credit: Jim Schultz
The all-important weather forecast looked promising: sunny all day Saturday with an afternoon shower clearing in time for the 6:30 pm start and the temperature dropping to a comfortable 75 degrees with a low of 72 by event’s end.
Boat parade award categories include Most Original, Best Decorated, Musical, Comic, Classic (for older boats) and Children’s Division for boats decorated by kids 15 and under. Residence awards will be made for decorated houses and decorated condos.
The parade’s lineup this year will include members of the Philadelphia Eagles, an a cappella choir from St. Augustine Prep, a tribute to pop icon Elton John, Gina Castanzo, a contestant on the hit television show “The Voice”,
This year, for the first time in four decades of Night in Venice events, there will be a fireworks show starting at approximately 9 p.m. The fireworks will be shot off a barge and will be visible along the bay front, according to a City press release.
Also new this year will be a Collegiate Cup awarded to the best entrant representation of a college or university, best non-profit organization, and best commercial entity.
All entrants in the boat and home divisions will receive a commemorative coffee mug, and all boat entrants also receive a free photo of their boat in action.
Grand Marshal for the event is Olympic 5-time medalist and all-around champion at the 2008 Olympiad, Nastia Liukin. Liukin currently is a sports commentator for NBC Sports who will be announcing the 9-gymnastics competitions for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this summer.
For more information on Night in Venice, call 609-399-6111 or e-mail event coordinator Michael Hartman at
[email protected]
