The shortest days of the year are behind us and we crossed over into a new year this weekend – and that all means it’s not too early to think about planning for some fun in Ocean City this year. Here’s an early look at just a few key dates for the first half of the year.
- April 1-2: Two events that debuted last year – GIRLS WEEKEND and the OC-CON COMIC CONVENTION – return bigger and better.
- April 8: Humor and nostalgia join forces as the MR. MATURE PAGEANT moves to DOO DAH PARADE WEEKEND. All pageant contestants will be part of the parade.
- April 16: The EASTER FASHION PROMENADE will welcome the Philly Keys, a dueling piano show, in front of the Ocean City Music Pier.
- May 6: The SPRING BLOCK PARTY takes place on its traditional date on the first Saturday of May.
- May 10: Tickets are on sale now for CHRIS PERONDI’S STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE. Visit www.ocnj.us/boxoffice.
- May 13: Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos (anybody remember the impromptu tryouts on the sideline when he broke his wrist this fall?) will help make sure we see an early summer on MARTIN Z. MOLLUSK DAY. He returns that night for a magic show.
- July 22: Mark your calendars for the highlight of the summer, NIGHT IN VENICE.
And here is a look at events coming up in the next few weeks.
(Jan. 6-7) “
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS”: This family opera is appropriate for all ages and includes an inspirational message. Shows are at the Moorlyn Family Theatre (Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk) at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission (available at the door) is $5 for children 11-and-under, $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. For information, call (609) 399-7291.
(Jan. 8)
“THE BEST OF BROADWAY” CONCERT: Vocalist Jim Schubin (who recently finished a year-long stint on “The Sound of Music” National Tour and starred as Phillip Gardner in Season 3 of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire) joins pianist Jeffrey Uhlig (principal keyboard and vocalist coach for the Ocean City Pops orchestra) for a free concert 2 p.m. Sunday in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall at Ocean City Free Public Library (17
th Street and Simpson Avenue). Call 609-399-2434, ext. 5222 for more information.
(Jan. 13)
“S.O.S. SENIORS ON SAFETY”: AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center presents a free program and discussion about safety and fall prevention at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, in Room N111 at the Ocean City Free Public Library (17
th Street and Simpson Avenue). Call 609-399-2434, ext. 5222 for more information.
(Jan. 14)
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CEREMONY: 1 p.m. at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center at Ocean City High School. Please use the Sixth Street entrance. Immediately following the ceremony, stay and enjoy a free Soul Food Dinner. The Southern style comfort menu will include fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn bread, collard greens and more. For information, call 609-399-6111.
This ceremony includes a recitation of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, music, and reflections on King’s life and legacy. Everybody is encouraged to attend this free community event.
(Jan. 14-15)
“PINKALICIOUS”: The Ocean City Theatre Company presents a musical production based on the popular book series by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. The show tells the story of Pinkalicious, a girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Shows are free at noon Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 14 and 15) at the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall in the Ocean City Free Public Library (17
th Street and Simpson Avenue).
(Jan 16)
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE: You are invited to contribute to a day of service in Dr. King’s honor. The event consists of a city-wide cleanup from 9 a.m. until noon. Sign up and pick up supplies at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center, located within the Community Center at 18
th Street and Simpson Avenue. A complimentary lunch at the Senior Center follows the cleanup. Call (609) 399-6111 for more information.
