Halloween Parade Proves "Spook-tacular"

By Lesley Graham It was a boo-tiful night for the 71st annual Ocean City Halloween Parade filled with floats, ghosts and goblins, oh my! The parade route, from Sixth to 11th streets on Asbury Avenue, delighted spectators young and old with all the spooky fanfare of Halloween. Participants in the parade handed out candy to little ones who watched in wonder as all the sights and sounds of Halloween filled the streets. The Marine Corps Color Guard started off the parade and was followed by local celebrities, including Miss Ocean City Megan Keenan, Little Miss Ocean City Stevie Wright and a crowd favorite, Mr. Mature America Bill Quain. Ocean City’s very own mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk, waved his claw at the crowd while perched in his very own Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguard boat. The Marine Corps Color Guard leads the procession down Asbury Avenue. Dance groups of all ages performed Halloween-themed routines to the likes of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash.” Some of the floats and city trucks were decked out in full Halloween garb, complete with flashing lights, scary music and fog to set the mood of a spook-tacular night. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier float celebrated the iconic Boardwalk amusement’s 90th year with a skull-themed barrel ride. All the entries kept the thousands of visitors to the parade enthralled as it rolled down Asbury Avenue. Sebastian Judge, of Ocean City, Avalon, Rush and Crew Rendfrey, of Linwood, and Rocky Simpson of Ocean City, enjoy the parade. “My favorite part was the fire trucks,” said Crew Rendfrey, 4, of Linwood. His little sister, Avalon, enjoyed the princess float the most. “Belle blew me a kiss,” exclaimed Avalon. Their mom, Jackie Rendfrey, was excited to take in the city’s parade for the first time. “We recently moved to Linwood and the kids love Halloween, so we figured this would be a great chance for them to take in all the sights and sounds,” she said. “It was a charming parade. All three of my kids loved it — especially the candy.” The Original Hobo Band of Pitman, N.J., serenades the spectators with lively music. The Ocean City Halloween Parade is hosted by the Exchange Club. It is one of the longest-running parades in the tri-state area. Parade staples such as decorated fire trucks, antique cars, local sports teams and the Original Hobo Band of Pitman, N.J., were on full display for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. The Exchange Club judges parade participants in a variety of categories and announces the winners later in the evening. Despite the chilly temperatures, Asbury Avenue was crowded with families enjoying the evening. Stephanie and Brad Judge, of Ocean City, along with their sons, Sebastian and Archer, enjoyed the family atmosphere the event provided. “It was magical,” said Stephanie Judge. “What a great parade to highlight local businesses and provide the town with a fun, family event.” Colorfully decorated floats always prove to be a parade highlight.