Mr. Mature America 2018 Bill Quain, shown with Erik Estrada during the show last year, turns over his crown to a successor in April. (Courtesy City of Ocean City)
With the arrival of spring a little more than a month away, Ocean City is planning a full calendar of special events. Registration is now open for vendors, contestants and participants as the 2019 season kicks off.
March 30 - Sports Memorabilia Show: Collectors from the region will showcase sports cards and memorabilia at the Ocean City Music Pier. Vendors interested in participating can get more information from Lauren Sopko at [email protected].
April 6-7 - OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show: Ocean City’s tribute to comics and memorabilia returns to the Music Pier. Registration is open to artists, vendors, cosplayers and “superhero” runners and obstacle course racers. Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information.
April 13 - Doo Dah Parade: “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden will lead this year’s parade as grand marshal. Individuals, groups, businesses and any other comic entries are invited to participate in the parade by signing up at www.ocnj.us/Doo-Dah-Parade.
April 13 - Mr. Mature America Pageant: The pageant is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13 on the Ocean City Music Pier. The event is the first and only pageant of its kind in the United States. The pageant includes competition in talent, judge’s interview, poise and appearance, and on-stage question. Registration is now open for any contestant 55 or older who would like to participate. Visit www.ocnj.us/mrmature for more information and to sign up as a contestant.
Richard Thompson, a guitarist and songwriter, will perform at the Music Pier. (Courtesy City of Ocean City)
Richard Thompson and Joan Osborne Join 2019 Concert Series
Richard Thompson, a legendary guitarist and songwriter, will perform songs from a career of more than five decades in a newly announced concert June 25 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The concert also will feature opening act Joan Osborne. Tickets for the show are on sale now. For more information and ticket links, visit www.ocnj.us/SummerConcerts.
The lineup for the rest of the Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier is already taking shape. The series brings a wide variety of contemporary performers to the stage in Ocean City with most concerts on Monday nights. Tickets are on sale for the following:
Retired Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer officially unlocks the ocean in May 2018. He will be at the Ocean City Library for a reading this month.
MARK SOIFER POETRY READING (Feb. 20): Ocean City’s longtime public relations director – the mastermind behind events from Martin Z. Mollusk Day to the Miss Crustacean Pageant – will read poems from his 10th book of verse, “Pair of Dice Lost,” 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue). The book is illustrated by artist Jerome Lukas, who will attend the reading and demonstrate his talents. Admission is free.
LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Ocean City Free Public Library will continue its series of events in celebration of Black History Month.
“Learn About Infobase Research Databases” will teach about the library’s research tools, particularly as they relate to African-American history.
This event is 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19. Call 609-399-2434, ext. 5222 to register. Story Hour (10:30 a.m. Feb. 15), Toddler Time (10:30 a.m. Feb. 25), Story Train (1:30 p.m. Feb. 25) and a free film screening of “Selma” (12 p.m. Feb. 26) are also part of the schedule.
Brandon Burchell, of Northfield, had his Eagles guitar signed by Corey Clement last April at the sports memorabilia show at the Music Pier.
