Blondage will perform a free St. Patrick’s Day concert at the Ocean City Arts Center.
Jon Anderson, the original voice behind the progressive rock band Yes, will bring his 1,000 Hands Tour to the Ocean City Music Pier on July 29.
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)
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR MR. MATURE AMERICA PAGEANT AND DOO DAH PARADE:
The Mr. Mature America 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. It mixes self-deprecating humor with nostalgia and talent in a tribute to men ages 55 and older. The pageant includes competition in talent, judge’s interview, poise and appearance, and on-stage question. “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden will be the host.
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.
Earlier in the day on April 13, Eden will be grand marshal for the 2019 Doo Dah Parade in Ocean. The procession features marching bands, floats and a brigade of more than 500 basset hounds. This year’s event starts at noon and travels a route that starts at Sixth Street and travels downtown Asbury Avenue to 12th Street, then turns to the Boardwalk at 12th Street and finishes on the boardwalk at Sixth Street.
The parade is now open to all entries. Register to participate in the parade at www.ocnj.us/Doo-Dah-Parade.
COMING UP SOON:
FRANCESCA BANDINO EXHIBIT (Throughout March): Francesca Bandino brings her bright and colorful acrylics to the Ocean City Arts Center from March 1 to March 30. A “Meet the Artist” reception, free and open to the public, will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 8. Born in Cagliari, Sardinia, a city on a beautiful island in the Mediterranean, Bandino moved to New Jersey as an infant. She uses visible brush strokes and bright colors in her acrylic paintings. She explores different line and color combinations to create unlikely atmospheres for her subject matters.
MARK SOIFER POETRY READING (March 6): 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. Wednesday, March 6 at the Ocean City Library (1735 Simpson Avenue). The book is illustrated by artist Jerome Lukas, who will attend the reading and demonstrate his talents. Admission is free. This event had been scheduled for Feb. 20 but was postponed due to the snowy weather.
Blondage will perform a free St. Patrick’s Day concert at the Ocean City Arts Center. (Photo courtesy City of Ocean City)
BLONDAGE SINGS IRISH FAVORITES (March 14): The female, and, of course, naturally blond trio Blondage will perform a free St. Patrick’s Day concert at the Ocean City Arts Center 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14. The group consists of lead singer Linda Moore, guitarist and mandolinist Susan Salmon, and Susan Davenport on violin and fiddle. The band sings everything from Irish music to rock to country. No reservations are necessary. Donations to the Arts Center are appreciated.
SPRING BOOK SALE (March 22-23): The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library will hold their two-day Spring Book Sale 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 22, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23. The sale will be held in the atrium of the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue) and feature specially-priced fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, children’s books and more.
SPORTS MEMORABILIA SHOW (March 30): Collectors from the region will showcase sports cards and memorabilia at the Ocean City Music Pier. Stay tuned for announcements about all-star guests. Vendors interested in participating can get more information from Lauren Sopko at [email protected].
GIRLS WEEKEND (April 5 to 7): A Friday evening fashion show kicks off a weekend of shopping and dining specials, accommodation packages, wellness classes and more. The event showcases Ocean City’s downtown shopping district on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th Street.
OC-CON COMIC BOOK AND MEMORABILIA FESTIVAL (April 6 to 7): Ocean City’s tribute to comics and memorabilia returns to the Music Pier.
Imperial Stormtroopers Brad Hall, left, and John Kearney entertained the Star Wars fans during the OC-Con show in 2017.
DOO DAH PARADE (April 13): “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.
MR. MATURE AMERICA PAGEANT (April 13): 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.
THE GREAT EGG HUNT (April 13 and April 20): Two massive egg hunts on the beach for children up to 7 years old. The free events start at 2:30 p.m. and feature areas divided by age group and for children with special needs.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE (April 21): A traditional non-denominational service by the sea. All are welcome. The service starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
DUELING PIANOS SHOW (April 21): The Philly Keys will perform their hit dueling pianos show starting at noon. The performers will take a break for the annual Easter Fashion Promenade.
EASTER FASHION PROMENADE (April 21): Families are invited to come dressed in their Easter’s best to stroll in the Fashion Promenade and meet the Easter Bunny. Judging begins at 1 p.m. on the boardwalk at the Ocean City Music Pier. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Children, Teen, Adults and Family.
Victoria Bowman peeks out from under her big Easter bonnet while being interviewed by emcee Michael Hartman and getting a hand from her brother, Anthony, during the 2017 Easter Fashion Promenade.
