By MADDY VITALE
A family-friendly party on the water makes for an enjoyable night where spectators watch a parade of boats and homeowners decorate their houses in the longtime tradition of Night in Venice (NIV) in Ocean City.
The good time is obvious. Spectators wave at the boaters who sing, dance or just have a great time showcasing their boats.
Bayfront homes are decked out in silly, creative, exciting and always festive displays.
NIV is returning after it was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But this year, city officials are expecting a big crowd and strong showing of boaters and those who just want to watch and enjoy from land.
The 66th annual Night in Venice will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 24.
“We’re honoring our heroes with this year’s Night in Venice theme -- all of the healthcare workers, first responders, essential employees and others who helped us get through the year,” Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said.
A group comprised of an epidemiologist, doctors and executives from Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, along with local physicians from Ocean City, provided essential facts and guidance to the mayor as he made decisions during the pandemic. They will be part of the Night in Venice parade this year.
Gillian noted that the city is “also celebrating a return to a normal summer.”
“I think this year everybody will appreciate what Night in Venice is all about: good times with good friends on a summer night in one of the most beautiful spots in the world,” he continued.
Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen said that the parade has an interesting history.
“There were a handful of additional Night in Venice parades in the early 1900s and again in the 1920s," Bergen said. "But the celebration that we know today began in 1954 as a way to mark the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s incorporation."
Families get into the community spirit with the boat parade back in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)
The first Night in Venice was actually in 1907, with cottages and bungalows along the bay illuminated with lights and torches, Bergen pointed out.
“A Coast Guard vessel led the 1907 boat parade and the evening ended with a fireworks display and bonfire on one of the islands in the bay,” he added.
Ocean City brought back the fireworks a few years ago, an important part of the festivities.
The boats, as well as homes decorated in the year’s theme, and just about anything else a homeowner feels would highlight their residences, are judged in a friendly competition.
But it is mostly about tradition.
“The bayside festivities are one of Ocean City’s most beloved and enduring traditions,” Bergen said.
The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contest provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City.
Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the boat parade route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue.
A fireworks display will light up the bay and cap off the evening. Registration is open to all boat and bayfront homeowners who want to participate in this year’s festivities.
Entries for boats and homes will be accepted online at
www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111. All entrants receive a commemorative mug, and boat owners also receive a complimentary photo of their boat in the parade. Deadline for registration is noon Wednesday, July 21.
Tickets are also now on sale for a special Night in Venice and fireworks viewing area at the Bayside Center.
The area will offer DJ entertainment and food vendors. Proceeds will benefit Junior Raider football and cheerleading programs. Visit
oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice to purchase tickets ($8 adults, $4 children).
Sponge Bob Square Boat was one of the winners of Night In Venice in 2019.
