Sanda and Gil Welsford and their children, go with a sea-themed float.
By MADDY VITALE
Babies took over the Ocean City Boardwalk in toy cars and tractors. Some were dressed as little lifeguards, while others were Disney characters, farmers and even a watermelon.
From elaborate floats featuring jungle or beach scenes to decorated wagons and strollers with children tucked in among balloons and other adornments and costumes, there was a whole lot of cuteness going on at the 113th annual Ocean City Baby Parade on Thursday morning.
Judging by the smiles, waves and applause, the crowds that lined the boards seemed to be having a great time.
The parade featured children ages 10 and under. The procession started at Sixth Street and finished at 12th Street for the children entered in the parade. Marching bands, Ocean City beauty pageant winners and others in the parade finished at 14th Street.
There is a princess amid all of these ornate balloons.
Lindsay and Tim Reed, of Northfield, decided to enter the parade with their 18-month-old daughter, Madelyn, and make it a family tradition. They created a jungle scene with a swing for Madelyn, with the help of Lindsay’s father, Scott Carignan.
“She is our little jungle girl,” Lindsay said with a laugh. "She is obsessed with animals, so my dad thought it would be a good theme."
Lindsay, 28, who grew up in Somers Point, was in the parade when she was little and wanted to make it a part of her daughter's childhood.
In addition to the array of themed parade entries, there were the Ed Coles Entertainers, the Fred Hall Orchestra, the Absegami High School Marching Band, the Ocean City Theatre Company, the Hobo Band, newly crowned Queen Infanta Callie Bellwoar, lifeguard boats celebrating the Ocean City Beach Patrol’s 125th anniversary, as well as floats for current crown holders and contestants for upcoming Ocean City pageants.
Ken Luciani holds his pretend owl to ward off gulls with his daughter, Cheryl Chmielewski, and her son, Luca, looking on.
Ken Luciani made a float for his 6-year-old grandson, Luca Chmielewski, of Bridgeport, Pa.
The theme: “Please don’t feed the seagulls,” Luciani said.
“My dad thought of it. This is Luca’s fifth year in the parade,” Luca's mother, Cheryl Chmielewski, said.
Everything from pretend Wawa hoagies, to pizza boxes, popcorn, French fries and Doritos surrounded Luca, who sat in a beach chair. Wooden seagulls hovered overhead.
“You sit on the beach and see people holding food to try to feed the seagulls and others are trying to hide their food,” Luciani said. “I thought it was a creative theme for us this year.”
Gil and Sandra Welsford, of Ocean City, chose a fitting theme for living at the shore.
Their children, 10-month-old Gilbert, and 2-year-old Marielle, were in an “Under the Sea” themed wagon.
Sanda and Gil Welsford and their children, go with a sea-themed float.
Their wagon was festooned with a bright pink “octopus” stuffed animal, blue and white balloons and a bubble machine.
Like the Reeds and the Chmielewski families, the Welsfords plan to make the baby parade an annual tradition for their family.
“I was in the parade 29 years ago. Now, I am 33,” Gil Welsford said, adding that he wants their children to enjoy it as he did.
Each child received a memento at 12th Street for participating in the parade. Awards were given out when they completed the parade.
In addition to division awards, special honors included the Leo Bamberger Founders Award, Hanscom Award, Dahlhausen Award, Canale Award, Outstanding Twins or Triplets, Baby Traveling the Greatest Distance to Participate, Best Float, Best Musical Act and the Mark Soifer Award.
See list of winners after photos.
Check out the train conductor.
Agnes Edivan, of Virginia, does her best impression of a watermelon in her decorated wagon.
Sophie Spoltore is a Snow White beauty.
Here is the Ocean City Beach Patrol's youngest "lifeguard."
Lollipops anyone?
Shark attack!
Come to Disney.
Want some blueberries?
Batters up.
Getting some farm work done with this John Deere tractor.
Check out this little Jeep driver.
The crowds watch in bleachers near the Music Pier.
The parents of this super hero give a wave.
Little Miss Ocean City Lyla Clark flashes a smile.
The parade entries begin the procession from Sixth Street and the Boardwalk.
The Boy Scouts display the parade banner.
Award winners are as follows:
Bamberger Award
Number: 706
Names: Jackson Richards, Gracie Richards, Willow Richards
Theme: Thomas & Friends Ride the Waves in OCNJ!
Hanscom Award
Number: 707
Names: Elliot Tate Sullivan
Theme: Elliot’s Blueberry Farm
Dahlhausen Award
Number: 701
Names: Owen Bowker
Theme: Celebrating 70 Years of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts!
Canale Award
Number: 704
Names: Avery Huber
Theme: Dunkin’Donuts Newest Munchkin
Soifer Award
Number: 710
Names: Luca Chmielewski
Theme: Seagull Scene in Ocean City!
Most Outstanding Twins or Triplets
Number: 703
Names: Angelica Builes, Benjamin Builes, Christopher Builes
Theme: The Three Little Monkeys!
Greatest Distance Traveled
Number: 506
Names: Jack Young
Theme: Congo Falls Mini Golf
From: Rochester, New York
Division A Section 100 Winner
Number: 100
