By MADDY VITALE
A “robust” safety plan is in place for the Night in Venice boat parade, which is expected to attract 100,000 spectators to the bayfront to enjoy house parties and watch Ocean City's premier summer event.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
NIV Chairman Dave Winslow, who is also an Ocean City councilman, said the blockbuster annual tradition, now in its 69th year, is a spectacular time for families.
“This year, we have a robust safety plan that we will go through in detail with every boat captain. We set up a good communication system. If there are any changes, we will text them with the changes, if they have to pull over real quickly,” Winslow noted of any weather-related threats.
A lightning storm during last year’s Night in Venice forced boaters in for safety until it passed. Winslow said, like every year, officials consult with a meteorologist to give the current weather conditions.
“Every year, we try to make some improvements and do some things a little bit differently,” he said. “We had a safety plan last year. We had that thunderstorm that blew through.”
When the skies turned ominous and the lighting strikes drew nearer, boats were called to shore until the storm ended last year.
On Friday, Winslow will hold a meeting with the boat captains.
“Saturday night before the parade we will go through everything in detail,” he said.
Winslow said the U.S. Coast Guard, the New Jersey State Police Marine Police, a number of surrounding police departments and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are among the agencies that will help make sure “people respect the parade participants.”
“Logistically, we have a lot of law enforcement on the waterfront this year,” he said. “We are focusing on safety, especially water safety. You can’t have fun unless you feel safe.”
The theme for this year’s event is “Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett,” to honor the memory of the legendary musician whose career spanned 50 years. Buffett passed away last September.
There will be around 100 boats in the parade and 175 homes will be decorated, officials said.
ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith will be grand marshal. Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham and his family will be special guests and will appear in the boat parade.
Eagle Brandon Graham will be a featured guest in the parade with his family.
Winslow, who has been involved with the parade since 1983, except for some time away from organizing the event to devote to family and his career, said planning for the 2025 Night in Venice will start almost immediately.
“In August, we will have a de-briefing meeting and say what went well and in January we will have a planning meeting where we go over themes. Then we will meet monthly and once Memorial Day weekend comes, the planning will really heat up.”
Free shuttle transportation will be available and free grandstands will be set up at street ends along the route.
The viewing area at Bayside Center will include a picnic spot and snack stand, face-painting, a DJ, and bleacher seating. Ticket prices will be $6 for children (12 and under) and $10 for adults (with service fees included). Fireworks are planned as the grand finale to the annual celebration.
Spectators can watch the boat parade along the bayfront from Bayside Center and street ends. Many families enjoy the parade from private house parties. The route runs from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue.
A fireworks display will light up the bay and cap off the festivities after the parade is complete.
For more information, go to www.ocnj.us/niv or call 609-399-6111.
Homes are decorated along the bayfront in 2023. (Photo courtesy of OCNJDrone)
