Ocean City to Host Market Madness

OCNJ Daily

Boardwalk and downtown merchants in Ocean City will give shoppers a summer preview during the two-day Market Madness event on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, at the Ocean City Music Pier. The sale will bring together more than 30 different vendors under one roof and provide discounts on favorite local merchandise, goods and attractions. Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Parking will be free in municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street. Ocean City's Boardwalk Merchants Association and Downtown Merchants Association created Market Madness in 2020 as an early-season attraction. The fourth annual event will help kick off the 2024 season of special events that will continue throughout the year. There will be prize giveaways, a live DJ both days from noon to 3 p.m., and food and drink for sale. Remember to bring your own shopping bags. Among other businesses, participating vendors will include:

We Make It Personal
Jay’s Crab Shack
Manco and Manco Pizza
George’s Candies
Wonderland Pier
Playland’s Castaway Cove
Jilly’s T-Shirt Factory
Goodies Gone Wild
Boba Works
Surf Mall
Shirt Shack
Jilly’s Arcade
OC Waterpark
Air Circus
Stainton’s Gallery of Shops
Jewelry Hut
Shades
Making Waves
Ashore Fit
White Lotus
Bowfish Kids
Sand + Stitch
Hula Restaurant
Bella U
Fisherman’s Cove
All Campus
LEH Soap Company
Congo Falls
Bad Kitty
Payton Jewelry
Kay Jay’s Doll Shoppe
Lisa’s Sweet Treats

Jilly’s Candy Factory is a popular spot for egg giveaways during the Great Egg Hunt. OCEAN CITY JOB FAIR ON MARCH 16 The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Ocean City High School to assist businesses in filling seasonal employment positions. The Ocean City Job Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Ocean City Music Pier. The event is open to everyone, and the Chamber strongly encourages employers and potential employees to sign up now. Businesses can register to participate and students can register to attend by calling the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce at 609-399-1412. MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY March 23 and March 30 – Great Egg Hunts: These events return to the Boardwalk from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 23 and March 30. Families with children are invited to stop by participating Boardwalk stores in a hunt for eggs filled with treats and prizes. Rain dates are March 24 and March 31. March 31 – Easter Events: Easter Sunday will start with the traditional non-denominational Sunrise Service by the sea at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The Philly Keys will perform their hit Dueling Pianos Show starting at noon in front of the Music Pier, while the Easter Bunny will meet and greet children and be available for photos in an Ocean City lifeguard boat from noon to 2 p.m. April 5-7 – Girls Weekend: Girls Weekend on downtown Asbury Avenue between 6th Street and 14th Street includes shopping and dining specials all weekend, accommodation packages, wellness classes, and more. The event kicks off with a Fashion Show on Friday evening (tickets). Call 609-399-1412 for more information. April 6-7 – OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show: Sales, special guests, cosplay and more at the Ocean City Music Pier. More information at ocnjcon.com. April 6 – OC CON Super Hero Run and Super Hero Obstacle Dash: 9 a.m. start on the Boardwalk in front of the Music Pier. Registration and information at ocnj.us/race-events. April 13 – Doo Dah Parade: Welcome the spring season with this comedy-themed parade complete with more than 300 basset hounds. Parade starts at noon on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 12th Street, and then moves up to the Boardwalk, ending at Sixth and Boardwalk. April 20 – Sports Memorabilia Show: Sales and special guests at the Ocean City Music Pier. April 27 – Ocean City Schools Art Showcase: See artwork on display from local Ocean City School District students and meet the artists. Event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. April 27-28 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales: 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.