Ocean City Happenings: Halloween and “Trail of Two Cities 5K”

The Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue) will celebrate a Halloween Fest 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29. The free family event includes games, stories, crafts, candy and a dry ice station. All ages are welcome and costumes are encouraged.

Hours for trick-or-treating in Ocean City will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. Safety tips that can be followed include:

· Wear reflective clothing.

· Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

· Obey the pedestrian safety laws – It is dark and vehicle drivers may not see you.

· Carry a flashlight.

· Costumes should not restrict visibility.

· Do not open any candy until you get home and your parents inspect the items.

· Report any suspicious person or activity to the police immediately.

Winners of the fifth annual Halloween House Decorating Contest have been announced. The winners and a list of participants are available at ocnj.us/halloween, so everybody can see the decorated homes.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR TRAIL OF TWO CITIES 5K:

The Trail of Two Cities 5-kilometer run/walk will be held for the 29th time on Saturday, Nov. 2. The popular 5K (3.1-mile) race offers spectacular views over the length of a point-to-point course from Ocean City to Somers Point. The route travels the length of the Route 52 causeway in the lanes usually reserved for cars.

Buses will be available at the finish line in Somers Point to transport runners to the start in Ocean City before the race and to transport runners back to Ocean City from Somers Point after the race.

Registration is open now, and a discounted pre-registration fee of $25 will be available through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Online registration and further information are available at www.ocnj.us/race-events.

    Runners make their way across the Route 52 Causeway bridges between Ocean City and Somers Point for the Trail of Two Cities race. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)
  

“THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL:”

The Ocean City Theatre Company’s 2024 season continues with “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” featuring a cast of talented students in grades 7 to 12, at the Ocean City Music Pier at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 2) and 2 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 3).

The musical is based on Rick Riordan's best-selling novel and includes a blend of mythological storytelling, catchy tunes, and powerful themes of friendship and heroism.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door starting 45 minutes prior to curtain or by visiting oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

COMING UP IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER:

Veterans Day Program (Nov. 11): 11 a.m. inside the Ocean City Tabernacle (550 Wesley Avenue).

Winterfest by the Sea (Nov. 16): The fifth annual Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at the Ocean City Civic Center includes craft vendors, food vendors and a strolling Santa will be present. Shopping hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza (Nov. 23): 8 a.m. to noon. Get out “earlier than the bird” and jump-start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early-bird shopping specials.

    Old-fashioned carriage rides will add to the festive spirit of the holiday season.
  

Horse and Carriage Rides (Nov. 23, 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22): Free rides along decorated downtown Asbury Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street.

Lucinda Williams and Her Band (Nov. 23): The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.

Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot (Nov. 28): Annual 5K running race on the Ocean City Boardwalk benefits the Humane Society of Ocean City. For more information call 609-398-9500 ext. 4 or visit hsocnj.org.

Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” (Nov. 29): 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join the merchants and Chamber of Commerce in kicking off an old-fashioned downtown Christmas. The Ocean City Fire Department will be ready in case Santa makes his usual landing on the roof of City Hall at 5 p.m.

Photos with Santa in a Lifeguard Boat (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22): 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Christmas Parade (Dec. 6): 6 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street.

Santa in the Downtown (Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).

Train Show (Dec. 7 and 8): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Ocean City Music Pier. Admission is free.

    The stage of the Music Pier is the setting for several large displays of model trains.
  

Festive Fridays Along Downtown Asbury Avenue (Dec. 13 and 20): Join downtown Ocean City merchants as they celebrate the holiday season with shopping specials. Enjoy horse-and-carriage rides from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. departing at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights and shop for some for the best gifts this holiday season.

Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) (Dec. 14 and 15): Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company’s Junior Company, the musical is a 60-minute adaptation of the Broadway hit specially tailored for young actors. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets can be purchased at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31): A complete schedule of entertainment and tickets for this family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration are available at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com.

First Day (Jan. 1, 2025): Celebrate New Year’s Day with a Shopping Extravaganza on downtown Asbury Avenue, a 5K run on the Boardwalk (1 p.m.) and the annual First Dip in the Atlantic Ocean (2 p.m.).