Ocean City Happenings: MS Bike Ride Rolls in for Weekend

Thousands of cyclists will descend on Ocean City this weekend for the MS City to Shore Ride, a fall tradition that draws participants from across the nation.

With riders raising millions of dollars each year, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society boasts that the MS City to Shore Ride is the best cycling experience on the East Coast.

The annual bicycle trek will begin in Cherry Hill early on Saturday, Sept. 28, and finish at the parking lot at Fifth Street and Boardwalk in Ocean City – with many of the riders staying overnight and returning the next day.

Motorists should expect delays along a route that travels from the 34th Street causeway to Fifth Street and the Boardwalk. For complete information, visit bikems.org.

Vince Papale to serve as grand marshal for Howl-O-Ween parade Oct. 26:

Ocean City will welcome former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale as the grand marshal of the annual Howl-O-Ween Parade on Oct. 26.

Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender in 1976 when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only did he make the team, but he became a fan favorite and earned the team’s “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams.

Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, the Howl-O-Ween Parade will welcome costumed pets and start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. The event is part of Dog Days on the Boardwalk Oct. 26 and 27. For more information, visit ocnj.us/DogDay.

    Nina and Arthur Galpern and their Irish setters Macca, left, and Hannah, get into the Halloween spirit at the Ocean City Howl-O-Ween Parade in 2023.
  

Registration is open for Halloween Parade on Oct. 24

The 76th annual Ocean City Halloween Parade is set for 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Registration is now open for anybody who would like to participate.

The parade travels from Sixth Street to 11th Street on Asbury Avenue and is sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club in partnership with Ocean City. For those who want to join, please note the following divisions:

· Division 1 – Children or Groups of Children up to age 12

· Division 2 – Children or Groups of Children over 12 or Family Groups or Adult Groups

· Division 3 – Animals & Pets in Costume

· Division 4 – Organizations Marching in Costume (Churches, Non-Profits, Etc.)

· Division 5 – Cheerleaders & Drill or Dance Teams

· Division 6 – Non-Commercial Floats

· Division 7 – Commercial Floats

To register, please email: oceancity_[email protected].

Include your name, name and age of participant(s), address, email/phone number and the division you are registering for. An email confirmation will be sent back to you with your registration number within 24 hours Monday through Friday.

Medals and trophies will be awarded to first and second-place entrants. Judges will evaluate based on appearance, originality and artistry. All award winners will be notified by phone or email the day after the parade.

For more information on the Halloween Parade, visit Ocean City Halloween Parade (ochp.blogspot.com).

    A scary float cruises down Asbury Avenue in the 2023 Halloween parade.