Flyers mascot Gritty plays a game of baggo during an Ocean City appearance. He'll take on extra duties during Night in Venice on July 26.
The Philadelphia Flyers’ madman mascot Gritty will join Ocean City’s Night in Venice boat parade this year.
The theme of this year’s event is “70 Years of Champions.” Gritty will be ready to rev up the tens of thousands of bayfront spectators for the 70th anniversary of Night in Venice at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26.
Ocean City also announced that Philadelphia sports figures Bernie Parent and Vince Papale will be among the grand marshals for Night in Venice.
In two of the best seasons ever by an NHL goalie, Parent helped the Philadelphia Flyers win consecutive Stanley Cups in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. Parent won the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy both seasons. Parent is a 1984 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame and currently resides in Avalon.
Flyers legend Bernie Parent, shown with his wife, Gini, during a parade on the Ocean City Boardwalk, will be one of the grand marshals for Night in Venice. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)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. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”
Giving a preview of his Night in Venice appearance, Gritty visited Ocean City on Tuesday morning as part of the Flyers Community Caravan, and he let everybody know that he’s excited to return in two weeks.
“Philadelphia and Ocean City have always been connected, and I’m excited that Gritty will be helping us celebrate Night in Venice,” Mayor Jay Gillian said in a statement. “He’s a great representative of Philly, and we’ll be ready to give him a warm welcome.”
Entries are still open for anyone who wants to participate in the excitement of the bayfront celebration. Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111.
Night in Venice boats feature elaborate decorations to thrill the spectators on shore.
