Night in Venice boat parade to feature championship theme

Super Bowl mania shows no signs of dying down in Ocean City – on land or in the water.

The Eagles’ Super Bowl blowout victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February has inspired a sports-themed celebration for the 70th anniversary of Ocean City’s Night in Venice boat parade on July 26.

Dave Winslow, chairman of the Night in Venice Planning Committee, announced that the parade theme will be “70 Years of Champions.”

The theme will provide an opportunity for boaters, spectators and others who are part of the Night in Venice celebration to honor the Super Bowl-winning Eagles or any other championship team, individual, or group from the past seven decades, Ocean City officials said.

“From our own high school to professional sports, we’ve been lucky to have seen so many champions,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “This will be a fun year for Night in Venice.”

The Philadelphia area is a core feeder market for Ocean City’s summer tourism season, so there is often a strong emphasis on the Ocean City-Philly ties during the Night in Venice celebration.

A “Philly Thing” was the theme in 2023, featuring former Philadelphia Action News anchor Jim Gardner as the Night in Venice grand marshal and appearances by the Philly sports mascots, including the Flyers Gritty, the Phillie Phanatic, Eagles Swoop and Philadelphia Union's Phang.

Last year, the theme was “Margaritaville” in honor of the late legendary musician Jimmy Buffett. But Eagles defensive end and fan favorite Brandon Graham and his family served as special guests for the parade to give it some Philly flavor.

    Brandon Graham starts the "E-A-G-L-E-S" cheer to an enthusiastic Night in Venice crowd.
  

Graham rode on a boat and waved to the crowd, but also joined in the "E-A-G-L-E-S" cheer with Philly fans lining the parade route along the Ocean City bayfront.

Before the parade began, there was a VIP event at the Ocean City Yacht Club, where Graham signed autographs and did photo ops with fans. Night in Venice grand marshal ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith and his wife, Lainie, an Ocean City native, were also at the yacht club to mingle with fans.

Winslow, who is also a city councilman, said that an announcement will be made soon about the Night in Venice grand marshal for this year.

The boat parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, along the bayfront from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. A fireworks display over the bayfront will cap off the celebration after the parade.

Last year, there were around 100 boats in all and 175 decorated homes. Thousands of spectators lined the bayfront to watch the parade unfold, while thousands more attended private parties at homes along the route.

Entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in this year’s Night in Venice celebration. Awards are given out to the most elaborately decorated boats and bayfront homes.

The theme is always optional, city officials said. Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/NIV or by calling 609-399-6111.

    Colorfully decorated homes liven up the bayfront. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City/ Susan Allen)