“Dancing Under the Stars” is the suggested theme for the 61st annual Night In Venice Boat Parade and Bayfront Home Celebration in Ocean City, NJ on Saturday, July 11.
The colorful boat parade will begin at 6 p.m. by the Ocean City-Longport Bridge at the northern end of the island. An array of decorated boats, many featuring music, will travel along the bay and in and out of lagoons to Tennessee Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd streets).
The event is traditionally held later in July, but it moves to July 11 to take advantage of a favorable tide schedule. Many parts of the bay and lagoons are too shallow for boat traffic at low tide.
Several hundred decorated bayfront homes will also be showcased. Both home and boat owners will be competing for prizes. Entry in the competition is free. All boat owners will receive a complimentary photo of their boat in the parade.
The dancing theme will be represented on a commemorative mug given to all boat and home contestants entering the popular event. The Night In Venice Committee reminds participants that they are free to choose any theme they wish.
Grand Marshal will be John Stauffer, owner of Johnson’s Popcorn, celebrating its 75th anniversary in Ocean City. One of the city’s Boardwalk icons, Johnson’s will distribute “fun items” to both land and water entrants.
The Channel 6 Action News weather team and a legendary member of the Philadelphia Flyers will also be featured personalities in the parade.
The boat parade will be led by Miss Night In Venice and her court. Twelve young women vie for the title by raising money for local public service organizations. The individual who collects the most money is awarded the title. Monies have been donated to support such charities as the Ocean City After-Prom, Shore Memorial Hospital nursing students, the HERO Foundation and others.
To enter a boat or home in the Night In Venice Celebration, visit www.ocnj.us/NIV , stop at City Hall Room 214 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, call (609) 399-6111 ext. 9300, email msoifer@hotmail.com or fax (609) 525-0301.
