Ocean City’s Night in Venice celebration returns this year and promises a spectacular evening on the bay. The city’s premier summer event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, July 24. Registration is open to all boat and bayfront home owners who want to participate in this year’s festivities.
The optional theme will be “Honoring Our Heroes,” a salute to all those who helped us get through the year. Participants are also encouraged to use last year’s planned “Olympics” theme. A fireworks display will light up the bay and cap off the evening.
The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contest provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue.
Entries for boats and homes will be taken online at www.ocnj.us/niv below or by calling 609-399-6111. All entrants receive a commemorative mug, and boat owners also receive a complimentary photo of their boat in the parade. Deadline for registration is noon Wednesday, July 21.
Tickets are also now on sale for a special Night in Venice viewing area at the Bayside Center. The area will offer DJ entertainment, food vendors with proceeds benefitting Junior Raider football and cheerleading programs, and a great spot to watch the fireworks. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice to purchase tickets ($8 adults, $4 children).
The 111th annual Baby Parade in Ocean City is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 12, 2021 and registration is now open.
All families with children age 10 and under are invited to participate. Bands, performing groups and commercial floats are also encouraged to join in the fun.
In a tradition dating back to 1929, Ocean City chooses a Queen Infanta to preside over the annual Baby Parade. Queen Infanta candidates are judged on their school and community involvement.
The contest is open to young women with a connection to Ocean City who are currently in high school or members of the Class of 2021.
Complete information and registration for both the Baby Parade and Queen Infanta are available at www.ocnj.us/babyparade.
Look for the following events this week:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14
Ocean City’s “Wacky But Not Tacky” series of Wacky Wednesdays continues at 10:30 a.m. July 14 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The event invites families and individuals to participate in various activities and contests.
This week’s challenge invites contestants to use their creativity to shape and sculpt French fries into unique masterpieces. No advance registration is required for this free family event (but this contest will be limited to the first 200 contestants).
The popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle continue 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 29. The market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors.
THURSDAY, JULY 15
Market Days entertainment and activities on downtown Asbury Avenue will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 and continue Thursday mornings through the season.
Family Night entertainers at various blocks on the Ocean City Boardwalk will perform Thursday evenings 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 18
Hear the Ocean City Pops at their best in a program of “Hollywood Hits.” Decades of favorites from the silver screen will be performed live at the Music Pier at 7:30 p.m. Call 609-399-6111 or visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
MONDAY, JULY 19
Renowned guitarist and multi-instrumentalist David Bromberg brings an exceptional band to the stage. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or the Music Pier Box Office.
TUESDAY, JULY 20
The Ocean City Theatre Company will present “Jack and the Beanstalk: The Musical!” Young Jack and his Mother have had their fair share of problems since Jack’s father disappeared — not only have they sold their precious cow, but now there’s a giant to deal with as well!
Take a musical trip up the beanstalk with Jack and discover the town’s unexpected solution to the giant’s grumpy attitude. The show will be performed at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. All tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the show. Call 609-399-6111 or visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Funtastic Tuesdays entertainment and activities on downtown Asbury Avenue will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20 and continue Tuesday mornings through the season.
