By MADDY VITALE
Ocean City officials are doing an “anti-rain dance” in hopes that their premier summer event – the annual Night in Venice boat parade Saturday – won’t have to be postponed or cancelled due to possible thunderstorms.
Night in Venice Committee Chairman Dave Winslow addressed City Council Thursday and stressed that the celebration will go off as planned and, “It won’t rain on our parade.”
At the same time, Winslow acknowledged that if there are thunderstorms, then the parade, which has a start time of 6 p.m., would have to be postponed or canceled, as would be the case for the fireworks that follow.
“If there is rain, then we would only cancel if thunderstorms are in the area. I am working with the Coast Guard very closely,” he said, noting that the call would be made at 4 p.m. “We will know if there is a problem or not.”
Winslow also gave a detailed report on how the preparations are going for the blockbuster event, in its 68th year.
The theme, “It’s a Philly Thing,” has generated a lot of excitement, he said.
Philadelphia Eagles mascot SWOOP, Phillies mascot the Phanatic, Flyers mascot Gritty and the Philadelphia Union’s mascot Fang are all joining the parade. Retired Action News anchor Jim Gardner will serve as grand marshal.
“I wanted to give a brief update and plans,” Winslow said. “This year’s theme and all four mascots, I think, will bring a lot of excitement to the parade.”
So far, he said there are 110 boats entered in the parade and 175 bayfront houses. The boats and homes can be decorated in the Philly theme or something else. Judges pick winners among boats, homes and condominium complexes.
No matter what, Winslow emphasized safety is the main priority.
A Coast Guard helicopter will fly along the bayfront to signal the start of the parade.
“The one thing we wanted was to make sure we have a safe parade,” Winslow said.
Winslow worked with city officials to bring together local and county law enforcement agencies to be on hand for the event.
“We assembled a huge law enforcement component,” he said, adding that in year’s past it would sometimes get hectic or rowdy.
Ocean City police, along with Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor police, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and 15 volunteer patrol boats will be making sure that the event goes on safely, he said.
“It’s really neat to see all of these assets working together to makes sure we have a safe parade,” Winslow added. “Get ready for a great night and a safe night. We will have a lot of fun.”
Winslow was first appointed chairman of the NIV committee back in 1985 and served in that role through 2000 and again for many years beginning in 2006, said how pleased he was to be back to helping out at such a major event for the city.
On Thursday, he thanked Director of Community Services Dan Kelchner and Justin Juliano, senior public information assistant, for their efforts to organize the event this year.
While weather is always a concern, Kelchner, like Winslow, was staying optimistic.
He explained why there is no rain date for Night in Venice.
“Night in Venice is so dependent on tides to make the event safe and feasible for participants,” Kelchner said after the Council meeting. “There won’t be another appropriate tide on a Saturday for a few weeks.”
And then he said this, “I’ll be doing my anti-rain dance round the clock until the event is over. It won’t rain this year.”
Council Vice President Karen Bergman thanked Winslow for his efforts.
“I want to thank Dave Winslow for spearheading NIV this year and for all your hard work,” Bergman said. “I know you have been working at this for quite a few months and I just want to say I appreciate your help.”
In other matters, Councilman Jody Levchuk, who is also co-owner of the Jilly’s Boardwalk and downtown shops, remarked about the city’s crackdown on rowdy teens.
In June, Mayor Jay Gillian and City Council enacted a new juvenile curfew of 11 p.m., keeping people off the beaches after 8 p.m. and closing the Boardwalk bathrooms at 10 p.m.
“Ever since putting the rules into effect, now, for a good six weeks straight, the Ocean City Boardwalk has been a phenomenally peaceful, family environment, even into later in the night,” Levchuk said. “What we have done is 100,000 percent working. I see it every day. I have front row seats to what goes on. And I am proud to see Ocean City has gotten back to the ways everyone loves.”
