City officials will turn the key on another summer season at noon Friday, May 22.
The annual Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony takes place on the beach adjacent to the Ocean City Music Pier at Moorlyn Terrace.
The century-old tradition marks the beginning of the traditional tourist season.
The ceremony, in which Mayor Jay Gillian, other city officials and Ocean City Beach Patrol representatives use a large wooden key to open the season, marks the start of a Memorial Day Weekend filled with events.
A newer tradition immediately follows. The annual Business Persons Plunge invites anybody to take a fully clothed plunge into the unlocked ocean. John Walton, event organizer, will lead more than 100 enthusiasts across the beach and into the ocean. Mascots, including Fin of the Flanders, Fry Guy from Jilly’s, Martin Z. Mollusk from the Chamber of Commerce, Wonder Bear from Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, Mr. TD from TD Bank and Mr. Taffy from Shriver’s, will join local business owners in taking the plunge.
The Cumberland Regional High School Chorus, directed by Ed Sayre, will serenade plungers and spectators before and after the ceremony.
Other Memorial Day Weekend events will include the following:
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Memorial Beach Challenge: Watch or participate in three simultaneous events: a beach obstacle race, a stand-up paddleboard race in a box course through the surf and a kids fun run. The event raises money for the families of fallen Navy SEALS and other charities. It’s visible from the beach and boardwalk near the Ocean City Music Pier starting at 8 a.m. Read more about the event.
Patriotic Pops: Pianist-performer Linda Gentille will star in a patriotic program with the Jersey Shore Pops Orchestra at 7 p.m. in the Music Pier Auditorium, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Special guests are the Victory Belles. Tickets are $25-$40. Call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.JerseyShorePops.org.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Wreath Ceremony: At 9:15 a.m., Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards will place a memorial wreath in the waters off the Ninth Street Beach in memory of those who have given their lives in the service of our country.
Rededication of WCTU Fountain: At 10 a.m., members of the WCTU, (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) and members of the Ocean City Historical Museum will re-dedicate the W.C.T.U. FOUNTAIN in front of City Hall and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the gift.
Memorial Day Service: Ocean City’s annual Memorial Day Service will be held 11 a.m. on Mon., May 25 at Veterans Memorial Park, 5th and Wesley Ave. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved across the street to the Tabernacle Auditorium.
