By MADDY VITALE
Ocean City’s New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night 2022, features an array of family-friendly entertainment in an alcohol-free environment to ring in the new year.
From ice skating to listening to bands to watching a magic show to going on amusement rides, there is more than enough to keep a family occupied and happy.
“First Night has become one of our biggest family traditions, and we’re thankful that it has returned,” Mayor Jay Gillian said Thursday. “A non-alcoholic arts and entertainment event is what Ocean City is all about.”
Stretching over 20 venues, First Night will feature more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different locations in the city from 4 p.m. to midnight. The evening is capped off with a fireworks display.
The celebration is not only a great night of family-friendly entertainment, but it is also a real bargain that draws thousands of people into town over the holiday.
For $20, about the cost for a large pizza with pepperoni, First Night button holders get a night out filled with shows and activities.
This year, though, city officials are urging people to take added precautions while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The event was canceled last year due to gathering restrictions.
“Face masks are strongly recommended for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people while indoors,” said Doug Bergen, the city’s public information officer. “Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all venues.”
The event headliner is the Grammy-winning group Tavares. Top hits from Tavares include “It Only Takes a Minute,” and “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel.” They will perform at 9 p.m. at the Music Pier.
Children will enjoy Grammy-winning children’s artist Tim Kubart, who will be joined on stage at the Music Pier for an interactive show at 5 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. by his band, the Space Cadets.
There was one schedule change for First Night the city announced this week.
The Japanese drummers act will return with three shows at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Ocean City High School. Also, the Sensational Soul Cruisers — featuring horns and vocalists who pay tribute to the soul, R&B, Motown and disco of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s — will perform at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the school.
The two acts replace the Ocean City Theatre Company performances of “The Rainbow Fish” and “Beehive: The ‘60s Musical,” which had to be canceled this week as a health precaution, Bergen said.
“The change from the OCTC shows to the Japanese drummers and the Sensational Soul Cruisers is the only one to date,” Bergen explained.
Among the many things button holders can enjoy at the various locations in the city are the rides at Wonderland Pier, an ice-skating rink at the Sports & Civic Center and inflatables. The Harlem Wizards and magician Chad Juros will entertain. And people can even try their hand at country line dancing or listen to a performance by the Legacy Band.
The Ocean City Community Center will be a one-stop shop for a host of activities at the Free Public Library, Aquatic & Fitness Center, Historical Museum, Library Atrium and the Senior Center as well as the Arts Center.
And no need to worry about parking, either.
All municipal parking lots and metered parking spots are free. Jitneys will provide free transportation from 5 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. for button-holders. The jitneys will operate between all venues starting at the Ocean City Transportation Center and Seventh Street parking lot.
For those who want to get the most out of the $20 purchase price for the First Night 2022 buttons, the fireworks display can be viewed from the Boardwalk or beach between Third Street and 14th Street at midnight.
For more information, to purchase First Night Buttons or for schedule updates, visit firstnightocnj.com.
