Ocean City will celebrate “TV’s Greatest Hits” this year during Night in Venice on July 28, and entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in the 64th annual bayfront celebration.
The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contests 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.
The optional theme of “TV’s Greatest Hits” could include tributes to iconic sit-coms, characters, memorable TV moments or any other item from television history. Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111.
In keeping with this year’s theme, the parade includes a lineup of stars who will perform shows and greet fans throughout the weekend. Grand marshals will include teen singing sensation Jackie Evancho and NFL-lineman-turned-magician Jon Dorenbos (who both were hits on “America’s Got Talent”), along with Laurie Hernandez and Maksim “Maks” Chmerkovskiy of “Dancing With the Stars” fame.
One highlight will be Master Dance Classes with Chmerkovskiy on the day of the parade. He will provide instruction for intermediate to advanced dancers (individuals or couples). Sessions are at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. July 28 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The $65 ticket includes a meet-and-greet with Chmerkovskiy and a Q&A session.
Born in the Ukraine, Chmerkovskiy moved with his family to Brooklyn and fell in love with dancing after his father opened a youth-oriented dance studio in New Jersey. He joined the cast of professional dancers on “Dancing with the Stars” in Season 2 and has competed in 17 seasons. He has made it to the final round five times. In 2014, he partnered with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis to win his first “Dancing With the Stars” title. He also has starred in Broadway productions of “Burn the Floor” and “Forever Tango.”
Chmerkovskiy also joins fellow “Dancing With the Stars” winner Laurie Hernandez to greet fans on July 28. A session at 11 a.m. July 28 ($30) provides an opportunity to get a photo and an autograph with the stars.
Hernandez is the first U.S.-born Latina to make the U.S. gymnastics team since 1984. She brought home gold and silver medals from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. After winning her “Dancing with the Stars” title with Maks’ brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, she published her first book, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond,” which hit the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Tickets are on sale now for the following:
- Master Dance Class with Maks Chmerkovskiy: The famous dancer will provide instruction for intermediate to experienced dancers. 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. July 28 at the Ocean City Music Pier.
- Meet-and-Greet with Laurie Hernandez and Maks Chmerkovskiy: Chmerkovskiy joins his former dance partner to greet fans. 11 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
- Jon Dorenbos Magic Show: Former Philadelphia Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos will return to the Ocean City Music Pier with a show that mixes his mind-blowing magic talents with inspirational stories. Dorenbos has performed two sold-out shows in Ocean City. The show is set for 8 p.m. Friday, July 27 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $32 to $47.
- Jon Dorenbos Meet-and-Greet: Meet Dorenbos, get an autograph and a photo. Session ($20) is at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 27.
Jackie Evancho with the Ocean City Pops: A special Ocean City Pops performance on July 29 will feature the remarkable vocal talents of Jackie Evancho. The young singer first dazzled American television audiences at the age of 10 – gaining global recognition with her debut on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” She finished as runner-up in that competition and has continued to make history with achievements that include: youngest solo platinum artist, youngest Top 5 debut artist ever in the United Kingdom, youngest person to give solo concert at the Lincoln Center and the highest-ranking debut artist of 2010. All six of Evancho’s albums have hit No. 1 on the Billboard Classical chart. She will perform with the Ocean City Pops orchestra 7:30 p.m. July 29 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $30 to $45.
Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111, or stop by the Music Pier Box Office or any of the city’s welcome centers to purchase tickets for these events. Tickets are also on sale to view Night in Venice from the Bayside Center (520 Bay Avenue), which will be open with a picnic area, snack food for sale and bleacher seating plus live entertainment. Tickets are $4 for children (12-and-under) and $8 for adults. The Good Tymes Band will play until the first boats in the parade arrive. Children’s activities include crafts, games and face-painting. The band will resume after the parade.
Ocean City is proud to welcome ACME as a returning presenting sponsor for Night in Venice 2018. A fireworks display will return this year to cap off the celebration.
COMING UP THIS WEEK
FASCINATING GERSHWIN (July 18): Marvel at the extraordinary showmanship of pianist Ryan Shirar and singers direct from Broadway, who will join the Ocean City Pops for a special tribute to Gershwin including songs like “Fascinating Rhythm,” “The Man I Love,” “I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’,” “I Got Rhythm,” “S’Wonderful,” “Summertime” and more. This concert is produced by Broadway POPS International. Tickets are $25 to $30, and the show is 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Visit www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office or one of the city’s welcome centers.
WACKY WEDNESDAY (July 18): This week’s family-friendly event is a Doughnut-On-A-String Eating Contest. Participants will need to eat an entire doughnut — no hands allowed — without letting it fall off the string. The first to finish wins. Contest is free and limited to 150 participants. Open to all ages. Start time is 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For more information, call 609-399-6111.
OCEAN CITY FISHING PIER OPEN HOUSE (July 19): The Ocean City Fishing Club is inviting shutterbugs and other visitors to tour its pier and clubhouse at 14th Street and Boardwalk from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Visitors also will be able to make an optional donation of canned goods to support the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
15TH ANNUAL CHIP MILLER SURF FEST (July 20): Family-friendly surfing competition for all ages with category awards. Register early as there are limited openings. Cost is $40 in advance ($45 day of) and $10 for each additional heat. Tickets for an after-part are $25 ($30 on the day of). No-wave dates are July 21 and 22. For more information, call 717-243-7855 or visit www.chipmiller.org.
LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL (July 20 and 21): The Ocean City Theatre Company presents a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie. “Legally Blonde, The Musical” follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. This show features a cast of high school performers. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $12 to $15. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office or one of the city’s welcome centers.
SUMMER BOOK SALE (July 20 and 21): Used hardbacks, paperbacks and audio items are on sale. Sponsored by the Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library and held in the atrium outside the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Avenue). Sale hours are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 20; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21. https://friendsvolunteersocfpl.com/
The Celtic Tenors Daryl Simpson, James Nelson and Matthew Gilsenan will perform an eclectic and exciting mix of songs at the Ocean City Music Pier July 22. (Celtic Tenors Facebook)
CELTIC TENORS (July 22): The only tenor group with a truly global audience, The Celtic Tenors will give you a night to remember. The group’s passion shines through in each rendition of beautiful Celtic songs, exhilarating classics and popular contemporary songs. Show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $25 to $35. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office or one of the city’s welcome centers.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (JULY 23): If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis on ivied campuses, think again. Straight No Chaser has emerged as a vocal phenomenon, building a reputation as an unforgettable live act, and with a sense of humor. Two shows on the same night begin at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets start at $47.50. For tickets, please visit Ticketmaster, call 800-745-3000 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
SLEEPING BEAUTY (July 24): The Ocean City Theatre Company Children’s Theatre Series continues with the story of friendship and loyalty overcoming the strongest dark magic. Show is 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office or one of the city’s welcome centers.
