The family fun in Ocean City, NJ is about to kick into high gear with a lineup of traditional early-season events.
Here are some of the highlights:
March 22 to April 4
BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY: From 8 a.m. till noon at the following dates and downtown locations. Call (609) 399-1412 for information.
- Sunday, March 22: Ready’s Coffee Shop and Restaurant
- Saturday, March 28: Yianni’s Café
- Sunday, March 29: Arlene’s on Asbury. Also on March 29: Yoasis, Yogurt with the Easter Bunny, 2-4 p.m.
- Saturday, April 4: Jon and Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro
Saturday, March 28
GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT: The first of two egg hunts on the beach takes place at 2:30 p.m. March 28 at the beaches between 11th Street and 14th Street. Five age-groups: 0-2 years, 3-4 years, 5 years, 6 years, and 7 years. 100,000 eggs, 5, 000 prizes. Be prompt as the event goes quickly. Rain date is March 29.
MR. MATURE AMERICA PAGEANT: The Mr. Mature Pageant honors the talents and achievements of men 55 and older. It is the only event of its kind in the world. Mr. Mature America debuted to an enthusiastic audience last year. The second annual edition is set for 7 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Contestants will perform a talent, talk about their favorite “Memories” and be judged for an on-stage question. To enter the pageant, call (609) 399-6111, ext. 9300 or email msoifer@hotmail.com. Pageant tickets ($10) are now on sale at the information center on the ground floor of City Hall, 9th Street and Asbury Avenue, or online at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Special guests include Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame drummer Dick Richards of Bill Haley’s Comets and his band playing “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” famed blues performer Bubba Mac and Ms. Senior New Jersey America Diane Beebe.
Al proceeds benefit the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Food Cupboard.
Saturday, April 4
GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT: The second of two egg hunts on the beach takes place at 2:30 p.m. April 4 at the beaches between 11th Street and 14th Street. Five age-groups: 0-2 years, 3-4 years, 5 years, 6 years, and 7 years. 100,000 eggs, 5, 000 prizes. Be prompt as the event goes quickly. Rain date is April 5.
WOOF ‘N PAWS PET FASHION SHOW: Starts at 11 a.m. at Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk. Categories include Best Dressed Dog, Cat and Other Pet, Best Bonnet, Intelligent Pet Tricks, Owner Pet Look Alike, Swim Suit Division, and Best of Show award AKA Dean Schofield Woof ‘N Paws Plaque for perfection. $5 Entry Fee benefits the Ocean City Humane Society, an award winning, no kill shelter. Event is open to any pet that will not eat another pet.
Sunday, April 5
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE: The annual service sponsored by the Ministerium and Ecumenical Council is set for the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday. The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Anthony Campolo. The Glory of Easter Music will be celebrated with trumpets, congregational singing, students of Nancy Fox and pianist Jeff Seals. An offering will benefit the Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet. Parking is free at 8th, 9th St. and other city lots.
EASTER FASHION PROMENADE: Starts in front of the Ocean City Music Pier, judging at 1 p.m. Prizes for the best dressed participants. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, who will have chocolate bunnies for the children. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DOO DAH PARADE: The event is set for Sat., April 11th starting noon at 6th and Asbury Ave. The Parade goes through the center of town to 12th St., turns to the Boardwalk and ends at the Music Pier.
There will be an awards ceremony at the Music Pier followed by the PieAsco, our annual tribute to the late, great comedian Soupy Sales. Folks sit in grand stands and when the signal is given smoosh each other with shaving cream pies, the kind Soupy used in his syndicated TV Shows.
This year’s Parade will honor the memory of Joe Franklin, legendary New Yorker, whose radio and TV shows were broadcast for many years. Joe was a former grand marshal of the parade. He was responsible for helping us secure many celebrities to appear in the parade. These included Carol Channing, Larry Storch and Soupy Sales. Other notables who have appeared in Ocean City for Doo Dah include Bill Dana, Meadowlark Lemon, Edie Adams, Shelly Berman, Frank Gorshin, Dr. Irwin Cory and many more.
The parade was started as a celebration of humor and to honor legendary comedians. It features comic brigades, clowns, humorous individuals, bands and floats. A huge addition to the parade occurred ten years ago when the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue League asked to be included in the event.
League members parade about 500 of their pets in Doo Dah to raise funds for the work of the League which is to find homes for neglected and homeless Bassets. Many of the floppy eared doggies appear in costumes and ride in decorated wagons. If you’ve never seen a group of 500 bassets loping in one direction before, this parade is for you.
On Friday, April 10th at 1 p.m., the League holds its annual Basset Hound Olympics at the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. This is an athletic event for the most un-athletic doggies in Pooch Dom. They are asked to jump over hurdles, many merely walk around them. They are asked to sprint through tunnels, some do and some don’t. They are greeted by great applause at the finish line, most ignore this and flop down for a nap. If you are free at 1 p.m. on April 10th this is a “must see” event, bring your camera.
Entry in the Doo Dah Parade is free. To register for the Parade and receive line-up information, call Public Relations (609) 399-6111, Ext. 9300 or email msoifer@hotmail.com.
