Two players who helped bring championship rings to Philadelphia will be part of the second annual Sports Memorabilia Show on Saturday, March 30, at the Ocean City Music Pier. Philadelphia Eagles star Darren Sproles and former Phillies slugger Matt Stairs will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions at the show.
The show will feature vendors and table sales dedicated to athletes, fans and collectors. It also will include interactive sporting activities for kids. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for the show is $7 for adults and $3 for 12-and-unders with tickets available at the door. Admission includes a free Q&A session with Sproles (11 a.m.) and with Stairs (2 p.m.)
Sproles is one of the NFL’s career leaders in all-purpose yards. Though he was injured early in the season, he was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl championship team in the 2017-18 season. Stairs helped bring the 2008 World Series title to Philadelphia in 2008. He holds the record for most pinch-hit home runs in Major League Baseball history.
Sproles will be available for a meet-and-greet session at 11:45 a.m. Tickets for an autograph (on a photo or item you supply) and a selfie photo with the player are on sale for $40. A meet-and-greet with Stairs ($20 for autograph and selfie with the player) is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. A combination package that includes both players is available for $55. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (on the Route 52 causeway) to purchase tickets.
COMING UP SOON:
EDIBLE BOOK FESTIVAL (April 1): Book lovers and food lovers are invited to unite at the 6th annual Edible Book Festival 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 1 in the atrium outside the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Ave.). The event asks contestants to come up with food that offers a play on book titles. The public can compete or just see the entries and vote on favorites. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. – followed by an open invitation to sample the edible books. Entry registration deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 29. Register at https://tinyurl.com/YXV9YQUW.
POETRY READING AND OPEN MIC (April 3): Celebrate National Poetry Month at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Readings at 6:30 p.m. will feature poets Echezonachukwu Nduka and Nancy Reddy. Following a short intermission there will be an open mic for performances of two minutes or less. Sign-ups begin at 6 p.m.
GIRLS WEEKEND (April 5 to 7): The fourth annual Girls Weekend from April 5 to April 7 will showcase all that Ocean City’s downtown retail district has to offer and provide a great reason to escape to the shore early in the season. The event kicks off with a fashion show at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Glazed Over Studios (704 Asbury Avenue). It features clothes and accessories for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and modeled by local men and women, including members of City Council. The lighthearted event will be catered by local restaurants.
Advance tickets ($20) are required and on sale now at City Hall, the Route 52 Welcome Center, Ta-Dah (1040 Asbury Ave.), the 7th Street Surf Shop (720 Asbury Ave.), the Sneaker Shop (704 Asbury Ave.) and Making Waves (836 Asbury Ave.).
Tickets also can be purchased online this year (click on the “Buy Now” button on the event blog). For a detailed schedule of Girls Weekend events, accommodations and participating businesses, call 609-399-1412, visit the Girls Weekend blog or the Facebook event page.
OC-CON COMIC BOOK AND MEMORABILIA FESTIVAL (April 6 to 7): Ocean City’s tribute to comics and memorabilia returns to the Music Pier. “Star Trek,” “Roots” and “Reading Rainbow” icon LeVar Burton will highlight this year’s event. Now in its fourth year, the festival will return to early spring after being held in June last year. The star of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” will be a special guest for both days, and tickets are on sale now for exclusive photo and autograph sessions.
Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111, or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway. OC-Con features meet-the-artist sessions, discussion panels, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7. Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information on all of OC-Con.
WILD WILD WEST EVENT (April 11): A Wild Wild West-themed cocktail party will be held at the Atlantic City Country Club on Thursday, April 11, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ocean City Arts Center. The $35 donation includes light fare, live demonstrations of painting, music, dance and more, artwork and jewelry for sale, a 50/50 raffle and cash bar. Themed- attire is welcome. Prize for Best Costume for Cowboy and Cowgirl. To reserve your tickets, call (609) 399-7628 or visit the Ocean City Arts Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue.
DOO DAH PARADE (April 13): “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden will lead this year’s parade as grand marshal. Individuals, groups, businesses and any other comic entries are invited to participate in the parade by signing up at www.ocnj.us/Doo-Dah-Parade.
MR. MATURE AMERICA PAGEANT (April 13): The pageant is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, on the Ocean City Music Pier. The event is the first and only pageant of its kind in the United States. The pageant includes competition in talent, judge’s interview, poise and appearance, and on-stage question. Registration is now open for any contestant 55 or older who would like to participate. Visit www.ocnj.us/mrmature for more information.
THE GREAT EGG HUNT (April 13 and April 20): Two massive egg hunts on the beach for children up to 7 years old. The free events start at 2:30 p.m. and feature areas divided by age group and for children with special needs.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE (April 21): A traditional non-denominational service by the sea. All are welcome. The service starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
DUELING PIANOS SHOW (April 21): The Philly Keys will perform their hit dueling pianos show starting at noon. The performers will take a break for the annual Easter Fashion Promenade.
EASTER FASHION PROMENADE (April 21): Families are invited to come dressed in their Easter’s best to stroll in the Fashion Promenade and meet the Easter Bunny. Judging begins at 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk at the Ocean City Music Pier. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Children, Teen, Adults and Family.
COLONY CLUB FASHION SHOW (April 27): The local Colony Club’s annual Fashion Show Scholarship Fundraiser will be held 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 27 at Ocean City Senior Center (1735 Simpson Ave.). The Fashion Show will feature fashions from Ta Dah and a luncheon buffet.
Tickets are $35. Contact Judi Levy for tickets at 609-247-1332 or email colonyclub.oceancitynj@gmail.com. Proceeds benefit the Colony Club of Ocean City Scholarship Fund.
HISTORICAL MUSEUM SUNDAY BRUNCH (April 28): An Ocean City Historical Museum fundraiser will feature a presentation by John Loeper on “Snow, Ice and Sand.” The event will include brunch at Clancy’s by the Bay in Somers Point. Ticket prices: $32 general public, $28 members. Tickets may be purchased at the museum within the Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Ave.) or by calling 609-399-1801. Reservations are required.
