First Night is family entertainment

First Night, Ocean City’s New Year’s Eve celebration, offers a variety of entertainment for families and individuals at a reasonable cost.
The holiday gala features 60 entertainment programs at 14 central locations from 4 p.m. till midnight for just $14. There are fireworks at midnight, weather permitting
Admission buttons and entertainment schedules are now available at Downtown Gillian’s 838 B Asbury Ave., seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Payment may be made with Visa, Master Card and American Express. Order on line at www.firstnightocnj.com.
First Night Buttons are also available at the Roy Gillian Information Center of the Chamber of Commerce, 916 E. 9th St., across from TD Bank.
Opening ceremonies will be held 4 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. It will include a ribbon cutting and greeting by City officials, entertainment by the Main Stage Singers and face painters and a trinket give away.
The legendary Coasters will be featured at the Music Pier with 9, 10 and 11 p.m. shows. There will be a $3 charge for this show, the only performance during First Night that will carry an extra charge. The popular Japanese Drummers will precede the Coasters at the Pier with 6 and 7 p.m. shows.
There will be rides at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier from 5 to 9 p.m., and Inflatables at the Sports and Civic Center 6th St. off Boardwalk from 4 to 8 p.m.
Features include the Grease Band, Broadway by Request, a Philadelphia String Band, Jungle John, the June and Johnny Cash impersonators show, magician Chad Juros, Trout Fishing in America, and more.
The Ocean City Pops Orchestra will perform 10 and 11 p.m. at the Tabernacle, free with an admission button. There will be a big band dance at the Intermediate School and numerous children’s show including the Turtle Singers and Kids at Heart in addition to those already mentioned. A complete list of entertainment will be provided with admission buttons.
Parking will be free throughout the City. Jitney transportation to entertainment sites will be available free from 6 p.m. till midnight.
First Night sponsors an Angel Fund for families and individuals who cannot afford admission buttons. To support the fund or receive buttons, contact the Public Relations Office, 609-525-9300.