An August Thanksgiving in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City will celebrate Thanksgiving twice this year. Later in November, but first on Aug. 24 when it will treat its loyal vacationers to an evening of entertainment capped by a gigantic fireworks display.
“We have a lot to be thankful for,” declared Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“First we were able to bounce back quickly from Hurricane Sandy, thanks to immediate and decisive action by the City and the efforts of an army of volunteers headed by OCNJ.CARE. Assistance Centers were set up immediately in order to feed and clothe those in need. By New Year’s Eve we were able to host10,000 visitors during our popular
First Night Celebration.
“We are fortunate to have very loyal residents, vacationers and summer residents who enjoy living and vacationing in a family oriented town. We were blessed by the completion of a new $400 million Causeway that has become a major attraction in itself.
It provides an immensely popular recreational facility including biking and walking paths overlooking the scenic Bay and Ocean City landscape plus fishing and boating docks. “We will begin the celebration at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier with a program of non-denominational “prayer and song” by local clergy and area choirs. At 8 p.m. we will present entertainment throughout the Boardwalk featuring bands, strolling entertainers and costumed characters. At 10 p.m. there will be a huge fireworks display ignited from a barge in the ocean plainly visible from the Boardwalk. “Our business community is bouncing back for which we should be very thankful. We should have a decent season if the weather continues to cooperate,” said Gillian. “We would also like to thank the generous sponsors who are making this celebration possible. They include the Pepsi Cola Company, the Wagman Corp., a major supplier of the new causeway construction, Shamrock Towing, the Ocean City Tourism Commission and the Boardwalk Merchants Assn. with special assistance from Chuck Bangle of “Manco and Manco.” Rain date for the celebration is Aug. 25. For information, contact the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
The Little Miss Ocean City Pageant will be held 7 p.m. at the Music Pier on Aug. 16 for girls 8-11. For information, call (609) 525-9304. Tickets $10 at Music Pier Box Office.
(Aug. 14-16) Peter Pan, presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company and Ocean City Pops. This production features flying special effects from the Broadway production! 7:30 p.m. at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center, 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House, $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Call (609) 463-1924.
(Aug. 15) The popular Twins Contest for those who look most alike and least alike at Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Registration 6 p.m., contest 6:30 p.m. Entry free.
(Aug. 17) ESA Surf Contest: Registration begins 7 a.m., first heat in the water 8 a.m. at 7th St. Beach. Sign up at beach morning of the contest. If your membership has expired or if you are a new member, you may sign up on the beach. No Wave Date, Aug. 24. Call (609) 884-5277 o r visit www.snjsurfesa.org.
(Aug. 18) Ocean City Guts and Glory 5K Run/Walk: Race starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave. Register on-line at http://online.ccfa.org/gutsandglory $20 pre registration with t-shirts. $25 day of event. Proceeds benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Chronotrack bib timing-certified course. For more information, call (215) 396-9100 ext. 2.
(Aug.18) Ocean City Pops Bring In the Divas! 8 p.m., Music Pier. Singer Helen Welch celebrates the First Ladies of Song: Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, Etta James, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin and many more. Sponsored by Dr. Edna and Mr. John Celluci. Tickets $20/12 at Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248.
(Aug. 18) Ron Mathews & Gary Mathews In Concert – Voice, Trumpets and Guest Choir. Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., 7 p.m. Free Admission. Call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.OCTabernacle.org.
(Aug. 19) Jay & the Americans: 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. The Pop music sensations from the 1960s. Notable hits included “Come a Little Bit Closer,” and “Cara Mia.” Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002. Tickets $30 on sale through TicketMaster 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com
(Aug. 20) Ocean City Pops Gershwin And All That Jazz! 8 p.m. at Music Pier, featuring music from Porgy and Bess; in concert version with soloists Robin Wilson, Lourin Platt, the Queen Mary Singers plus Ed Wise and his New Orleans Jazz Band. Sponsored by Manco and Manco in memory of Frank Manco. Tickets $20/12. Call Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248.
Coming Soon: (Aug. 22) Ocean City Fishing Pier Open House 6 to 8 p.m. Tour the 100 year old landmark Ocean City facility, visit its Pier and Clubhouse at 14 Boardwalk. Take photos from this scenic location, see its historical memorabilia. Visitors may make an optional donation of canned goods for the Ocean City Food Cupboard. Call (609) 398-0534 for information.
(On Going) Every Sun., Mon., Tues. at 8 p.m. through August Oh What a Night! A Musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons at the Moorlyn Theatre, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Tickets $25, access www.moorlynfamilytheatre.org. Call (609) 399-0006 from 1 to 10 p.m. 7 days a week. Also at the Moorlyn, Taylor Mason, a family friendly comedian and ventriloquist. Fun for all ages. Has performed On TV, Carnegie Hall, Second City, Disney Cruises and much more. Thursdays at 8:15 p.m. through Aug. 29.
(On going) The Ocean City Repertory Theater Co., 813 Asbury Ave., is featuring the Rocky Horror Show. Call (609) 457-6686 for information and reservations. The Theater also is hosting a Family Karaoke, every one can sing, Tues. and Thurs. from Noon to 3 p.m. hosted by James Jones through Aug. 29. Admission is free.
The First, International, Martin Z. Mollusk, Clam Drain (shell pitching) Championships are coming your way, Aug. 24 on the beaches between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Sign Ups are noon to 2 p.m. with games starting at 3 p.m. Clam Drains, invented by Ocean City beachgoer, Joe McGettigan, are a manufactured shell that provide a standard, comfortable shell that levels the playing field for all contestants. Free loaners are available to those without Clam Drains. Entry fee is $10; proceeds benefit Ocean City Theatre Co. and its educational programs for youngsters. Info at www.clamdrain.com or email joe@clamdrain.com.