Indian Summer brings out the crowds in Ocean City

Ocean City has developed a series of major fall special events and none is larger than its Indian Summer Weekend Festival, Oct. 10-12.
Centerpiece of the event is the mile-long block party that extends from 5th to 14th sts. along Asbury Ave. on Saturday, normally attracting more than 50,000 visitors.
More than 400 juried crafters from throughout the east coast participate in the block party that features hand made products ranging from wind chimes and floral decorations to paintings and photography. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year a huge fireworks display is scheduled on Saturday following the block party. The fireworks will be set off from a barge off the 9th St. Beach starting at 9:30 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. prior to the fireworks there will be boardwalk entertainment including a strolling string band and two additional bands between 6th and 14th sts. A magician will perform and there will be Karaoke and pony rides.
Block Party events also include a variety of foods highlighted by Greek specialties, ribs, seafoods, pizza, hotdogs, burgers, baked goods, and more.
Bands and street musicians entertain along the block party route from 1 to 4 p.m. Scheduled to perform are Tidal Wave, Tony Deluca and the Ralph Roberts Trio and Keith Hickman.
There are free pony rides for children at the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. also from 1-4 p.m. Public service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on 9th St. between Asbury and Central aves.
First Night New Years Eve admission buttons will be available during the block party at a table near City Hall steps. For Night offers more than 60 entertainment programs at a 14 central locations and concludes with a fireworks display at midnight. Tickets are an economical $14 per person.
All City municipal lots will be free during the block party and parking meters are free.
Parking at the Transportation Center, 10th and Haven Ave., will be free.
In addition to the block party, there is a seafood center set up at the Music Pier, Oct. 10-12 and Boardwalk merchants hold table sales Oct. 9-12. Downtown merchants will hold a sidewalk sale Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Asbury Ave.
The Ocean City Tabernacle, 6th and Asbury Ave., will present a block party night concert Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. featuring recording artist Dave Boyer with ballads and hymns in a mellow style.
The weekend kicks off with a performance by the legendary band, “Survivor,” whose hits include “Eye of the Tiger.”
The show will be held in the Music Pier Auditorium, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on line at www.ocnj.us or by calling 609-525-9300. The program benefits the Ocean City Education Foundation.
There will be no jitney transportation from the airport to the block party this year.