Night in Venice start pushed back

For safety reasons caused by the tides, the Ocean City Night in Venice Committee has decided to start Saturday’s boat parade at 8 p.m.
The 9th St. bridge will close to automobile traffic at approximately 8:20 p.m. and remain closed until all boats pass through. The Longport and 34th St. bridges will remain open to car traffic.
The only two viable dates for the City to hold the Parade this year were July 18 and 25. Back in January it was determined that the 25th was the best choice.
Since then, lagoons have filled in more than expected so the committee made the decision to delay Night in Venice starting time from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to safeguard boats.
House judging will be one half hour later from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
As of Tuesday, July 21, fifty boats had registered for the Parade. The committee anticipates 25 or more boats between then and starting time.
The Parade begins at the Longport Bridge and boats will sail along the bay and in and out of the lagoons to 23rd St. and South Harbor. There will be grand stand seating setup along street ends. Seating is free.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the best decorated lagoon homes and boats over and under 24 ft. All boat owners who enter the Parade will receive a $50 cash card for Ocean City business. They will also be given a photo of their boat sailing in the Parade. Both boat owners and homeowners will receive a commemorative mug for entering the event.
To enter a boat or home in the competition, call or stop at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 609-525-9300, email msoifer@hotmail.com, or fax 609-399-0374. After hours call 609-364-4010. Entry in the competition is free.