OCEAN CITY – For the tenth consecutive year Ocean City will hold its Quiet Festival, a celebration of subdued things ranging from paper airplane making, cloud inspection and bubble appreciation to a yawn-along, maple pod drop and performance by the Ocean City High School Sign Club and world’s only Wind Chimes Band.
Events will be held from Nov. 8 to Nov. 15 at various locations in the City.
For the past few years, the Festival’s Research and Development Team has been working on new ideas to further popularize the event and bring it into the 21st century so to speak or so to whisper.
And here’s what they’ve decided: A White Mice, Hamster and Guinea Quiet Challenge to be held 10:30 a.m. at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. on Sat., Nov. 12.
“When R&D first reported to me, I really wasn’t impressed,” said Mark Soifer, Founder of the Quiet Festival and president of NAP, the National Assn. of Tired People that sponsors the program.
“But then it hit me like a ton feathers! There have been plenty of events for dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits and even jumping contests for frogs but nothing for white mice, hamsters or Guinea Pigs. The Quiet Festival should remedy this as part of its public service, outreach program.
White Mice and Hamsters are nocturnal and usually sleep during the day…which makes them perfect for the Quiet Festival. The pets will be judged for their lack of energy, unusual sleeping positions and general disinterest in their surroundings. An exercise wheel will be available for any hamster or mouse that feels the need to abandon its instincts and work out. Guinea Pigs are not nocturnal so will be judged for their determination on the wheel, appearance, personality and interest in their surroundings. There will be an optional category for costumes.
There will be prizes and certificates for all entrants and a free photo of their entrant will be given to all pet owners. Ribbons will be awarded to winners and a special citation will be given to Best of Show.
Quiet Festival organizers will recruit hamsters, white mice, Guinea Pigs and their owners with an effective whispering campaign that will bypass more vociferous outlets like Facebook, My Space, Linkedin, Twitter, and other social network outlets.
“We’re going to contact the schools, pet shops and individuals through personal, good old fashioned one on one meetings and also use our local newspapers, radio and TV,” said Soifer.
“We believe this event will add a dimension of quiet excitement and humor to the festival. We urge hamsters, white mice Guinea Pigs and their care takers to sign up immediately.”
Once again, the Challenge will be held at the Aquatic and fitness Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., in Ocean City on Sat. Nov.12 at 10:30 a.m. Those interested (and who wouldn’t be?) may register quietly by calling 609-525-9300. After hours and on weekends, call 609-364-4010 or email msoifer@hotmail.com. Enthusiasts may also sign up at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., in Ocean City. A complete schedule of Quiet Festival events may be obtained by contacting any of the above.
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