OCEAN CITY – For the 11th consecutive year The Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue League will hold its Boardwalk Waddle as part of the Doo Dah Parade set for Sat., April 14. This is one of the largest aggregations of the floppy eared canines in the United States. Over 600 navigate the downtown and Boardwalk, many in costume. It is a pawesome spectacle!
But that’s not all. On Fri., April 13, the Rescue League will stage its Basset Hound Olympics at 1 p.m. on the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. This is a hilarious competition well worth seeing if you can take off from work without getting fired. The good natured hounds compete in sprints, hop over or trot around hurdles, muddle through tunnels and often stray from the course to sniff the surroundings.
The event is free and is widely covered by the media including Philadelphia TV that sends footage to its network affiliates across the country, as well as showing it on Philly channels. The Olympics have been featured frequently in AAA Magazine that is mailed to millions throughout the country.
The Doo Dah Weekend is a major fund raiser for the Rescue League. Last year over $60,000 was raised to rescue and rehabilitate the docile hounds. The Bassets and their best friends meet following the Parade at Carey Stadium to socialize, enjoy refreshments, and check out tents that feature products for basset hounds and all types of pooches. These products are for sale. The public is invited to this gathering to get close up and personal with the doggies and their friends, snap photos and discover product s for their own pets. The League also holds a dinner on Sat. evening to raise money for the cause.
The Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue League has provided an economic boost to the community in the spring. It has been an important addition to the Doo Dah Weekend which also will include two comedy shows this year, a celebrity press conference and other events. To learn more about the Rescue League access www.tristatebassets.org . To enter the Doo Dah Parade, call 609-525-9300; or, after hours, 609-364-4010; or email msoifer@hotmail.com.
A recent national poll by Gallup reported that Ocean City has less stress than any other community in America. The way I see it, less stress means we have more time to devote to the positive things in life like Valentine’s Weekend. I know it’s a bit of a stretch but stretching facts was one of my basic classes in Public Relations School. Stretching is good just ask any Yoga instructor.
(Feb. 29) The Ocean City High School jazz band will present a benefit concert at 7 p.m. in the Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students. The event is a senior scholarship fund raiser. Tickets are available at the door or contact Donna Schwarz, High School Music Director, (609) 399-1290.
(The month of Feb.) The Ocean City Free Public Library is presenting an array of events in Feb., several for Valentine’s Day and programs to celebrate Black History Month. Check out newsletters@oceancitylibrary.org for the full schedule. Here is just a sampling: Free Saturday afternoon movies. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) Sat., Feb. 18, 2 p.m., Room N110 snacks included; Classic Film Group: Annie Hall (PG)Mon., Feb. 13, 6-8:30 p.m., Room N110; A Man For All Seasons,(G) Mon., Feb. 27, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Room N110; Young Adult Movie: Valentine’s Day (PG-13) Tues, Feb. 14, 3-5p.m. Room N110.
On Sun., Feb. 19, Author Joseph Bilby presents, New Jersey’s Civil War Experience: A History of New Jersey’s African-American Civil War Soldiers, 1 to 2:15 p.m., Room110; Wed., Feb. 22, The Center for Community Arts focuses on the first, free African-American settlements in Lower Township, moving on to West Cape May, Cape May and Whitesboro, Noon to 1:30 p.m., Room 110.
Thurs. Feb. 23, Lucky Guess Game Show 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Rm. 110. This popular event hosted by professional comedian Ron MacCloskey is a horse race with three contestants standing on a track answering multiple choice questions. The audience is encouraged to shout out the answers. Contestants may come dressed up as a president to honor President’s Day.
Sat. Feb. 25, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Room 110, Habiba, a spontaneous style of female dance appreciated all over the Arab World including North Africa. Through discussions and slides, Ms. Barbara Siegel will trace the long history of this dance.
Tues., Feb. 28, the Doc Gibbs Drum Program, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Room N110, ages 6-12. Interactive drum program featuring drummer Doc Gibbs.
Wed., Feb. 29, Young Adult Movie, Dream Girls, (PG-13) based on the Broadway musical. A trio of black, female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960s, 3 to 5 p.m., Room N110.
For information, call (609) 399-2434,check out www.oceancitylibrary.org or consult newsletters@oceancitylibrary.org.
Children’s craft workshops: The Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., is offering two Winter Wondercrafts Workshops for children ages 6-11 on Sat., Feb. 11 and Sat., March 10 from 10 a.m. till noon. Instructor will be Kathy Hoffman, cost is $10 plus $5 material fee per workshop. Pre-registration is required. Please call (609) 399-7628.
