What’s Happening in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The ghosts and goblins will once again haunt City Hall.
The Ocean City Art Club, under the direction of Paul Matusz, will resurrect the popular Haunted House after a hiatus of several years.
The Halloween event is scheduled for Oct. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the historic municipal structure, 9th and Asbury Ave. The building dates back to 1914 when Harry Headley was mayor.
Indeed, City Hall is believed to have its own resident ghost. Noises have been heard late at night in the vicinity of the Council Chambers. Doors creaking and closing. That sort of thing.
One cleaning person actually saw the ghost, described as a slightly built, older gentleman. A psychic medium and author of ghost books, Craig McManus, dropped by to inspect the premises, and verified that yes, City Hall definitely has a freed spirit.
It is believed to be former treasurer, Anthony Imbesi. When I started working at City Hall 41 years ago, Mr. Imbesi was treasurer. He was a warm, kindly person who really loved his job. If it is Mr. Imbesi, City Hall couldn’t have a nicer ghost.
Now back to the present: Admission to the Haunted House will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will be sold at the door. All proceeds benefit the Ocean City Art Club. (Our Thanks to Ocean City Magazine for the information about Craig McManus.)
Trail of Two Cities: Entry forms are now available for the Trail of Two Cities 5K Run/Walk over the new Causeway. The event begins 8 a.m., Nov. 3 at the Ocean City Transportation Center, 10th and Haven Ave. and concludes at JFK Park in Somers Point.
Runners will compete in various age groups from 9 years to 78 plus, male and female.
Medals will be awarded to the top three runners in each age group. There will be special awards to the male and female with best over all times.
Pre-registration rates will be $25 if received by Oct. 26 and $30 the day of the race. Immediate families of up to four may register for a discounted price of $70.
Shirts are guaranteed to the first 300 pre-registrants or while supplies last. Free refreshments will be provided.
Registration forms with complete information are available at the Community Services Office, Room 214, second floor of City Hall, (609)525-9300 or from New York Ave. School in Somers Point, (609) 927-2053, Ext. 3101.Registration forms can be emailed. Call (609) 525-9300 or email msoifer@hotmail.com. Forms can also be downloaded at www.ocnj.us click on events.
(Oct. 20) The Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep (one day, Saturday only) is set from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check in at the Music Pier or 57th St. Beach for clean up supplies. All are encouraged to participate in the state wide event to keep beaches clean and safe and to protect the coastal environment. For information call (609) 525-9285.
(Oct. 20) The Annual Halloween Doggie Costume Contest, 10 a.m. at the 6th St. Practice Field off the Boardwalk. Categories include scariest, cutest, most creative, most original, etc. Trophies and snack bags awarded. Entry fee is $10 per dog. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Benefits the City PTA. Call (609) 517-5049.
(Oct. 20) Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant, 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets are $10, available at the Public Relations Office, 2nd Floor, City Hall or at the Music Pier Box Office the night of the show. A scholarship pageant for girls 12-15. Call (609)525-9300.
(Oct. 20-21) The Shirt Shack Hay Rides, on the Boardwalk- Free-Noon till 4 p.m. Passengers may get on at 6th and 12th Sts. Call (609) 525-9300.
(Oct. 20-21) Boardwalk Trick or Target at participating merchants.
(Oct. 21) American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – starts 8:30 a.m. at 6th St. Practice Field off Boardwalk. This walk is an inspiring event that unites communities to celebrate people who have battled Breast Cancer, educates about steps needed to be taken to reduce risk of getting the disease or find it early when it’s most treatable, and raises money required to make a difference. For information visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/southjersey.
(Oct. 24) Welcome Night, 6 to 8 p.m., is a free community event sponsored by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. It introduces the public to Ocean City groups, businesses and organizations. There will be refreshments and give-aways. Call (609) 399-1412.
(Oct. 25) The City’s Halloween Parade is set for Oct. 25 starting 7:15 p.m. The route is from 6th to 11th Street on Asbury Ave. You must register online at www.ochp.blogspot.com. There is an info hot line: 1-800-813-5580. Pre-Registration ends Oct. 23. You can register the night of the Parade at 6th and Asbury Ave. The Parade is an Ocean City Exchange Club event directed by Jeff Shirk. Entry is free.
(Oct. 26) Fright Night 2012 is set for 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Yacht Club, Bay and Battersea Rd. There will be prizes for best costumes. The event benefits Community Art Projects, the fine organization that’s responsible for all the outstanding artwork that’s popping up around town. Tickets are $65 per person, includes a costume portrait. Call (609) 425-2687 or access www.communityartprojects.com.
(Oct. 27-28) The Greater Ocean City Theatre Co. presents A Family to Die For, an interactive murder mystery at the Ocean City Music Pier. It’s time for the Knotting Family Reunion, and newly wed Christine Franklin is eager to show off her new husband Freddie to the family she hasn’t seen in years. The joyful reunion turns sour when members of the family start dropping like flies. Complete with hilarious chase scenes and the perfect “whodunit script.” Audiences will have plenty to guess about as the story unfolds. Features talented youth from the Ocean City area. Acceptable for audiences of all ages. Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets $10. Call 609) 525-9300 for tickets or access www.ocnj.us.
(Oct. 28) The crowning of the Dog of the Year will be held 11:30 a.m. at the Port O’ Call, 15th and Boardwalk. There will be a silent auction plus a Best Dressed Doggie Contest starting 12:30 p.m. The Ocean City Dog Park, sponsors of the event, would appreciate it if you would register your pet for the free contest at www.oceancitydogpark.org. 2013 calendars will be for sale with photos of all the Dog of the Year contestants. The public is invited. Bring you best friends.
(Nov. 1) The Ocean City Tabernacle plans an all-day Washington Bus Trip including a visit to the Holocaust Museum, some free time, touring of the National Cathedral and attending Evensong at the Cathedral. A $95 fee includes comfortable coach bus, admissions, dinner together after the evensong service. (Lunch is not included). For reservations and information call (609) 399-1915 or access www.OCTabernacle.org.
(Nov.1) The Ocean City High School Leadership Club presents its annual Scholarship Dinner, “Dining Around the World” from 5 to 7 p.m. at the O. C. High School Cafeteria, 501 Atlantic Ave., use 5th St. door. This will be a sumptuous buffet of international foods prepared by local chefs. Door prizes and music by Mr. Tym Cox and his OCHS student ensemble will be featured. Adults: $25, Children 10 and under, $10, Children 3 and under, free. For information, call Mrs. Maguire (609) 399-1290 ext. 1372, mmaguire@ocean.city.K12.nj.us or Mrs.Vicari-Fulton (609) 399-1290 ext. 4222, jvicari@ocean.city.K12.nj.us. Proceeds benefit scholarships for the Class of 2013.
The Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. is featuring wood engraving prints by Michael McGarvey, a professor at Stockton State College, through the rest of October. The Art Center will present its annual juried art show all of November. Art will be received for judging through Oct. 26. Artists may submit up to 2 works that have been completed in the past 3 years. Eligible mediums include water colors, pastels, and mixed media. Prizes are $200 for Best of Show, $100 for second and third place and four Honorable Mentions. To receive an application, artists should call (609)399-7628 or access www.oceancityartscenter.org.