What’s Happening in Ocean City?

Meadowlark Lemon, the legendary Clown Prince of Basketball, famous for his skill and humor as a member of the Harlem Globe Trotters, will be grand marshal of the City’s 26th Annual Doo Dah Parade on Saturday. Meadowlark traveled over 5 million miles and participated in more than 16,000 basketball games in 100 countries as a 25 year member of the Globe Trotters.
He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the NBA Lifetime Achievement- Jim Bunn Award in 2,000. He is also a member of the International Clown Hall of Fame, a tribute to his comedic talents.
At 78, Meadowlark still plays basketball with his own team, has a ministry and is active in numerous charitable organizations. He is frequently in movies and on television. Just three weeks ago he was featured as the Mystery Celebrity Guest on the David Letterman Show.
Doo Dah Weekend Events: Friday: April 15 at 1 p.m. Basset Hound Olympics, Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. Basset Hounds (that will be in Saturday’s Parade) compete in races, leap over low hurdles, wander through tunnels and eventually snooze. Admission is free.
Fri., April 15 at 2 p.m.: World renowned humorist, Dr. Joel Goodman and motivational humorist, Margie Ingram will be featured at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave., entertaining and talking about the benefits of humor.
Fri., April 15 at 6 p.m.—Doo Dah Comedy Revue and Dinner Theater featuring Meadowlark Lemon and impersonators of legendary comedians plus music at the historic Flanders Hotel,11th and Boardwalk. Ted Prior and his Band will also be featured. For ticket information, call 609-525-9300, after hours 609-364-4010.
Sat., April 16: The 26th Annual Doo Dah Parade with grand marshal Meadowlark Lemon, over 500 basset hounds, humorous brigades, bands and floats. It starts at noon at 6th and Asbury Ave, goes through the Ocean City downtown and then on the Boardwalk. Ends at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, where Meadowlark will be honored, sign autographs and pose for photos.
Meadowlark will ride the Parade in a convertible followed by a Dixieland band playing “Sweet Georgia Brown.”
PLAN B. In the event of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday, there will be a program with Meadowlark and the impersonators of legendary comedians at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, at noon. The PieAsco will also be held at the Pier. LATEST WEATHER FORECAST LOOKS GOOD FOR PARADE.
The Parade also honors Ocean City High School for its many contributions to the City. The High School Band that regularly leads the Doo Dah Parade will be honored and student athletes, the Raider Nation and contributors to public service projects will be recognized at the Reviewing Stand following the Parade. Dr. Mathew Jamison, High School Principal, and Donna Schwartz, Band Director, will accept the awards for the High School. Doug Jewel owner of Air Circus will receive the Golden Hotdog Award for his many contributions to Doo Dah.
After the awards ceremony, the annual PieAsco will be held in front of the Music Pier. Folks sit in grandstands and when Mrs. Soupy (Trudy) Sales gives the signal, smoosh each other in the kisser with shaving cream pies, the kind Soupy used on his show. Soupy presided over this event for ten years until he passed away two years ago.
Woof!Woof! The 500 basset hounds may be visited following the PieAsco at Ocean City’s Carey Football stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk, (a few blocks from the Music Pier) where the Basset Hound Rescue League will be holding its annual picnic and doggie merchandise display and sales.
Meadowlark will speak at a session devoted to area youth 3 p.m. Sat., April 16 at the Tabernacle’s Youth Center, 5th and Asbury Ave. The Public is invited. A free will offering will be taken.
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: Ocean City’s Earth Day Celebration will be held on Sat., April 16 at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to coincide with the Doo Dah Parade. There will be environmental displays, Green Giveaways, Children’s activities, Mascots and entertainment. For information, call 609-525-9285.
Paper Shredding and Electronic Recycling Day is set for Sat., April 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shelter Road Recycling Center off Tennessee Ave. Paper shredding includes paper only, paper clips and staples acceptable. Electronic Recycling includes small appliances. TVs, stereos, camcorders, computers, monitors, laptops and desk phones. CFL lightbulbs will be accepted.
Bring your old cell phones to be exchanged for 250 minute phone cards for soldiers over seas. For information, call 609-399-6111. The service is free to Ocean City residents only, bring your driver’s license or other forms of ID.
REMINDERS: The City’s 5th Annual End to End Bike Tour will be held Sat., April 30 with a 10 a.m. start. The 8 mile cycling event begins at the Lifeguard Station, 58th and Central Ave. and finishes at the Longport Bridge Parking Lot. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Life Guard Station. Fee is $10 per rider, T shirts while they last. Proceeds benefit community service projects. Call 609-412-4352 or email bikerideocnj@gmail.com.
The Annual City Wide Yard Sale is set for Sat., May 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tabernacle Grounds, 5th and Asbury Ave., and throughout the City. Call 609-398-4662.
The March of Dimes March for Babies five mile Walk will be held in Ocean City on Sun., April 17 starting at 1 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center, 6th and Boardwalk. Registration begins at noon with light refreshments and activities for children including Wonder Bear, Skip’s Clowns from the Magic Hat, music fun from SOJO 104.9 and more.
The March of Dimes works to ensure, stronger, healthier babies. Call 856-874-9050, ext 202 for information.