What’s Happening in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – Special events continue in Ocean City as the town swiftly recovers from the aftermath of super storm Sandy. OCNJCARE, the outstanding citizen’s volunteer group and FEMA are helping those in need of assistance especially with housing and storm related injury. Downtown Ocean City is operating with many of its 100 shops and restaurants open. The boardwalk is intact. Stores that are normally open this time of year are open. Visitors and residents can walk and bike the entire Boardwalk. The Army Corps of engineers will be back this winter to replenish the beaches.
It is more important than ever to shop locally this holiday season to support downtown merchants who were affected by the storm. Also, if you would like to help those still in need of basic assistance, send a check made out to OCNJCARE to PO Box 807, Ocean City, N.J. 08226 or drop check off to Ocean City Home Bank, 10th and Asbury Ave.
(Dec. 1-7) Gingerbread House Workshop, hosted by Jennifer Bowman, 2 to 4 p.m. in the Garden Room of the Flanders Hotel,11th and Boardwalk. $15 per person includes all supplies. Register by calling (609) 399-1000 ext. 7888. Enter your house in the Gingerbread House Contest to benefit OCNJCARE and for a chance to win prizes.
(Dec. 7) The City’s Annual CHRISTMAS PARADE is set for festively decorated downtown Ocean City on Fri., December 7 at 7 p.m. from 6th to 11th Sts. on Asbury Ave.
The Ocean City High School Band and Pitman Hobo Band are among the musical groups scheduled.
There will be floats, costumed characters and Santa will be transported along Asbury Ave. in a horse and carriage. Following the Parade he will greet youngsters with treats and pose for photos at the corner of 9th and Asbury Ave. Also during the Holidays every weekend through Dec. 23, photos with Santa in a Lifeguard boat will be available noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier, plus free Horse and Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m. starting at City Hall in the downtown. Hospitality Nights are set in the Downtown for Fridays Dec. 14-21.There will be breakfast with Santa every weekend through Dec. 23 at a different downtown restaurant, 8:15 to 11:15 a.m., call (609) 398-4662 for information.
(Dec. 7-8) Ocean City Library holds its Winter Book Sale, Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Library Atrium, 17th and Simpson Ave. Fiction and non fiction hard and paperbacks for adults and children, CD’s, puzzles, special books, etc. will be available.
(Dec. 8) Santa Paws: The Ocean City Humane Society, Shelter Rd., off Bay and Tennessee Ave., invites you to bring your pet to have its photo taken with the Jolly Old Elf from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be the thrill of a lifetime for your doggie, kitty, ferret, turtle, etc. Cost is $10 per photo. Call (609) 399-2018.
(Dec. 8) Christmas at the Tabernacle: The Angelus Chorus with instrumentalists and soloists will perform 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave, free admission. For information, call (609) 399-1915. The Tabernacle will also present a live Nativity Scene at 2 p.m. performed by the Tabernacle Youth on the Tabernacle Grounds. Drive by or stop and visit.
(Dec. 8) Amnesty International has scheduled a Human Rights Day Celebration featuring internationally celebrated poet, Lamont Steptoe, at the Bayside Center, 520 Bay Ave. at 7 p.m. Donations accepted. Call (609) 398-1934 or email shanley2001@yahoo.com.
(Dec. 8) FCA Surfers present Sarah Hill of Kauai, Hawaii speaking of her work with Bethany Hamilton, the “Soul Surfer” who lost an arm to a shark, 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle 550 Wesley Ave., admission, free. Call (609) 399-1915 or www.octabernacle.org.
The Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave. has continuous programs of interest. (Dec. 2) The Packaged Goods ensemble performs Home for the Holidays, a fresh presentation of holiday favorites for all of the family, 2 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. in the Lecture Room N 110.
(Dec. 14-16) 2012 Holiday Spectacular: The Annual Production, produced and directed by Michael Hartman, returns to the Music Pier with a new show and cast of professional singers and dancers. Spectacular costumes, outstanding talent, high energy choreography combine for a magical, memorable performance.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and children under 12. Special discounted school rates are available for the morning show on Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m., contact info@oceancitytheatrecompany.com. For show times and tickets for other performances, call 609-525-9300.
(Dec.22) Hartman’s Ocean City Theatre Co. has also scheduled “Yours Truly, Jack Frost,” at the Music Pier, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All tickets are $10 available at www.ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300 or at the 2nd Floor of City Hall, Community Services offices. Jack Frost saves Christmas by outwitting the evil Evilina. Fully staged play features talented youngsters from third to 8th grades. For information and tickets call (609) 525-9300.
FIRST NIGHT: Ocean City once again offers its popular First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. Great entertainment for all ages from 4 p.m. till midnight when it is capped by a fireworks show. Also includes rides at Wonderland Pier for 5 to 9 p.m., plus miniature golf at Gillian’s Adventure Golf from 2 p.m. till 9 p.m.
Admission buttons are $15, “best New Year’s Eve Bargain” at the shore. Buttons are now available at the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce Building, 9th St. across from TD Bank, Ocean City, call 609-399-1412 or access www.firstnightocnj.com. There is an Angel Fund for those who cannot afford buttons, call (609)525-9300.