Wildwoods to Host 105th Baby Parade on Boardwalk July 30

THE WILDWOODS — The excitement for the 105th Wildwoods Baby Parade, a Wildwood tradition since 1909, takes place July 30 and kicks off this year with the Wildwoods Baby Waddle Contest on July 29 – the day before the famous parade. An exciting event for infants, toddlers and spectators alike, the Wildwoods Baby Waddle Contest will take place at 10 a.m. on the grassy circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center. This event encourages very young participants of walking or crawling age to show off their speed-crawling or “waddling” techniques to win fun prizes.
The contest is open to any speed-crawling babies 15 months and younger, and any waddling toddlers 24 months and younger. The event will have two categories – The Crawl and The Waddle – and participants will be encouraged by their parents to crawl or waddle to the edge of a colorful 147” diameter circle. The first participant in each category to crawl or waddle outside of the circle will be declared the winner. The winning crawler and waddler will each receive a family 4-pack to Morey’s Piers which includes a 3-hour session at either Raging Waters or Ocean Oasis Waterparks and unlimited amusement rides at all three Morey’s Piers amusement parks.
Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. the day of the event. The first 40 entries will receive a free sand bucket filled with fun prizes including a free ride on the carousel at Morey’s Piers, candy from Laura’s Fudge and more. The rain date for this event will be July 30, 2014 at 10 a.m..
Immediately following the Wildwoods Baby Waddle Contest there will be tram car service from the Wildwoods Convention Center to the Coronation Luncheon for 2014 Queen Oceania and her court. The young ladies being honored are Ms. Mia Capozzoli, Ms. Ana Lura, Ms. Tara McBride, Ms. Claudia Melchorre, Ms. Siena Perez and Ms. Megan Sharkey, all of whom are from the Wildwoods. During the luncheon, last year’s Queen Oceania, Ms. Mackenzie Scully, will crown one of these young ladies as the 2014 Queen Oceania. The luncheon takes place at noon at Adam’s Restaurant located at 1700 Boardwalk in North Wildwood and is $20 per person; proceeds will benefit the Wildwoods Baby Parade. Queen Oceania will reign over the Wildwoods Baby Parade and greet thousands of spectators from atop the largest and final float in the parade, with the court by her side. Each young lady will serve as a community ambassador, attending parades and events for the next 12 months.
On July 30 the Wildwood Civic Club presents the 105th Annual Wildwoods Baby Parade, a Wildwoods’ tradition since 1909. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. Registration will take place before the parade from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center, located at Burk Avenue and the Boardwalk in Wildwood, where the parade line-up will take place. Judging will take place during line-up and will end at 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and will proceed north on the Wildwoods Boardwalk to 16th Avenue in North Wildwood, where prizes and awards will be announced. Choirs from several local schools have been invited to entertain the crowd prior to the award presentation.
Complimentary trolley service will be available throughout the parade to transport participants between where the parade ends at 16th Street in North Wildwood to the Wildwoods Convention Center and parking areas in Wildwood. The rain date for the parade is July 31 at 6 p.m.
Participation in the Wildwoods Baby Parade is free and open to all children under 12 years of age. Parents can register their child in the following categories: Cutest Baby Boy, Cutest Baby Girl, Fanciest Children, Most Original Children, Best Dressed, Best Costume and Best Float. The 2014 Wildwoods Baby Parade Committee is working with the Lazarus House and asking contestants, family members and spectators to bring donations. Recommended items include the following: canned tuna and fruit, peanut butter, baby wipes, baby formula and diapers (all sizes).
Grand Marshals of the 2014 Wildwoods Baby Parade will be members of the Wildwood Civic Club, which is celebrating 100 years of service to the Wildwoods.
Visit the Wildwood Baby Parade Facebook page for more information or call 609-729-4000.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.