Holiday Spectacular at Music Pier

The Holiday treats continue in Ocean City. This weekend enjoy a holiday show that rivals anything you’ll see on Broadway. Plus a comprehensive free Holiday Health Fair, free horse carriage rides in the downtown, many special events, and the pleasures of shopping on Asbury Avenue voted the best shopping district in South Jersey.
(Dec. 12-14) The 2014 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Co. has become one of the musical highlights of the season. You can always count on this talented group of professional performers directed and choreographed by the talented Michael Hartman for an outstanding show. This weekend’s production is a high energy, family oriented, song and dance spectacular. It features dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and colorful effects that kindles the Holiday Spirit and brings the magic of the season to life.
Shows are set for the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $18, available by calling (609) 399-6111 ext. 9300 or visiting www.ocnj.us/Boxoffice.
(Dec. 14) Free Holiday Health Fair: Our friends from the Adventist University of the Philippines Alumni Health Dept. will bring its physicians, technicians and nurses for a free Health fair to include a free 15 minute back massage for stress relief, health screening to include blood glucose test, blood cholesterol test, the Harvard test body mass index, lung capacity and blood pressure. There will also be sessions on cancer prevention, diabetes, heart disease, weight loss and natural remedies. There will be a health seminar, therapy session and cooking session. Please indicate your interest in these three free classes that will be held in separate areas by calling (212) 470-7729 or email life_net@hotmail.com.
From 3 to 4 p.m., the Filipino contingent will present a choral program featuring carols of the World and highlights from Handel’s Messiah. There will be a Vegan/Vegetarian Lunch served at noon, and dinner served at 4 p.m. All you can eat for $10, children 12 and younger free. The event will be held in the Senior Room of the Ocean City Community Center 17th and Simpson Ave. The Senior Center is located on the 18th St. side of the building.
(Dec. 19) The Downtown Holiday Dash: A Race down Asbury Ave.! The High School Track and Field Boosters Club, the City, the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants have partnered for this event. The Avenue will become a race course from 5th St. to just beyond 14th St. (Kid’s race 5th to 9th St.) For details and to register stop at the Local Gym, 908 Asbury Ave. or the Sneaker Shop, 704 Asbury Ave. There are Divisions for Men and Women. Questions? 609-398-8277.
(Dec. 12) The Ocean City Community Center Assn. presents an afternoon of appreciation to recognize contributors who have made the Community Center possible. Event will feature Donor Wall unveiling in the lobby of the Center at 4p.m. and a Community Gathering in the Ocean City Senior Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. that will include Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Light Fare, Refreshments and holiday entertainment. Admission to the gathering is a voluntary donation to the Ocean City Community Center Association. The Center is located at 1735 Simpson Ave.
(Dec. 12) The Ocean City High School Vocal Music Department presents a holiday concert with its Choir at the Hughes Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. The concert will be directed by Ricardo Valle and feature Dianna Donat on piano and Amy Anderson, director of the Ocean City High School American Sign Language Club. Admission $5 adults, $3 grade level students.
(Dec 12) Prior to the Choir performance, The High School Interact Club will hold a HOLIDAY COOKIE SALE ($5 a pound) 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room near the Hughes Auditorium. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
Later this month, the Ocean City High School Drama Club will present The Trial of EBENEZER SCROOGE, Thurs. Dec. 18th at 7:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sat., Dec.20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The shows will be held at the High School’s Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Aves. and will be directed by Don Toal, Jr. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens. For tickets, call (609) 399-1290 ext. 1442.
(Dec. 12) Christmas TROLLEY TOUR and Carol Sing: The Ocean City Historical Museum hosts rides through decorated neighborhoods and downtown Ocean City accompanied by the singing of carols and learning about historic architecture, 6 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Call (609) 399-1801 or visit the Historical Museum, 1735 Simpson Ave.
(Dec. 13) A Traditional Christmas Concert featuring the Angelus Chorus, Tapestry Strings, tenor John Taylor is set for the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave. at
4 p.m. Free Admission. Call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.OCTabernacle.org.
(13-14) There will be free horse and carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m., with pick up at 9th and Asbury Ave.
(13-14) There will be photos with Santsa at the Music Pier from noon to 3 p.m. Fee $10.
Waves of Caring in partnership with Toys For Tots is holding its 2014 Toy Drive. As in the past, the non-profit corp. requests brand new toys ranging from newborns through 14 years. Annually the Drive assists over 100 families providing over 200 children with toys at Christmas time. Drop off locations include the 6th St. Fire House, the Library, Varsity Inn, Flanders and Port O’Call Hotels, the Airport Diner, City Hall, Sturdy Savings, Ocean City Home Bank and Bank of America, Heist Insurance, Aquatic and Fitness Center, Gleeson’s Audio Visual, Coastal Christian Church., Dunkin Donuts and the Board of Realtors Office. Monetary donations may be sent to 550 Asbury Ave., Attn Waves of Caring.
First Night: Purchase your admission buttons now for the City’s Gala New Year’s Eve. Celebration. First Night offers 8 hours of entertainment plus fireworks at midnight for just $20 per person. It’s the best entertainment value at the Jersey Shore: Sixty family oriented shows and activities from 4 p.m. till midnight followed by an impressive fireworks display. Order admission buttons on line at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com or call (609) 399-1412. Buttons are on sale at the Bridge Welcome Center, 7 days a week, Mon.-Sat, 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. They are also available at Gillian’s Downtown Stainton’s Square, 7 days a week starting at 10 a.m.
On New Year’s Day, Ocean City celebrates First Day at the Beach with a 5k Boardwalk Run at1 p.m. and an Ocean Plunge at 2 p.m. This year the Hero Campaign will be joining the event. All participants receive a BEACH NUT Certificate they can show their friends certifying they have indeed challenged the Ocean on New Years Day. A First Day in Ocean City’s Award Winning Downtown is also held on New Years Day with bargains at many of Ocean City’s one hundred specialty shops and restaurants. For information, call (609) 399-6111 ext. 9300.