Ocean City’s mile-long block party

Ocean City’s Indian Summer Weekend Festival is set for Oct. 10-13.
The centerpiece of the event is the mile-long block party that extends from Fifth to 14th streets along Asbury Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Over 400 juried crafters from throughout the east coast participate in the block party that features hand made products ranging from wind chimes and floral decorations, to paintings and photography. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event also includes a variety of foods highlighted by Greek specialties, ribs, seafood, pizza, hotdogs, burgers, baked goods and more.
A new car show is set for Ninth Street between West and Asbury avenues.
Bands and street musicians will entertain along the block party route from 1 to 4 p.m. There are free pony rides for children at the Tabernacle Grounds, Sixth and Asbury avenues, also from 1-4 p.m.
Public service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on Ninth St. between Asbury and Central avenues.
First Night New Year’s Eve admission buttons will be available during the block party. First Night features over 60 entertainment programs at 14 central locations and concludes with a fireworks display at midnight. Tickets are $14 per person.
All City municipal lots will be free during the block party and parking meters are free.
Parking at the Transportation Center, 10th and Haven avenues, will be free.
There will also be free parking at the airport, 26th and Bay avenues and behind the soccer field on Shelter Road off Tennessee Ave. Jitneys will carry visitors to and from the block party from these locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The return trip will start on West Avenue, stopping by request, pick up Bay Avenue at 18th Street and then back to the airport and soccer field.
The Indian Summer Festival has been held for over 30 years and attracts thousands of visitors who remain in Ocean City for the weekend. It is sponsored by the Retail Merchants Association of Ocean City, in cooperation with the city.
In addition to the block party, there is a seafood center set up at the Music Pier, Oct. 11-13 and boardwalk merchants will hold table sales. Downtown merchants will hold a sidewalk sale on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Asbury Avenue.
The Bacon Brothers Band featuring film star, Kevin Bacon and brother, Michael, an award-winning composer, will entertain at the Music Pier, boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. The brothers have been musicians for years and formed the band to showcase the original music they compose.
Tickets are available at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., 609-525-9300 or online at www.ocnj.us.
Proceeds benefit the Ocean City Education Foundation.
The Ocean City Tabernacle, Sixth and Wesley avenues, will present a block party night concert on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m., featuring recording artist and composer, Steve Green and his band.
The program will include songs from Green’s latest CDs.
A select group of student singers from Charter Tech and Ocean City high schools will sing back-up.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $18, the night of the show, 10 for $130. Stop at the Tabernacle or call 609-399-1915.