Memorial Day Weekend is here, and I say it’s time for summer! The busy season officially starts, and I’m happy that I have lots of great event news to share here with you. To start the weekend fun, the Ocean City Humane Society hosts Barks on the Boards, a pet walk that raises money for this important organization. The event is set for Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. It begins in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, between 8th and 9th Streets. The Pet Walk provides canines and their best friends a rare opportunity to enjoy the City’s famed boardwalk. Over 400 dogs toured the boardwalk last year. The only other time pets are allowed on the boards is during the Doo Dah Parade in April when over 500 basset hounds waddle for the benefit of the Basset Hound Rescue League. The event will feature prizes for dogs of all sizes. Categories include the Yip Yap! Award for smallest dog, the Woof Woof! Award for largest dog, the Bow! Wow! Award for Best Dog Trick. Awards for the Best Dressed, Best Tail Wagger, Most Precious Puppy (over four months) and Owner/Dog Look-Alikes are also given. The contests will be held in front of the Music Pier at 1:30 p.m. There will also be giveaways from Purina and other companies. Registration the day of the Walk is $20 at the Music Pier. Children under eight walk free. Since fund raising is the goal of the walk, participants are urged to collect donations from family, friends and co-workers or to form a team. Top fund raisers win prizes. City boardwalk regulations require that dogs be leashed at all times. Owners will be responsible for cleaning up after pets. All animals must have current rabies vaccinations. Aggressive dogs and females in heat are not permitted. Puppies under three months of age may be happier at home. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk from noon till 2 p.m. only on May 27. *** Of course, Memorial Day is much more than summer’s unofficial kick-off weekend. It’s also a day to remember all of those who have sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom. To this end, Ocean City hosts its annual Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. May 29 at Veterans Park, 6th and Wesley Avenues. Mayor Henry “Bud” Knight will be keynote speaker. Mayor Knight will be retiring after 14 years in office on July 1. He has spoken at every Memorial Day service since taking office. Veteran Bill Cruice will conduct a MIA Ceremony and lead the flag salute. The invocation will be given by Rev. Mark Bruesehoff of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the benediction by Rev. Reggie Albert of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Carli Smith will lead in the singing of the National Anthem and Andrea Cocozza will perform God Bless America. Greg Murphy of Bugles Across America, a group of musicians that honor service personnel, will play taps. The wreath, donated by Spinning Wheel Florist, will be presented by veterans Dick Galante and Ted Bethas, and Bill Godcell of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will close the program. Participating organizations include the United Veterans Council of Ocean City, VFW Post No. 6650 of Ocean City, Bill Godcell Commander of American Legion Post No. 524 of Ocean City, John Dower Commander of Boy Scout Troop No. 32 and Cub Scout Pack No. 51 of Ocean City. In the case of bad weather, the ceremony will be held at the Ocean City Tabernacle across the street from Veterans Park. *** The Historical Preservation of Upper Township’s 17th annual Strawberry Festival and Craft Show is planned for June 3 from 1-4 p.m. at the Friendship School in Palermo. They are still accepting crafters, so if you would like to participate call Kay Terwilliger at 390-3267. *** Have a safe and fun holiday weekend everyone!
