Page 57 - 2024 Southern NJ Vacationer

OCEAN CITY
Family Fun Since 1879
OCEAN CITY HAS BEEN a favorite destination for families ever since four Methodist ministers vowed in 1879 to create a wholesome seaside resort. Since then, generations have enjoyed Ocean City’s beaches, boardwalk and bay.
The Ocean City Boardwalk offers 2.5 miles of family fun with rides, mini golf, shops, iconic eateries and attractions for all ages. A bustling bayside offers fishing charters, parasail boats, rented watercraft and even a floating water park for children. The downtown shopping district on Asbury Avenue includes shops and restaurants that cater to families.
But a full calendar of special events gives families even more reason to visit Ocean City in every month of the year.
Spring includes two Great Egg Hunts that allow children to find prizes and treats at Boardwalk businesses. Martin Z. Mollusk – Ocean City’s hermit crab mascot – will seek his shadow on May 3 and attempt to bring an early summer to Ocean City for the 50th consecutive year. The Spring Block Party
is set for May 4.
Some of the premier summer events
include Fourth of July bike parades and fireworks (July 4), the 69th annual Night in Venice boat parade (July 20) and the 114th annual Baby Parade (August 8).
Fall brings the Airport Festival and Parachute Pyrotechnic Show (Sept. 14), the Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show (Sept. 15), the Fall Block Party (Oct. 12), Dog Days on the Boardwalk (Oct. 26 and 27), Halloween
Parade (Oct. 24), and a wonderful Christmas in the Downtown celebration (Nov. 29) that includes Santa being rescued from the roof of city hall by a fire department ladder truck.
Every year is capped off by the city’s family- friendly First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31, 2024) and First Day at the Beach (Jan. 1, 2025).
For complete information on all events, visit them online at www.oceancityvacation.com or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. l
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER 55