Labor Day Weekend in Ocean City is typically dedicated to cramming in those last few precious hours of beach and boardwalk time, but here are some highlights of special events for Friday through Monday:

Friday, Aug. 31

The King and Queen of Plop Contest is Ocean City's final weird contest of the summer — and it's dedicated to "the fall" (see story).

Saturday, Sept. 1

The Ocean City High School Field Hockey alumni will play their 21st Alumni Game at 4:30 p.m. against the current OCHS varsity team. The sanctioned scrimmage will be played at the 20th and Bay Avenue field. A number of alumni players have already committed. Anyone interested should call Marcia Shallcross at (609) 390-0247. There will be a family barbecue after the game. The event is coordinated by Marcia Shallcross and Kristie Fenton, classes of 1989 and 1987, respectively. 

Angelina Joyce Canizzaro will sign her new children's book, "Daddy's Magic Lunchbox," at Sun Rose Words and Music, 756 Asbury Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Philadelphia Eagles mascot, the Mighty Bird, will be at the Ocean City Music Pier from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for photos. There will be a chance to win season tickets. The Eagles are promoting a partnership with Angry Birds. Call (609) 399-1412 for information. 

The "Battle at the Beach" starts with a Catholic League high school football game between Philadelphia-area rivals Cardinal O'Hara and Archbishop Ryan. The Ocean City Junior Raiders youth football progam hosts the event, which begins 11 a.m. at Carey Field behind Ocean City High School at Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue. A second game is scheduled for 2 p.m. and features Lansdale Catholic and Prep Charter. Outback steakhouse will grill ribs and chicken, offering platters for $10 to help support the youth football and cheerleading programs in Ocean City. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Smaller children are free.

Sunday, Sept. 2

The Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., presents Gospel Album of the Year winner Lynda Randle in a tribute to Mahalia Jackson with pianist Joey Gore, and Gale Mayes and Angela Prim on vocals, 7 p.m. Admission is free. For information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. 

The Ocean City Pops presents "Hairspray" (also Sept. 4 and 5) with the Ocean City Theatre Company, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25/$18 at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248. 

Monday, Sept. 3

The Mayor's Labor Day Race is a 5-mile run and 1-mile fun run/walk. Great end of the summer event. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on the beach at 23rd Street for the 8:30 a.m. event. Call (609) 525-9300.