Dick Sheeran to Discuss Interviewing the President at Mr. Mature America Pageant

Dick Sheeran, Broadcast Hall of Fame member and former Philadelphia Channel 3 Anchor, will let you know. During his 30 year TV career, Dick covered many national political conventions and interviewed scores of celebrities, including President Jimmy Carter.

He will assist emcee Maribeth Neall and relate interesting anecdotes during the pageant. Sheeran will also present the Pageant’s First Inspiration Award to Atlantic City icon, Pinky Kravitz for his many achievements in radio and public service. 

The pageant will feature seven men over 60 who will perform. Five mature women will also be featured. The men include:

* Frank Faralli, who will sing Edelweiss;

* Captain Joel Fogel, who is flying in from Hawaii to perform on the piano;

* Eugene Ross, who will recite a poem and sing a song he has written;

* Jerome Lukas, who will draw an original cartoon in three minutes;

* international vocalist Rene Sese, of Ocean City and the Philippines, who will sing a love song;

* former Mayor Roy Gillian, who will play a medley of popular tunes on the piano; and

* Blues Band Master Bubba Mac, who will play the guitar and sing. Bubba will not compete in the Pageant, but will perform separately. 

The program will open with the singing of the National Anthem by Miss Ocean City Carley Del Sordo. This will be followed by a rousing production number featuring all contestants choreographed by Jessica Albertson.

Contestants will compete in talent, dance and poise categories, and answer an onstage question about what it was like growing up in their particular era. They will also be interviewed by the judges prior to the contest. 

The pageant begins at 7 p.m. this Saturday, March 22 at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The Bubba, Mac Blues Band will play from 6:30 p.m. until the start of the pageant. There will be plenty of free parking at nearby boardwalk lots.

Tickets to the pageant are $10. They are available at the Community Services Office on the second floor of City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets, call 609-525-9300. After hours call 609-364-4010 or get tickets at the door. Proceeds benefit the Ocean City Ecumenical Community Food Cupboard and Philippine Reconstruction.

For a full list of ticket locations, click here.

FREE AIRFORCE BAND CONCERT ON MARCH 25: The United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble will perform a free concert at the Music Pier next Tuesday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  In order to attend the concert you must pick up free tickets in advance. 

Free tickets are available at the information desk on the second floor of city hall, facing the main entrance.

The Air Force Ensemble features 17 professional musicians who play a wide array of jazz and fusion from big band swing to cutting edge contemporary music. The band travels in this region presenting over 300 events annually for the general public and Air Force events. 

OIL PAINTINGS EXHIBIT: Millville artist Ellen Galvin is exhibiting her award winning oil paintings at the Ocean City Arts Center on 17th and Simpson Avenue through March 31.

Ms. Galvin is a graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and a signature member of the Mid Atlantic Plein Air Painters. She is a grand prize winner at Mt. Lebanon Plein Air and is listed in Who’s Who in American Art.

Admission to the exhibit is free. The Art Center is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. 

UPCOMING EVENTS: The Ocean City High School Drama Club presents Monty Python’s “Spamalot”, a new musical lovingly ripped off from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” April 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., and April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults. Call 609-399-1290 ext. 1442.

The Spring Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts, featuring the most creative artisans on the east coast, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 5 and 6 at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Free parking at nearby boardwalk lots. A $3 contribution benefits local charities. Children under 12 are free. For information, call 1-800-822-4112. 

The 29th annual Doo Dah Parade begins April 12 at noon at 6th and Asbury Avenue. It turns to the boardwalk at 12th Street and ends at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace. It features fun brigades, costumed characters, bands, individual entries and a 500 Basset Hound Waddle. A Pie In the Face “PieAsco” takes place next to the reviewing stand in front of the Music Pier after the parade. Fun events take place all weekend. For information or to enter Parade call 609-525-9300.

The Woofin’ Paws Pet Fashion Show takes place April 19, 11 a.m. at Carey Stadium, 6th Street off Boardwalk. Dress your pets in their Easter Best. Call 609-525-9300. 

The Great Easter Egg Hunt will be held twice this year, on April 12 and 19, 2:30 p.m. from 11th to 14th Street on the Beach.

There are five age groups: 0-2, 3-4, 5, 6, and 7.  There will be 100,000 eggs distributed, 5,000 with prizes. Rain Dates are April 13 and 20.

NOTE: The Author’s Tea sponsored by the Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library, is set for the Flanders Hotel on Thursday, May 8 at 2 p.m. New this year is a High Tea. Carol Brill, MFA, author of Peace by Piece and Cape Maybe will speak.

Ticket sales will be held Friday, April 11, from 6 -8 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. –noon in the Atrium of the Ocean City Free Public Library. Tickets are $25 and limited to 4 per person. No reserved seating. FVOCFPL Website: http://fvocfpl.wordpress.com.