First Night New Year's Eve Celebration

First Night, Ocean City's New Year's Eve celebration, offers a variety of entertainment for families and individuals at just $14 a person.The holiday gala features 60 entertainment programs at central locations from 4 p.m. till midnight. There are fireworks at midnight, weather permitting. "Where else can you find such varied and enjoyable entertainment for just $14? The only place to enjoy such an event at the New Jersey shore is Ocean City," says First Night chair person, Michele Gillian. "Ocean City is the place to be on New Year's Eve." Opening ceremonies will be held 4 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. It will include a ribbon cutting and greeting by City officials, entertainment by the Harmony Show Choir, plus a design your own New Years Hat from 4 to 5 p.m. A First Night admission button will entitle bearer access to Wonderland Amusement Park from 5 to 9 p.m. and Gillian's Miniature Golf from 4 to 9 p.m. The entertainment program features events for every age group. Peter Tork, a member of the legendary Monkees, is scheduled to perform with his band Shoe Suede Blues. Three time Grammy nominee Trout Fishing in America is back with a program that appeals to every age group. The popular Ocean City Pops Orchestra, the Grease Band, Hegeman, String Band and the Keith Hickman Band for your dancing pleasure.  Michael Hartman's Theater Company will present a Broadway production of Annie and also two sessions of the popular children's show School House Rock. There will be an array of entertainment that appeals to children and grown ups alike including the Jungle John Reptile Show, story teller, Jim Albertson, Magic Shows by Chad Juros, Tommy McDonnell and Allow plus the fabulous Gold Medal Award juggler, Chris Ivey, winner of the 2002 World Juggling Champion ship and the Turtle Singers. Broadway by Request will be back singing your favorite show tunes. Other favorites on the bill include The Norristones Doo Wop singers with Barbershop Favorites, Alligator Zydeco, and award winning Cajun Band, the Bubby Fan Gospel Choir, the Cape Shore Chorale, folk singer, folk singer, Carl Howell, popular youth band 1-2-3 Draw, pianist Andrew Hink playing music from the Beatles, Billy Joel and his own compositions and the Harmony Show Choir will entertain with Disney and Broadway songs. Visitors will be able to participate in the Lucky Guess Game Show featuring comedian Ron MacCloskey. Ken Cooper will give insights into Ocean City History and Mark Soifer, a published poet, will read stories from his light verse epic, "A Cat with Nine Tales." The award winning comedian, Jim Krzewski, aka Spoon Man Cruise, will present a performance that incorporates audience interaction and family fun. Refreshment will be available at the Civic Center, 6th and Boardwalk; High School Cafeteria, 6th and Atlantic Ave., featuring a Taste of Ocean City, Ocean City Senior Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., with specialties by Yanni; the Primary School, 6th and West Ave., and St. Peter's Church, 8th and Central Ave., featuring Boardwalk fare. Numerous Ocean City restaurants will be open New Year's Eve.
 
Parking will be free in all Ocean City Municipal lots.  Jitney Service will be provide from 5 p.m. until midnight for button holders, operating continuously  between sites starting at the Transportation Center, 9th and Haven Ave. and 7th St. Parking Lot, 17th and Central Ave. All who buy First Night admissions buttons will be given a program book with details about site locations, parking and the jitney service.For information, contact the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, 609-399-1412 or the City Public Relations Office, 609-525-9300. First Night Admission buttons are now on sale at Downtown Gillian's, 838B Asbury Ave. across the Street from City Hall, 609-391-0060. You can also order buttons on line at www.firstnightocnj.com. Downtown Gillian's is open seven days a week form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First Night has an Angel Fund for those who can't afford buttons. Call 609-525-9300 to receive buttons or support the fund.  This year's event is dedicated to Elvis Perform Ted Prior, a great first Night favorite for many years who passed away last spring. Ted's initials have been incorporated into the cover of the program book.