Guide to Easter Weekend in Ocean City

Easter Weekend in Ocean City marks the traditional opening of a season of special events that will stretch through the fall and all the way to the new year.

We're still seven weeks from the unofficial start of the summer season on Memorial Day Weekend, but this is the weekend when seasonal businesses start coming to life.

From the (where the for free doughnuts) to (where the parlor will hold its 15th annual ice-cream giveaway noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7), a full range of businesses will open for the season. We're of favorite businesses that are opening their doors this weekend.

For many, Easter weekend means the first chance to enjoy the rides at and (which open for the season) — or more importantly, to take advantage of the at the two amusement centers.

The "Living Last Supper" opened at the Ocean City Tabernacle on Thursday night to an almost full-house, and the drama takes place again on Friday night.

Here's our lineup of weekend events:

Friday, April 6, 7 p.m., 

A living dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci’s classic painting of “The Last Supper” takes place on Maundy Thursday. Members of several area churches will portray Jesus and his disciples in a moment where Jesus announces that one of his 12 followers will soon betray him, kicking off the Easter story. 

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
Friday, April 6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday, April 8, 8 a.m.-noon, 

Nosh with the Easter Bunny himself at Chatterbox, at 9th and Central. And don’t forget to take your free photo with the bunny. Call 609-399-0113 for reservations.

Saturday, April 7, Asbury Avenue, 6th to 11th streets

Besides breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Chatterbox, you can get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny at a lifeguard stand and munch on candy-filled eggs for children. Enjoy eggstra special savings downtown as well. For more information, call 609-398-4662.

Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m., ’s Carey Stadium

If your pet won’t eat another pet, it’s welcome at this fashion show, where categories include best bonnet, best dressed, intelligent pet tricks and more. The best in show wins the Dean Schofield Woofin' Paws Plaque for Perfection. Entry is $5 and spectator admission is free. All proceeds benefit the Ocean City Humane Society. Call 609-525-9300 for information and revisit last year's .

GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 7, 2:30 p.m., on the beach between 11th and 14th streets

Set your kids loose to find more than 100,000 eggs filled with candy and toys. There will be five age groups for the hunt: 0-2 at 11th Street, 3-4 years old at 11th Street, 5 years old at 12th Street, 6 years old at 12th Street and 7 years old at 13th Street.

Sunday, April 8, 6:30 a.m., 

Join your neighbors for a nondenominational service by the seas. Nancy Fox School will provide the music and David Burke of Ocean Grove will be the guest speaker.

Sunday, April 8, 1 p.m., 

Show up in your Easter finest to win prizes for best dressed family, children, male, female, teen male, teen female, bonnet and most unusual bonnet. The Easter Bunny also will make an appearance. Call 609-525-9300 for information.