Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Ocean City's annual First Plunge draws hundreds of participants.
More than 500 fearless souls capped off Ocean City's New Year's Day celebration and started the year 2013 with an icy plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon. Ocean City's annual "First Plunge" polar-bear swim has grown in popularity over the years, and Tuesday's overcast skies did nothing to diminish the crowds eager to take the year's first ocean swim on the beach at Ninth Street near the Ocean City Music Pier. The official meteorological readings at plunge time: 41 degrees in the air and 44 degrees in the ocean (according to the National Weather Service and the NOAA marine station at Steel Pier in Atlantic City). The First Plunge ended a New Year's lineup that started at 4 p.m. Monday (Dec. 31) with the opening of Ocean City…
39.27545
-74.57012
Ocean City Music Pier
Boardwalk & Moorlyn Ter, Ocean City, NJ
/articles/crowds-take-a-plunge-to-welcome-the-new-year
1963610
/locations/8502509
For one festive night, families forget the hardships left behind by Hurricane Sandy.
Thousands of visitors converged on Ocean City on Monday night to celebrate New Year's Eve — despite the recent hurricane that devastated much of the Jersey Shore. Volunteer hosts at each of 18 different entertainment venues reminded visitors that Ocean City is rebuilt, restored and ready for business. Residents and visitors packed the venues to take in more than 70 different entertainment programs during Ocean City's 21st annual First Night, a nonalcoholic New Year's Eve celebration that caters to families. Event organizers sold an estimated 8,000 all-inclusive admission buttons, according to Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer. He said 6,000 were sold in advance, and about 2,000 more were sold on Monday as visitors took …
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Everything you need to know about the annual New Year's celebrations on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
Ocean City marks the 21st anniversary of its popular nonalcoholic New Year's Eve celebration tonight (Monday, Dec. 31), and the city is eager to welcome visitors. All-inclusive admission buttons are good for about 60 family entertainment programs at 18 different venues in Ocean City, and the evening ends with a midnight fireworks display visible from the beach and Boardwalk. On Monday, buttons are available only at Stainton's: A Gallery of Shops between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The holiday celebration continues with First Day events on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Highlights include a 5-kilometer run and a polar plunge. The two-day First Night/First Day celebration has become a highlight of Ocean City's event calendar. Here's what you need to know: …
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
In the days before Christmas, the local firefighters' union helped part of the community that was hit hardest by Superstorm Sandy.
Ocean City firefighters have spent the last few days on a different kind of rescue. Members of Ocean City Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) Local No. 27 have been delivering food, bedding and clothing to members of the non-English-speaking community in Ocean City — some of the island's residents hardest hit by the hurricane that left widespread damage on Oct. 29. "The kids were resigned to the fact that Christmas wasn't coming," firefighter Ray Clark said. Yet nobody asked for toys, he said. They knew their families needed the bare necessities: food, shelter and warmth. As Sandy — the hurricane-turned-monster-storm — moved away in late October and residents began to assess the damage to uninhabitable homes, many came forward …
Monday, December 24, 2012
Ocean City's Mark Soifer reminds us of the importance of giving.
- NEWS
-
Monday, December 24, 2012
Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer first wrote this story for the Ocean City Sentinel on Dec. 24, 1981. More than 30 years later, its message still resonates — particularly at a time when so many on the island are in need of assistance as they try to recover from the damage left by Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 29. You’ve probably seen Joey around town. He’s everywhere. An energetic, dark eyed waif who’s always looking for work. In the summer he sells newspapers wherever he can. Sometimes he negotiates City Hall steps with a bundle of papers that must weigh more than he does. He haunts the supermarkets eager to carry your bag to the car for loose change. With Joey the work ethic is very important. He’s reluctant to accept money …
Need a quick holiday cookie recipe? Make one of these for your parties this season.
One of the most important holiday questions to ask yourself is: What kind of cookies will you be baking for your get-togethers this season? From sweet to savory, holiday cookies come in all shapes and sizes. And what’s better than to top off a tray of cookies than a glass of homemade eggnog? There are some great bakeries in Ocean City, but here's a little guidance if you want to try to bake at home. You can also check out myrecipes.com to learn how to host a successful cookie swap and view more holiday cookie recipes. Eggnog In a saucepan over low heat combine milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cinnamon stick and clove. Bring to a slow boil (this will take between 5-7 mins). Once the milk mixture starts to boil remove from heat and leave …
Friday, December 21, 2012
The program allows parents to shop downtown Ocean City, while their children watch a holiday movie.
The Ocean City Tabernacle will provide the movie “Polar Express” and popcorn to children from first grade through eighth grade, while parents shop downtown Ocean City 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. The "Drop & Shop Children’s Program" is a gift to local merchants from the Tabernacle. There is no charge (although parents may make a donation). The Tabernacle is located on the 500 block of Wesley Avenue near the northern end of Ocean City's Asbury Avenue shopping district. The Tabernacle's Eric Hitchner is organizing the event, with help from the staff of his after-school program and members of Coastal Christian Church. The animated film (rated G) is adapted from the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. It tells the story of a boy …
39.28211
-74.569209
Ocean City Tabernacle Association
500 Wesley Ave, Ocean City, NJ
/articles/tabernacle-to-show-polar-express-on-saturday
1233751
/locations/8418018
Monday, December 17, 2012
You voted and this house was the top local vote-getter in our Deck the House contest.
Who has the best “decked” house in Ocean City? According to users who voted in our annual Deck the House contest, this south-end home has the best holiday lights in Ocean City. See video of the winning entry. We had tons of national entries in this year’s Deck the House contest and in our quest to find the most over-the-top holiday decorations in the country, we’ve seen everything from a life-size Santa to holiday lights so bright they could blind the neighbors. We loved showcasing everyone’s holiday spirit, but Deck the House isn’t over yet. We’re still looking for the one home so spectacularly decorated that it could be the national grand prize winner of our contest. We will choose 24 finalists from all our entries across the country. …
Families are invited to visit the Lodge between 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 20.
- NEWS
-
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 invites parents to bring their children for free photos with Santa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20. The Lodge is located at the corner of 10th Street and Wesley Avenue. All are welcome.
39.27661
-74.57618
Ocean City Masonic Lodge #171
940 Wesley Ave, Ocean City, NJ
/articles/masonic-lodge-sponsors-free-photos-with-santa-on-thursday
2269638
/locations/8404510
Friday, December 14, 2012
Check calendar of special events from now through the New Year.
Ocean City is back up and running a month after Superstorm Sandy struck, and its annual schedule of special events for the holidays continues uninterrupted. Some highlights include: ONGOING THROUGH DEC. 23 SPECIAL EVENTS
Jacqueline Wheiler
8:52 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
My Granddaughter just moved to Ocean City and this was her first plunge ever. I traveled down with her Mom and we had a blast even though we didn't take the plunge. Friendly people...everyone wishing you a Happy New Year. We will be back next year. Keep it going and ignore unkind comments. Jackie Wheiler more ›