Vol. 4, No. 7, July 2007
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Ocean City
‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’
Whether embarking on wild pirate ship adventures, taking first place in “Weird Week” contests or erecting sky-high sand castles, it’s no wonder Ocean City is “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” Coined in the 1920s, the slogan has remained true for eight decades, thanks to family activities like fishing, amusement rides, and more than 150 yearly events such as live concerts, parades and wacky contests.
Founded in 1879 by Methodist ministers who restricted the sale of alcohol in the religious campground, the city has kept the ordinance forbidding alcohol sales on the books, making Ocean City a rare dry town. The restriction makes the town an attractive place for its 15,000 residents as well as the 150,000 population on any given day of vacationers, summer locals and day-trippers.
Ocean City contains eight miles of beautiful beaches, more than any shore town in New Jersey. For those who want to take a stroll in the sand, guided beach walks are held twice a week during July and August, teaching about different shells and seashore wildlife. Walks are Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. More than 40 beach locations are guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months, and while all Ocean City beaches are public, a beach tag is required for admittance.
Riding the waves, digging sand trenches and collecting hermit crabs consume the daylight hours, but the evenings are all about the boardwalk. The two and a half miles of wooden walkway welcome thousands of walkers, runners, bikers and surrey riders daily during the summer season.
The boards from 6th Street to 14th Street bustle with Jersey Shore paraphernalia, food and culture. Lined with restaurants, two movie theaters, souvenir shops and even a water park, Ocean City’s boardwalk offers something for every family member.
“Every Thursday night on the boardwalk from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. is family night, with live entertainment on every block, magicians, face-painting and music,” says Joann DelVescio, Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director. “All our attractions are geared toward families, so nightlife here is going to the boardwalk for dinner, a walk and maybe playing miniature golf.”
Some city food favorites include Mack n Mancos Pizza, Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and Johnson’s Popcorn, all available along the boardwalk.
“Ocean City holds over 150 special events each year, ranging from block parties to the Christmas parade,” says Ocean City Public Relations Manager Mark Soifer. “On January 1, we hold the ‘First Day at the Beach.’ Two block parties the first Saturday in May and the Saturday of Columbus weekend are great fun.”
July brings a slew of activities, including four boardwalk concerts at the Music Pier as part of the “Stockton Goes to the Beach” concert series running throughout the summer.
Independence Day in Ocean City means two things: a kite-flying competition beginning at 5 p.m., and an outstanding fireworks spectacular at the 6th Street football field.
In addition to the craft show, seafood festival, concerts and contests, Ocean City holds a signature boat parade called “Night in Venice.” On July 28 starting at 7:30 p.m., boats (and some homes) are decorated and displayed for this yearly city tradition, which has become one of the largest boat parades in the world.
Some more unusual events held in Ocean City include the May tradition of Martin Z. Mollusk Day, when the hermit crab comes out to see its shadow. August is the month for out-of-the-ordinary activities as many compete for the title of Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab in the annual beauty pageant held on August 1 and the “Pamper Scamper” features babies crawling to the finish line on August 7. Looking for peace and quiet? The November Quiet Festival offers an array of silent activities.
With so many organized activities led by the help of city officials and volunteers, it’s amazing the city needs extra amenities. But Ocean City is chock full of recreational fun, from boating the back bays to grinding the rails at the city’s skate park.
“It’s a special place with a quality of life that is second to none,” says Mayor Sal Perillo. “When you are in Ocean City at home, on vacation, or for work, we hope that we exceed all your expectations.”
City Hall Address
861 Asbury Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-399-6111
Mayor: Sal Perillo
City Council: Jack Thomas, Jody Alessandrine, Michael Allegretto, Keith Hartzell, Scott Ping, Gregory Johnson, Roy Wagner
Population: 15,378
Tax Rate (per $100): 0.97
Schools:
Ocean City Primary (K-3)
Ocean City Intermediate (4-8)
Ocean City High School (9-12)
St. Augustine Regional School (K-8)
Fun Facts
Approximately six couples get married on the Ocean City beach each weekend during the summer season.
Stop at Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy on 9th Street and watch taffy being made several times throughout the day. Then, starting at 8 p.m. each night, you can take home your very own giant inflatable taffy.
Academy Award-winning actress and princess of Monaco Grace Kelly spent summers at her Ocean City home. Kelly’s memorabilia can be found at the Ocean City Historical Museum.
The Cape May Country Dog Park, at 45th and Haven Avenue, gives dogs free reign with a large park area complete with exercise space, picnic benches and water fountains (both human and canine).
The city of Ocean City is on its way to becoming the first city in New Jersey with citywide wireless internet. Ocean City Public Library proposals and Wi-Fi development plans are currently in the works.
Every Wednesday in July and August, the Farmer’s Market on Tabernacle between 5th and 6th Street offers the freshest produce, flowers and specialty items.
Ocean City was named Travel magazine’s number-one family beach resort in the nation.
Children can swab the decks, walk the plank and search for treasure as pirate ship voyages set sail seven times daily. With painted faces and sailor sashes, Pirate Adventure of Ocean City led by Captain Cholly lifts anchor at 10th and Bay.
