In a recent letter to the editor, it was suggested that we honor Boomer, the Basset Hound, in next week’s Doo Dah Parade. Boomer, as you may recall, is the basset who wandered into the Bay, struggled in the water and finally was rescued by a heroic boater. The story was widely featured in the media.
The Doo Dah Parade has become famous for its basset waddle contingent. Over 500 are scheduled to lope along the Route on April 17 to raise funds for the Tri- State Basset Hound Rescue League. It is a parade within a parade, the second largest gathering of the endearing, sad eyed canines in the country.
Featuring Boomer in the event seemed like a good idea. I called the Ocean City Humane Society, where Boomer resides, to ask about his availability. Here is some good news. Boomer has been adopted. Here is some not so good news. He can’t be in the Doo Dah Parade. He is still under the care of a veterinarian. Boomer is in the final stages of being rehabilitated from his traumatic experience and the doctor feels he is not ready for an event like Doo Dah. Maybe next year.
In the meantime, we all wish Boomer the best in his new home. Please Boomer, stay away from the Bay or we’ll have to send you to the Aquatic and Fitness Center for advanced swimming lessons.
The Basset Hound Waddle will have two celebrity doggies as their grand marshals this year. They are Blue and Bella who were borne to Sunny, a severely abused Basset rescued byTri-State. The story ends happily. Sunny and her entire litter survived. Blue and Bella went on to appear in Hush Puppy shoe advertisements and rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, only the second dogs given this honor. They have appeared on national TV and are still in demand as models. But, they have never dove into Great Egg Harbor Bay!
BATTLE OF THE BANDS! This popular contest sponsored by the Ocean City Fine Arts League, is set for Sat., April 10 starting 6 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Some of the most popular bands in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area will be performing.
The bands include PBL with an explosive and bass driven spin on Rock and Roll; 1-2-3 Draw, former winners of the Ocean City Talent Show, whose fresh and compelling original works have been showcased on the Ocean City Boardwalk; Band of Ghost with singer-song writer Sean Swift and guitarist, Brian Shirley, an advanced folk rock duo and Kill the Kid, a pop-punk band based in Ocean City featuring Mikey Lance, Jim Werkley, Joe Lucarine and Vince Suarez. Kickin’ Bear and the Charter Tech Band will also compete.
Judges are Tom Watkins, who heads a regional management business and Blues notable, Bubba Mac, leader of the Bubba Mac Band. Wayne Gallagher, a professional musician, will emcee.
Admission is $10 with funds going to support classes and educational events of the Ocean City Fine Arts League. Tickets are available at the League, 608 Asbury Ave., City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave. or at the door.
The League is also sponsoring a Kick’n Celtic Fun’DRaiser on Sat., April 17 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Hibiscus Restaurant, 101 E. Maryland Ave. in Somers Point. The night features the Barley Boys Irish Rock Band, Coyle School of Irish Dancers and an Irish-American Full Buffet. Tickets are $35, available at the League or by phone, 609-814-0308.
LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library are having a book sale at the library annex, 15th and West Ave., on Fri., April 23 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sat., April 24 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Friends are also hosting a New Member Reception for interested volunteers on April 12 at 10 a.m. at the Library Annex, 15th and West Ave.
The END TO END FAMILY BIKE TOUR is set for Sun., April 18 starting at 10 a.m. This is a community –wide bike ride from the south end to the north end of Ocean City, concluding at the Earth Day Celebration at the Bayside Center, 525 Bay Ave. It’s for folks of all ages and levels of fitness. It is not a race.
The 9 mile event begins at the lifeguard Station on 58th St. and Central Ave., wraps around the northern tip of the Island and finishes at the Bayside Center. For more information visit www.ocnj.us/earthday, call 609-525-9300 or email bikerideocnj@gmail.com.
The Annual AFTER PROM for Ocean City High School students will be held on Sat., May 15 at the school, 6th and Atlantic Ave. The event offers attendees a safe, fun filled evening free of alcohol and drugs. There is no doubt this program has saved lives and prevented serious injuries over the years. The After Prom would not be possible without the support of the community. Businesses and the public are asked to consider providing a monetary contribution or gift, gift certificate or food item. Checks should be made payable to the After Prom 2010, and sent to PO Box 1531, Ocean City, N.J. 08226. To donate gifts or gift certificates, call Donna Schmitt, 609-399-0934. The After Prom Committee is soliciting major sponsors who will receive recognition at the event ranging from name imprinted on T Shirt to signage at the event.
LEARN ALL ABOUT OUR BIG OCEAN CITY DOO DAH EARTH DAY WEEKEND. SEE PAGE AD AT BEGINNING OF THE SPRING EDITION OF THE OCEAN CITY SENTINEL!
