For 20 years now, Ocean City has been providing the best New Year’s Eve entertainment value on the Jersey Shore. FIRST NIGHT offers a selection of 70 entertainment programs from 4 p.m.until midnighton Dec.31 capped by a fireworks display…and all for just $14 a person.
With New Year’s Eve just a few weeks away, now is the best time to buy your First Night Admission buttons before a possible sell-out. A Committee of volunteers headed by Michele Gillian works year around to develop the program that attracts thousands of visitors for a gala weekend…and that also includes FIRST DAY at the Beach and in the Downtown on New Year’s Day.
First Night kicks off at the Music Pier with Opening Ceremonies at 4 p.m.The event includes a ribbon cutting by City officials, entertainment by the Harmony Show Choir, plus a design your own New Year’s Eve Hat from 4 to 5 p.m. A First Night admission button also entitles the bearer free access to Gillian’s Miniature Golf from 4 to 9 p.m.and to rides at Wonderland Amusement Park from 5 to 9 p.m.These facilities are available to First Night button holders only on New Year’s Eve.
The entertainment program features events for every age group. Peter Tork, a member of the legendary Monkees, will perform with his Band Shoe Suede Blues. Three time Grammy nominee Trout Fishing in Americais back with a program that appeals to every age group. The popular Ocean City Pops Orchestra, the Grease Band, Hegeman String Band and Hickman Big Band are all scheduled. 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 Juggler, Chris Ivey and the Turtle Singers. Michael Hartman’s Theatre Company will present a Broadway production of Annie and two sessions of the popular children’s show, Jail House Rock. Broadway by Request will sing your favorite show tunes. Other favorites on the bill include The Norristones Doo Wop Singers; Alligator Zydeco an award winning Cajun Band; the Bubby Fan Gospel Choir; Folk Singer, Carl Howell; the 1-2-3 Draw Rock Band and pianist Andrew Hink playing music from the Beatles, Billy Joel and his own compositions. The Harmony Show performers will offer Disney and Broadway music.
Award wining comedian Spoon Man Cruise will entertain. Comedian Ron MacCloskey will introduce his Lucky Guess Game Contest and there will be much more.
Free parking will be available at all city lots. A free jitney service is scheduled between sites and refreshments will be sold at numerous entertainment venues. In addition many City restaurants will be open. Admission buttons are available seven days a week from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.at Downtown Gillian’s, 838 B Asbury Ave, across from City Hall, call (609) 391-0060 or on line at www.firstnightocnj.com. For information, including accommodations, contact the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, (609) 399-1412. This year’s First Night is dedicated to Elvis performer, Ted Prior, a great First Night favorite for many years who passed away last spring. Ted’s initials have been incorporated onto the cover of the program book.
On Jan. 1, Ocean City celebrates First Day at the Beach and in the Downtown with a popular Ocean Plunge at 2 p.m.on the 9th St.Beach. There is a 5K Run at 1 p.m., call Mike Given, (609) 861-0674. Downtown Asbury Ave.stores will be open from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m .for First Day Shopping (some earlier).
(Dec. 16-18) A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, the popular holiday spectacular, produced by Michael Hartman of the Ocean City Theatre Company, is a show not to be missed. It features a dazzling array of professional performers in a colorul holiday extravaganza. This show is all new and comparable to those featured on Broadway except for the economical, down home ticket prices that range from $12 to $15. Call
609-525-9300 for tickets.
(Dec. 16) The Interact Club of Ocean City High School will hold its annual COOKIE WALK to raise funds for the Community Food Bank from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.in the High School Cafeteria, 6th and Atlantic Ave. Walk around and buy delicious cookies by the pound for a good cause.
(Every Friday through Dec.23) is HOSPITALITY NIGHT in the downtown from 5 to 8 pm.with free horse and carriage rides, evening shopping specials, carolers, Santa and more.
Free HORSE AND CARRIAGE rides are available from noonto 3 p.m.every Sat. and Sun. ending Dec.17-18 starting at City Hall.
There will be photos with SANTA in a LIFEBOAT for a fee every Sat. and Sun. ending Dec. 17-18, from noon to 3 p.m.at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.
BREAKFAST with SANTA is set in a different downtown restaurant every Sat. and Sun. ending Dec.17-18. For location, call (609) 399-1412 or access www.oceancityvacation.com
(Dec. 17-Jan.3) GINGERBREAD HOUSES will be on display in the lobby of the Flanders Hotel, 11th and Boardwalk. You can also drop off unwrapped toys in the lobby for the Toys for Tots program or take toys to City Hall lobby, 9th and Asbury Ave., for the Waves of Caring Program. Port O’ Call has been a supporter of Waves of Caring.
(Dec. 17) Speaking of Gingerbread, KIDZ Creations, 811 Asbury Ave., is having two sessions of Gingerbread House and Cookie Decorating at 11 a.m.and 12 p.m.Call (609) 602-2832 or (609) 399-9922 for details.
(Dec. 21) Local Artist ANDREW HINK performs a free concert at 8 p.m.at the Ocean City Repertory Theater, 813Asbury Ave. Hink is a pianist, singer, songwriter who has entertained at First Night, with the Philly Pops and at the Tropicana. In this season of giving back, Hink will give the gift of song by playing a variety of holiday, pop and original songs.
Yoga at the Music Pier featuring Yoga practice accompanied with music by Pamela Whitman and Gina Roche is set for Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The event, which celebrates the Winter Solstice, will be held in the Pier’s auditorium at Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The Yoga sessions begin at 6:30 p.m.followed by a Community Drum Circle at approximately 8 p.m.Suggested donation is $15 with all proceeds benefiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, according to Steve Mullen, event director. The program has been made possible by a donation from Ocean City Home Bank. For information, call Mullen at 609-517-5425.
(Christmas Day) THE KINGS BANQUET: The Christian Community Circle holds its 22nd annual free home cooked buffet dinner on Christmas Day from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m.at St. Peter’s MethodistChurch, 8th and Central Ave.Take outs, deliveries, transportation to and from the dinner are provided. Donations of turkeys, hams and desserts would be appreciated. This dinner open to the South Jersey community. Call Mike or Peaches, (609) 398-8781.
ALSO: The Ocean City FINE ARTS LEAGUE, 608 Asbury Ave.is presenting a Petite Show of miniature paintings by area artists through December. Gallery is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., call (609) 814-0308.
The OCEAN CITY ARTS CENTER, 17th and Simpson Ave., is showing work by area school students through Dec. 17. Call (609)399-7628.
THE O.C. REPERTORY Theater’s production of the Elves and the Shoe Maker by the Brothers Grimm will run Dec. 17-23 from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at 813 Asbury Ave. Admission is $5, includes milk and cookies. Call (609) 457-6686 for reservations. The Theater is also offering A Christmas Cabaret with vocal performances by Rachel McGettigan, Amanda Desouza and Angelica Mathis and piano and vocals by Andrew Hink, Wed., Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., tickets $10. Call for reservations. We Wish You a Merry Christmas Carol, a reading adapted from the Charles Dickens Classic, is set for Fri. and Sat., Dec. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. There will be a dessert reception after the performance. Tickets are $10. Call for reservations.
