Clam Drain Enthusiasts to Compete on OC Beach New Year's Day

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

They’ll be Tossing Shells

CLAM DRAIN ENTHUSIASTS TO COMPETE ON OCEAN CITY BEACH, NEW YEAR’S DAY

Clam Drain competitors will add to the excitement of this resort’s First Day at the Beach on New Year’s Day.

What is Clam Drain? It’s a new game based on shell tossing devised by local beach enthusiast, Joe Mc Gettigan of Somers Point. It features hand molded shells that are exact replicas of genuine beach shells found on the 1st Street Beach in Ocean City.

Mc Gettigan, who heads the International Clam Drain Federation, reports that his Quality Assurance Team “works hard to ensure that every crack, chip, bump and imperfection” of the originals is faithfully reproduced. The object of the game is to toss these faithfully reproduced shells into a hole in the middle of a circle. Think horseshoes without the stake.

Followers of this new fun game will converge on the 9th Street Beach from

1 to 4 p.m. on January 1st in friendly competition. Instructions will be given to the uninitiated. For more, information access www.clamdrain.com.

First Day at the Beach activities begin 11 a.m. with entertainment  by Country and PoP singer Steve Larcombe in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. A 5K Boardwalk Run starts at 1 p.m. in front of the Pier with registration starting 11:30 a.m. the day of the race at the site. Call Mike Given (609) 861-0674 or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

First Night shirts with replicas of all 20 First Night Admission buttons over the years will be on sale for $20 in front of the Music Pier. Proceeds benefit First Night programs.

A  First Dip in the Ocean is set for 2 p.m. at the 9th St. Beach. About 600 bathers usually show up for a spirited but brief encounter with the Ocean. All bathers receive a Beach Nut Certificate signifying that they have braved the chill waters.

Shoppers will kick off the New Year during First Day in the Downtown along the Center-City Asbury Ave. business district. Most stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some earlier at 10 a.m. Call 609-525-9300.

                                                             #############