(Oct. 13) The Ocean City Fire Department and IAFF Local 4032 will hold an OPEN HOUSE at 550 Asbury Ave., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everybody in the community is invited to this free event. It will feature a live burn demonstration, a “smoke house” where kids can safely learn to navigate a dark and smoky structure, tours of trucks, “stop-drop-and-roll,” hot dogs and pretzels. (Rain date will be Oct. 14). For information, call (609) 525-9182.
(Oct. 16) MAKING STRIDES WALK AGAINST BREAST CANCER: Check-in begins at
8:30 a.m. in the parking lot at 9th Street and Boardwalk. Walk begins at 10 a.m. For information, go to www.makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ.
(Oct. 22) 49th ANNUAL OCEAN CITY FISHING CLUB INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT: Registration 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 1801 Bay Ave. Fees: $60 for teams (6 members maximum) and $15 for individuals. Call (609) 320- 6784.
(Oct. 26) Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce WELCOME NIGHT: New location is at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th Street off Boardwalk. Meet local groups, individuals and business organizations from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free admisson. Call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
(Oct. 27) HALLOWEEN PARADE: 7:15 p.m., 6 to 11th streets on Asbury Ave. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. Registration is Oct. 1 through Oct. 26. Registration Website www.ochp.blogspot.com. Registration available only online. No rain date. Halloween Parade hotline 1-800-813-5580.
(Oct. 27) ANTIQUE APPRAISAL NIGHT: Presented by the Ocean City Historical Museum at the Senior Center of the Ocean City Community Center, 17th Street and Simpson Ave. Bruce Dooley and Bill Boot of Elwood Antiques will be appraising items from the general public. If you wish to have something appraised, contact the museum to register in advance, (609) 399-1801. Cost will be $5 per item, limited to three items per person. Appraisal participants should arrive at 6 p.m. Event will be open to general public at 6:45 p.m. Bruce Dooley, appraiser, has 30 years experience in the business and is co-owner of Ideal Blend Antiques in Hammonton.
(Nov. 5) TRAIL OF TWO CITIES: The 5-kilometer run/walk travels over the Route 52 causeway from Ocean City to Somers Point. Register online at www.ocnj.us/Race-events. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Ocean City Transportation Center, 10th Street and Haven Avenue. The race starts at 8 a.m. Finish and awards ceremony in Kennedy Park, Somers Point. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
(Nov. 10 and Nov. 12) QUIET FESTIVAL: Opening Ceremonies are 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at Mark Soifer Park across from City Hall and feature “Yawn Along” to the tune of “Beautiful Dreamer,” quiet kites, a maple leaf drop, paper-airplane flying, the world’s only wind chimes band, bubble galore and more. Free admission. The event skips to Saturday, Nov. 12 for the QUIET PET CHALLENGE, 9 a.m to noon, at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center, 17th Street and Simpson Ave. This is a special competition for mice, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, ferrets, birds, etc. Participants are judged in categories: personality, most unusual quiet pet, best costume, swimsuit, best decorated display, habitat, superhero themes, lettuce-eating contest, plus “Best of Show.” To register or for more information, call (609) 399-6111. Entry is free.
(Nov. 11) VETERANS DAY CEREMONY: 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 5th and Wesley Ave. For more information, call (609) 399-6111.
(Nov. 12-13) CHRISTMAS CRAFTS & FINE ARTS FESTIVAL: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a new location, the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center at 6th Street off Boardwalk. Over 60 fine artists, crafters and photographers. Features handcrafted items of every description from Christmas décor, ceramics, American Doll clothes, jewelry and reindeer to stained glass, candles, pet apparel and treats. Fine art and photography can be framed while you browse. Gourmet foods are yours for the tasting. Every offering is hand made by the seller in booth. A $3 donation and booth rental fees benefit the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Free parking is available at the 6th Street and Atlantic Avenue lot. For information, call (609) 365-2239. On show days, call (609) 399-6111.
(Nov, 19) EARLIER THAN THE BIRD DOWNTOWN SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA: 8 a.m. to noon. Get out earlier than the bird and jump-start your holiday shopping the week before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas, win prizes for best PJs, enjoy early specials and more. For more information, CALL 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
(NOV. 19-20) HOLIDAY FINE ART & HANDICRAFT FAIR: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 60 new exhibitors in a new location, the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center off the Boardwalk at 6th Street. The Jersey Shore Artisans Guild celebrates 15 years in Ocean City with a new cast of crafters, artists and photographers. Discover everything beautiful for the holidays, including magnificent wreaths and trees, floral decorations, jewelry, custom gift baskets, sturdy wooden toys, glass, blankets, metal art, soaps and lotions. Every item guaranteed made to be hand-made in the USA by the person in the booth. A $3 donation and booth rental fees benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Parking free at 6th Street lot. For information, call 800-822-4112. On show days, call (609) 399-6111.
(Nov. 25) CHRISTMAS IN THE DOWNTOWN “OUR MIRACLE ON ASBURY AVENUE: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on downtown Asbury Avenue. Join merchants and the Chamber of Commerce in kicking off an old-fashioned holiday Christmas. Includes continuous holiday entertainment with carolers and talented performers from the Ocean City Theatre Company. Santa Claus descends from the City Hall roof to cap the festivities. Call 1-800-BEACH-NJ for more information.
(Dec. 2) CHRISTMAS PARADE: 6:30 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street. Registration information at www.ocnj.us/Christmas-Parade. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
(Dec. 3-4) TRAIN SHOW: One of the city’s most popular holiday attractions. NEW LOCATION: Ocean City Sports and Civic Center, 6th Street and Boardwalk. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission $3 for adults, $1 for Children. Features giant running displays, trains and train parts for sale, repairs done on site by experienced technicians, memorabilia and more.
