Fantastic Things to Do Between Now and the 4th of July!


June 27-July 1) Ocean City's JULY JUBILEE Celebration features a series of free, family oriented contests leading into the City's Annual 4th of July Celebration. All contests begin 11 a.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Events start on June 27 with saltwater Taffy Sculpting, French Fry Sculpting, June 28, That's The Way the Cookie Crumbles (make something out of a giant cookie) June 29 plus a Super Hero Impersonation Contest, Paper Clip Sculpting on June 30 and Extreme Hermit Crab Wrestling (Extremely Non Violent) on July 1. No Pre-registration is required. Just show up about 20 minutes ahead of time. The sculpting contests include categories for all ages, 5 and under, 6-9, 9-12, Teens and adults. For information, call 609-525-9300.

(June 28) The 36 member AIR NATIONAL GUARD BAND of the Mid-Atlantic will present an exciting brand of patriotic music, classical, wing favorites, show tunes and other kinds of selections considered the gold standard of the concert Band repertoire. The concert is set for Tues., June 28 at 7 p.m. in the Music Pier Auditorium. Admission is free. Come early to ensure you get a seat.

The concert will include Shostakovich's spirited Folk Dances, excerpts from Johannn de Meij's thrilling symphony, Lord of the Rings, and MSgt Andrew Callo's own arrangement of America the Beautiful featuring vocalist,A1C Clayton Lee. SSgt Andrew Lowe and A1C Alicia Black will be showcased in the whimsical trombone and trumpet duet, Cousins, written by Herbert Clarke. The show is geared to please every listener, and yes, John Phillip Sousa will be represented with a toe tapping march. The Woodwind Quintet and Popular Music Ensemble will also be featured during the performance. The program concludes with a musical tribute honoring America's servicemen and an array of patriotic favorites.

The Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic was originally formed in 1942 in Rapid City,South Dakota. The group has received many awards. Concert tours have taken it to Germany, Holland, France, the Azores, Antigua West Indies, Norway, England, Denmark and throughout the United States.

The free concert is open to the public. Doors open 45 minutes before the show.

(June 29) BROADWAY ON THE BOARDWALK starring Tony Award nominated Robert Cuccioli is set for June 29 starting 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Presented by Michael Hartman's Ocean City Theater Company, professional entertainers join the Broadway star in an entertaining tribute to Broadway. Mr. Cuccioli gained world wide fame for his superb performance in Jekyll and Hyde. Tickets are $15 per person. Visit www.ocnj.us or call 609-525-9300 or the Box Office 609-525-9248.

(July 4) Ocean City 4TH OF JULY events include the South Ocean City Assn. Bike Parade, 10 a.m., registration at 9 a.m., 40th and Asbury Ave.; the Garden Civic Assn., Bike Parade, 10 a.m., registration starts at 9 a.m. ( forms at the Longport Bridge); a 5 p.m. Kite Flying Contest sponsored by Air Circus at the 9th St. Beach followed by an impressive Musical Fireworks Display fired from a barge in waters off the Music Pier, at 9 p.m. Call 609-525-9300 for information.

Here are some activities that might draw you away from the beach.

(June 16-18) Twenty-three title holders from throughout the State will compete for the MISS NEW JERSEY crown, June 16-18. The Pageant will be held in the Music Pier Auditorium, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. The winner of the Miss New Jersey Pageant will vie for the Miss America crown this coming January in Las Vegas.

Returning as primary emcee will be Miss New Jersey, 1995, Dena Blizzard, a popular stand up comic, who has received national recognition for her humor based on the trials and tribulations of being a mother. She has emceed the event continuously in recent years and has become a favorite among Miss New Jersey fans for her routines and off the cuff remarks.

Ashleigh Udalovas, the reigning Miss New Jersey, will co-host with Blizzard. She will also perform the dance she did at the Miss America competition.

Special guests on Friday evening will be The Infernos, “America’s Number One Show Band,” who will open the show. Members of the group include Richie Rosato, lead singer of the Duprees for 27 years. Another lead singer of the Infernos, Kenny Simmons, was a member of the Grammy Award winning Commodores. The group recently opened for the legendary band Chicago.

Renowned DJ and music producer, Valentino LaRosa will provide background music during the show.

The program will emphasize the history of the Pageant. Past Pageant winners have been invited to assist Blizzard in certain phases of the competition, says Robin Filippone, co- producer. They include former title holders, Debra Naley Minnenna, 1981, Erica Lynn Scanlon Harr, 2004 and Mary D’Arcy Jurman, 1977. Also performing throughout the week will be Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen, Natalie Ragazzo and the Little Miss New Jersey stars.

Tickets for preliminaries and Saturday’s final may be ordered by calling Mary Lou Cake 609-315-1423. Tickets are $35 for the preliminaries and $50 for the final. A package price for all three is available for $100.

(June 19) FATHER’S DAY FAMILY FUN FEST: Johnson’s Popcorn is sponsoring a Father’s Day Family Fun Fest, Sun., June 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. What a great way for families to spend the afternoon. And it’s all free. There will be trackless train rides on the boardwalk, Pony rides on the 12th Street Beach, Singer, Keith Hickman at Plymouth Place, Big Daddy Band at 8th St., Face Painting and a Radio Remote at the 11th Street Pavilion, a Stilt Walker, a Strolling String Band and an appearance by Martin Z. Mollusk.

Feature of the afternoon will be a Father and Son Look-A-Like Contest, 2 p.m. at the Music Pier followed by a Pie Eating Contest.

(June 27- July 1) Ocean City’s popular JULY JUBILEE Celebration features a series of free, family oriented contests leading up to the City’s Annual 4th of July celebration. All contests begin at 11a.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Events start Mon., June 27 with salt water taffy sculpting, French Fry Sculpting, June 28, That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles (make something out of a giant cookie, June 29 plus a Super Hero Impersonation Contest, Paper Clip Sculpting on June 30 and Extreme Hermit Crab Wrestling on July 1 (Extremely non violent). No pre registration is required. Just show up about 20 minutes ahead of time. The sculpting contests include categories for ages 5 and under, 6-8, 9-12, Teens and Adults. For more information, call 609-525-9300.

NOTE: Hermit Crabs cannot survive winter conditions in Ocean City. If contestants decide not to keep their hermit crabs, they should give them to a contest staffer who will find a home for the crustacean. Information about how to care for hermit crabs will be distributed at the wrestling match.

(June 16) BLOOMSDAY: The Ocean City Repertory Theater presents its 7th Annual staged reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses on Thurs., June 16 from noon till midnight. This unique event travels to numerous locations throughout the City with readings of the classic novel. For a complete list of events, call the Public Relations office 609-525-9300.

(June 18) The Eastern Surfing Assn’s SURF CONTEST starts 7 a.m. at the 7th St. Beach. First heat in the water at 8 a.m. To enter call 609-884-5277or access www.snjsurfesa.org.

(June 20-26) Ocean City RESTAURANT WEEK will be here soon with two for one select specials at participating locations, including meals and Ocean City Treats. Access www.eatinOCnj.com.

(June 22) FUNDAY AT PLAYLAND, 10th and Boardwalk, 1 to 5 p.m., benefits Community Quests housing and employment programs for disadvantaged populations. Rides, Mini Golf, Go Carts for $10 wristband. Rain date, June 24.

(June 24) Ocean City Exchange Club CRAFT SHOW, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Music Pier Pavilion, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. For vendor information, call 610-368-6656.

(June 24) ROCK THE BOARDS 3 Concert, South Jersey’s Bound For Nothing hosts music showcase starting 7 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The show will feature some of the area’s top original musical artists from different genres in a family- friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages. Visit www.freshfromthevine.com or call 856-357-0000. (This phone number is correct)

(June 25) The Ocean City Sailing Foundation will hold an Open House, Sat., June 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bayside Center, 525 Bay Ave. In addition to free sailboat rides, all of the Foundation’s boats will be on display and instructors will answer questions about the sport of sailing and available classes.

(June 25) TwoTop Attractions! The Annual ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW featuring over 300 vintage vehicles on the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Boardwalk Parade after 2 p.m. For information, call 609-525-9300.

PHILADELPHIA BOYS CHOIR & CHORALE, this world renowned group performs at St. Peters Methodist Church, 8th and Central Ave., at 7 p.m. Doors open for general seating at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or 6 for $50 if ordered early, $15 at door. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, call 609-399-2988.

This Just in! The Ocean City Repertory Theater announces that acclaimed magician, CHAD JUROS, will be performing at the theater Saturdays at 11 a.m., every Saturday in June, July and August. Additional performances have been scheduled for 6 p.m. June 25 and 11 a.m., July 17. Tickets are $5. For additional information, call 609-457-6686 or visit www.ocrep.org. You can help the Theater receive a $50,000 grant from Pepsi! Text the number 107091 and send to Pepsi at 73774. You can text once a day until the end of the month. You can also help by dropping off the yellow bottomed bottle caps only from 20 ounce and 2 liter bottles of Pepsi at the theater ,814 Asbury Ave. If the theater is in the top ten by the end of the month, it will receive a $50,000 grant.

Directions, Anyone?


From Philadelphia

Walt Whitman or Ben Franklin Bridge (Route 676/76) to North/South Freeway (Route 42)
follow Route 42 to Atlantic City Expressway (toll is $6.00 RT)
Alantic City Expressway to Garden State Parkway South exit 7a
Garden State Parkway to Ocean City Exit 25 (toll is $1.50 RT)
Exit 25 to Ocean City
Take ramp to Roosevelt Blvd. Turn left.
Go to West Avenue. Turn right.
Go about 7 blocks. White beach house with dark red awnings is on the left.


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From New York and North Jersey

New Jersey Turnpike (New York) to Garden State Parkway
Garden State Parkway to Ocean City Exit 25 (toll is $1.50 RT)
Exit 25 to Ocean City
Take ramp to Roosevelt Blvd. Turn left.
Go to West Avenue. Turn right.
Go about 7 blocks. White beach house with dark red awnings is on the left
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From Cape May & Ferry

Cape May or Ferry to Garden State Parkway North
Parkway North to exit 25
right at exit to Ocean City (approximately 1 mile)


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From Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C.

take appropriate route to I95 north
I95 north to Delaware Memorial Bridge (295 north)
Delaware Memorial Bridge to 40 east
40 east to 55 south (approximately 25 miles)
55 south to 49 south (exit 24)
49 south to Route 50 east (approximately 20 miles)
50 east to Route 9 north
Route 9 north to Roosevelt Boulevard (approximately 4 miles)
right at Roosevelt Blvd. to Ocean City (approximately 1 mile)
Go to West Avenue. Turn right.
Go about 7 blocks. White beach house with dark red awnings is on the left

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Trenton & West Jersey

take appropriate routes to 206 south
206 thru Hammonton
Strait thru Hammonton to Route 54
54 to Atlantic City Expressway South
Alantic City Expressway to Garden State Parkway South exit 7a
Garden State Parkway to Ocean City Exits 25 (toll is $1.50 RT)
Exit 25 to Ocean City
Take ramp to Roosevelt Blvd. Turn left.
Go to West Avenue. Turn right.
Go about 7 blocks. White beach house with dark red awnings is on the left.

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Atlantic City, NJ

Take Ocean Drive (Atlantic Avenue) south through Ventnor and Margate to Longport.
Look for signs to (Longport) Ocean Drive Bridge.
Enter jughandle on right.
Go over Bridge onto Gardens Road.
Turn right onto North Street.
Take 3rd left onto Wesley Avenue
Turn right onto 29th Street
Take the first left onto Central Avenue,
Turn right on 42nd Street.
Turn left on West. Park in front of white beach house with dark red awnings.