One of Ocean City’s premier events – the Spring Block Party – will return to downtown Asbury Avenue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
But before that, beach lovers will check on the summer forecast. Ocean City’s hermit-crab mascot will seek his shadow in a local version of Groundhog Day at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, on the beach at Ninth Street. Martin Z. Mollusk has successfully predicted an early summer every year for five decades (sometimes, of course, with the creative use of flashlights by his handlers). Everybody is invited to join the fun as we collectively jump-start the long-awaited arrival of summer.
Special guest host will be meteorologist “Nor’easter” Nick Pittman. Martin Z. Mollusk will instruct Nor’easter Nick, who had the audacity to name himself after a common coastal storm, on the proper methods of weather forecasting and on the absence of inclement weather in Ocean City. The Cape Shore Chorus Sweet Adelines and the String Band Novelties will provide musical accompaniment to the festivities.
The Martin Z. Mollusk Day tradition in Ocean City dates back to 1974, when legendary Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer created the early-season promotion by declaring that if Martin sees his shadow, summer will come a week early to Ocean City. Friday’s event will mark the 52nd time that Martin has delivered good news.
On Saturday, more than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street for the annual Spring Block Party. The event helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for a pre-summer weekend of fun.
Entertainers and bands will perform at various spots along the Avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Just a few of the perennial favorites the Robert Boney Band (7th Street), Big Daddy (9th Street), Pennsport String Band (13th Street) and Keith Hickman (14th Street). Pony rides for children will be available on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors including Asbury Avenue restaurants will offer food of every variety.
Street parking will be free at all metered spots and downtown parking lots in Ocean City, including at the Transportation Center lot (Ninth Street and Haven Avenue) and at the municipal lots on the 700 and 800 blocks of Central Avenue. For more information on parking, visit ocnj.us/parking.
The weekend celebration also includes table sales by downtown and boardwalk merchants with discounted merchandise set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue on both Saturday and Sunday.
SHOP LOCAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
Small Business Week starts Sunday, May 4 and runs through Saturday, May 10. That means it is time to shop local and enjoy all that Ocean City boutiques, shops and eateries have to offer. Get ready for discounts, specials and promotions from a host of businesses throughout the island.
MORE MAY EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY
MAY 10 – Spring Cruisin’ the Boards Car Show: Features a variety of cars from 1990 and newer on display from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street. For more information or to register your Roadster, visitcruisintheboards.com or email blinkerfluidproductions@gmail.com.
MAY 10 – Ocean City Schools Art Showcase: The Ocean City School District will show off the talents of the community’s young artists at an Arts Showcase planned for Saturday, May 10 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Admission to the show will be free, and exhibits will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with performances scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Prints and other art works will be available in exchange for donations to scholarships and arts programs. A reception is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MAY 18 – OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon: ¼-mile pool swim, 2M Run/16M Bike/2M Run. Plus a kids course 1/8 mile swim, 1m run/8m bike/1m run. Pool Swim 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Run/Bike/Run starts 9 a.m. www.ocnj.us/race-events.
MAY 23 – Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge: Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the new season. Noon at 9th Street Beach.
MAY 24 – Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes: The obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kids’ fun run. Staging at 9th Street Beach. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.
MAY 26 – Memorial Day Service: 11 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, between 5th Street and 6th Street on Wesley Avenue.
MAY 27 – National Moment of Remembrance: Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. The moment of remembrance will take place on the Boardwalk
