The early forecast for the weekend calls for clear and mild weather, ideal for families and their “best friends” to enjoy the return of Dog Days on the Boardwalk. The popular event permits leashed dogs to walk the boards 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26. The weekend will be highlighted by the Howl-O-Ween Parade at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, activities will include dog-specific vendors along the Boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, dog collars, shoot photos with Santa and more. People are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in Halloween costumes for the Howl-O-Ween Parade at 3 p.m.
Registration for the Howl-O-Ween Parade is now open and all proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City.
The timeline for the Oct. 25 events includes:
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Dogs permitted on the Boardwalk
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free photos with Santa in a lifeguard boat under the Ocean City Music Pier loggia
- 12 p.m.: Pet of the Year announcement at the Ocean City Music Pier (Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk)
- 1 p.m.: Day-of parade registration and pre-registration packet pickup starts at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk)
- 3 p.m.: Boardwalk parade starts at Sixth Street and continues to 14th Street
The timeline for the Oct. 26 events includes:
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dogs permitted on the Boardwalk
This year’s grand marshals include former Philadelphia Phillies Player Milt Thompson and FOX 29 News Anchor Dawn Timmeney.
Thompson played a key role in the Phillies’ unexpected, last-to-first 1993 National League Championship team, which advanced to the World Series. In 2004, he returned to the Phillies as a coach, later serving as hitting coach during the team’s 2008 World Series victory.
Timmeney, an Emmy-winning journalist, joined FOX 29 in 2013 as a general assignment reporter. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at NBC-10 in Philadelphia. A passionate animal advocate, she also co-produced and hosted “Dawn’s Pet Project,” a weekly show focused on animal welfare and education.
The event is sponsored by JiLLy’s OCNJ, OCNJ Entertainment, Playland’s Castaway Cove, Manco & Manco Pizza, Johnson’s Popcorn, We Make It Personal and Kohr Brothers.
Halloween events
Halloween Costume Skate (Oct. 25): The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will celebrate Halloween 4 p.m. to dusk. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants.
Halloween Parade (Oct. 30): 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. For more information, visit ochp.blogspot.com.
Chamber of Commerce Welcome Night on Oct. 29
The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce invites Ocean City residents to its annual Welcome Night 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk). The evening provides an opportunity for residents to meet Ocean City groups, businesses and organizations.
