Ocean City’s spring season will kick into high gear with the return of the annual Doo Dah Parade on Saturday, April 18.
The Doo Dah Parade is Ocean City’s celebration of all things humorous. The procession features marching bands, floats and a brigade of hundreds of basset hounds. The parade begins at noon Saturday. The route starts at Sixth Street and travels downtown Asbury Avenue to 12th Street, then turns to the Boardwalk at 12th Street and finishes on the boardwalk at Sixth Street.
The First Ocean City Doo Dah Parade was held on April 19, 1986. It was based on the original Doo Dah Parade, a spoof of the Rose Bowl Parade, held in Pasadena, California. Ocean City’s event is always scheduled close to Tax Day, and it serves as a way to blow off steam during income tax filing season. It’s also a great way to welcome a new season in Ocean City.
Philadelphia Flyers great Mark Howe will be the grand marshal of the parade.
A legendary defenseman, Howe played 16 seasons in the NHL, including 10 with the Flyers. He reached the Stanley Cup finals three times, and was a finalist for the Norris Trophy three times.
Howe will be available for free autographs and pictures at the Ocean City Music Pier for an hour after the parade.
Some highlights will include the Hobo Band, the Jersey String Band, the Woodland String Band, the Kensington String Band and the Galena Brass Band.
Dietz and Watson returns as the event sponsor.
More April events coming up
April 25-26: The Sports Memorabilia Show returns to a two-day event on April 25 and April 26 at the Music Pier. Stay posted for announcements about this year’s special guests. Vendor registration is open at ocnj.us/SportsMemorabiliaShow.
