For nearly 50 years, Air Circus has been providing children and families with a lifetime of memories. Located on the Ocean City boardwalk, between 11th and 12th Streets, it is one of the area’s most popular stores, boasting a large collection of kites, toys, bubbles, and novelty items. And this Fourth of July weekend, the store, and its owner, will step into the spotlight for an annual event
Doug Jewell, the owner of Air Circus, has been a toy enthusiast for decades. “When I opened the store, I put every toy I had in here as a kid.” While in the second grade, Jewell began to juggle, play with yo-yos, and often fidget with different school objects. “I was the kid that spun the ruler on the pencil”, Jewell exclaims.
In 1971, Jewell discovered articles on Alexandar Graham Bell and his design for a kite based on the tetrahedron. Captivated by the invention, Jewell created lifelike tetrahedrons, traveling to various kite competitions, drawing much attention from judges at the Maryland Kite Festival in the 1970s. “I started building gigantic tetrahedrons, twelve feet by twelve feet, and took it to the Smithsonian Kite Festival”, he explained. “I won the largest kite and best cellular kite.”
In 1991, Jewell met Mark Soifer, Ocean City’s longtime public relations director, and became interested in joining the Kite Festival on the boardwalk, held on the Fourth of July. “I told him I was opening a kite store at 11th and the boardwalk and he said, ‘We’d love to have your participation.’ I came up with my tetrahedron and threw my kites up.”
Today, Jewell continues to fly kites high above the boardwalk directly across from Air Circus and are the official sponsors of the Ocean City Kite Festival. The event is anticipated to bring dozens of participants from across the region for an evening of high-flying action.
In addition to his skills Jewell is a renowned yo-yo player and has previously promoted the Bandai brand across the United States. He was a key figure in bringing the New Jersey State Yo-Yo Contest to the Music Pier in 2015.
Air Circus itself is best known for its large assortment of beautifully decorated kites, each coming in an assortment of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. The store also specializes in classic toys and beach games, carrying the latest and greatest items hitting the market. The NeeDoh cube has been prominently on display over the last several months. This cube-shaped item has become a popular fidget toy, known for its squish-like texture.
Air Circus also caters to pirate lovers of all ages with its impressive selection of pirate accessories. The attached emporium, dubbed ‘Pirates Arrrgh Us’, opened in 2004 following the release of Pirates of the Caribbean. Visitors can find a variety of trinkets, novelty items, clothing, and collectors items on display. Jewell himself is a noted fan of pirates and often shares pirate jokes.
Air Circus is located at 1114 Boardwalk in Ocean City. The store is open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Their phone number is 609-399-9343. You can also find them online at www.facebook.com/aircircuskiteshop.
And be sure to check out the 50th Annual Ocean City Kite Festival this Saturday, July 4, on the beach between Music Pier and 9th Street. The program will start at 7 p.m. and will include a kite contest and demonstrations, with prizes in various categories including: Most Patriotic, Smallest and Largest kites, Best Homemade, Best Stunt Flyer, Oldest Stunt Flyer, Highest Flyer, and Tallest, along with awards for young participants.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
