The Philadelphia Flyers’ madman mascot Gritty will join Ocean City’s Night in Venice boat parade this year.
The theme of this year’s event is “70 Years of Champions,” and the Philadelphia mascot will be ready to rev up the thousands of bayfront spectators for the 70th anniversary of Night in Venice at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26.
Legend has it that the construction of the Wells Fargo Center disturbed his secret hideout and forced him to show his face publicly for the first time in 2018. But he’s been a sensation ever since, and Philadelphia fans love the attitude that he’s named for and that their team has always demonstrated.
Gritty visited Ocean City on Tuesday morning as part of the Flyers Community Caravan, and he let everybody know that he’s excited to return in two weeks. Among other grand marshals and guests will be Philadelphia Flyers great Bernie Parent and Philadelphia Eagles legend Vince Papale.
“Philadelphia and Ocean City have always been connected, and I’m excited that Gritty will be helping us celebrate Night in Venice,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “He’s a great representative of Philly, and we’ll be ready to give him a warm welcome.”
Entries are still open to anybody who wants to participate in the excitement of the annual bayfront celebration. Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111.
