A Look Back
By Fred Miller
Thirty-one years ago, Dec. 31, 1992, Ocean City held its first First Night celebration. The alcohol-free New Year’s Eve program, which featured 25 programs at five locations, was sponsored by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Ocean City.
The participants of the first First Night enjoyed a variety of entertainment including storytellers, folk singers, magicians, country music, and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra with the Masterworks Choir.
“It’s a tremendous success,” said Mayor Henry “Bud” Knight immediately following the celebration and everyone agreed with him.
Mark Soifer, Ocean City public relations director, who spent more than a year planning the first First Night, credited the many volunteers for the initial success. He said Jay Eggly first mentioned the new way to spend New Year’s Eve, but it was Carla Heist who kept pushing for First Night and served on the planning committee.
The following were early supporters of First Night Ocean City: Kit Wright, Joan Dice, Bobbi German Smith, Winnie Periano, Sal and Kitty Paone, Jean Serber, Joe Bellepede, Vera Mae Cimino, Jean Jacobson, Paul and Ruth Anselm, Cathy Elias, Ray Elias, Jerry McDonald, Joanne DelVescio, Valerie Crawford, Ed Wood, Donna Hand, Katherine Pileggi, Bill Sundermeir, Jack and Emma Park, and Paula Aldi.
After the event, Mark Soifer said, “The volunteers should all feel good about helping to inaugurate another Ocean City family event, one that is destined to take its place with such traditions as the Baby Parade, the Halloween Parade, Night in Venice, the Art Show, and lifeguard races.”
Soifer was right. First Night has been growing steadily in popularity since Dec. 31, 1992.
