OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City has named former Philadelphia Phillies all-star John Kruk and actor Randy Quaid as grand marshals for the 2026 Night in Venice celebration set for Saturday, July 25, 2026. Night in Venice Chairman David Winslow announced the selections for the annual bayfront event, which will carry the theme “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights.”
According to the announcement, the 2026 theme is meant to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while tying in Christmas in July. The event will include decorated boats, themed bayfront homes and a fireworks display over the bayfront after the boat parade. Entries are being accepted now for both the boat parade and decorated bayfront home contests.
Mayor Jay Gillian said Kruk fits the theme's connection to American traditions.
“John Kruk has been a fan favorite for decades and remains one of the most recognizable personalities in baseball,” Gillian said. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with this year’s ‘Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights’ theme, we’re excited to welcome someone who represents one of our nation’s greatest traditions. Baseball has always brought families and communities together, just as Night in Venice has done for generations.”
Quaid, known for playing Cousin Eddie in “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,” also will serve as a grand marshal. Before the evening festivities, he is scheduled to appear at a screening of “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” at 12 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Ocean City Tabernacle. The event will include a live Q&A with Quaid about his career and the making of the film, according to the announcement.
Guests also may buy VIP meet-and-greet tickets that include a commemorative digital photo with Quaid and an autographed commemorative movie poster. Tickets for the screening, live Q&A and VIP packages are available at www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. The movie screening sponsors are the Ocean City Tabernacle and the Stainton’s Family of Stores.
Night in Venice draws spectators along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue, with others attending private parties at homes on the bayfront, according to the announcement. The theme is optional for participants. Entries for boats and homes are available online at www.ocnj.us/NIV or by calling 609-399-6111.
The fireworks display will be launched after the boat parade. Presenting sponsors for this year’s Night in Venice are ACME and OCNJ Watersports.
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