Another Philly Icon Joins Ocean City Night In Venice Lineup

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City is going all out with the theme of "It's a Philly Thing" for this year's Night in Venice, adding two more Philadelphia icons to the lineup that already features the Phillie Phanatic and retired Action News anchor Jim Gardner.

The city announced Tuesday that chaotic Flyers' mascot Gritty will join the parade on July 29, along with Comcast Spectacor Chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty, who also serves as governor for the Flyers.

The two Philadelphia mascots will rev up the thousands of spectators who will line the bayside for the premier event of the summer in Ocean City.

READ MORE: Special Guest Added To Ocean City's Night In Venice Lineup

Legend has it that Gritty's secret hideout was disturbed during the construction of the Wells Fargo Center and forced him to show his face for the first time in 2018.

But he's quickly become a beloved local icon.

Hilferty is a graduate of St. Joseph's University who joined Comcast Spectacor after leading Philadelphia's successful bid to be a host city for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. With deep roots in Philadelphia, Hilferty was previously at the helm of Independence Blue Cross as its president and CEO.

Hilferty and his wife, Joan, live in the Philadelphia area, and they have a home in Ocean City. The couple has five children and four grandchildren.

“Philadelphia and Ocean City have always been connected, and I'm excited that Gritty and Dan, the Phillie Phanatic and Jim Gardner will all be helping us celebrate Night in Venice,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “They're all great representatives of Philly, and we'll be ready to give them a warm welcome. Dan and Joan have also been an important part of our community here in Ocean City, and they've been good friends to Michele and me.”

The boat parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 29 from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge. A fireworks display will go off at the conclusion of the parade (approximately 9:15 p.m.). Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided until the parade arrives and will resume until the fireworks start.

No alcohol is permitted, and no parking will be available, but the free shuttle service will be available from remote parking at the Ocean City Municipal Airport, Ocean City Community Center and Shelter Road parking area.

Outside the Bayside Center, grandstands will be set up at street ends along the bay from Battersea Road to 16th Street and also at Tennessee Avenue. These are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Streets include: Battersea Rd., North St., 1st St., 2nd St. Marina, 4th St., 6th St., 11th St., 13th St., 15th St., 16th St. and Tennessee Avenue.

Presenting sponsors for 2023 Night in Venice are ACME Markets and the Jet Drive Exchange Boat Club.