Fall Block Party Highlights Busy Weekend in Ocean City

The Fall Block Party and Fireworks show highlight a busy weekend in Ocean City.

The Block Party features over 400 crafters congregating between 5th and 14th streets along Asbury Avenue, recently recognized as the Best Downtown in southern New Jersey by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium.

There will also be food vendors, music and free pony rides for children at the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury. The downtown includes over 100 specialty stores and many popular restaurants.

The Block Party runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be free entertainment from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be balloons with Chad Juros. The Big Daddy Band will play at 6th Street, Robert Boney Band at 7th Street, Tony DeLuca at 9th Street., Tidal Wave Band at 10th Street, the Bubba Mac Blues Band at 13th Street. and Keith Hickman at14th Street.

Parking will be free on City lots and all meters.

Boardwalk stores will be open and in the evening there will be a spectacular Fireworks Display at 9:30 p.m.

Coinciding with the Block Party is the City’s Indian Summer Weekend.

There will be seafood vendors Oct. 11-13 in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Oct. 11-13.

There will also be Boardwalk and Downtown Table sales.

The following events are also set for this weekend, courtesy Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer:

(Oct. 9): The Ocean City Fire Department and FMBA Local 27 Open House from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., 550 Asbury Avenue. (rain date, Oct. 14). Live Burn Demonstration, Smoke House, Tours of Trucks, Stop Drop and Roll, Hot Dogs and Pretzels! For information, call 609-525-9182.

(Oct. 10): The Ocean City High School football team will dedicate its home game to Breast Cancer Awareness.

The players will be wearing pink socks and the field will have pink ribbons painted on it. The Red Raider Football Association will honor family members of student athletes who have fought or are fighting Breast Cancer by making them honorary captains for the game. The School will donate $1 from each admission to Breast Cancer Awareness. To donate, call Tonia Nathan 609-214-0010 or Marcia McCulley 609-425-2911.

The game is set for Carey Stadium at 7 p.m. and fans are asked to “wear pink.” Painting the Field pink was started by Mike Lenhardt, City Supervisor of Grounds, to honor his wife Gina, who died from Breast Cancer.

(Oct. 10-11): SHOUT!, a Mod Musical presented by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company, takes audiences back to the 60’s. It will be performed 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. A perfect blend of music, theater and fun. Tickets are $20, $18 for senior citizens and children 12 and under. For tickets access www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or call 609-525-9300.

(Oct. 10): The Betts Family, three generations of Cape May County photographers, are exhibiting their work at the Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Avenue through October. There will be a “Meet the Artist Reception on Friday, Oct. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is your opportunity to meet mother, son and granddaughter and compare their photography. Call 609-399-7628 for information or go to www.oceancityartscenter.org.

(Oct. 11): The third annual Spooks and Kooks Costume Surf Contest and beach clean-up, open to all. Entry fee is five canned goods or a clothing donation. Registration starts 7:30 a.m. on 1st Street Beach. Divisons: Longboard, Shortboard, & SUP events and 13-and-under. Prizes and trophies for all. For more details, visit their spooks N kooks Facebook page or call 609-741-1156.

(Oct.12): The Music of Eric Clapton will be performed at the Music Pier at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. by the Charlie Phillips Band. Tickets are $15, call 609-525-9300 (cash or checks) or www.brownpapertickets.com, credit card only.

The attached image is a Patch file photo