'Fresh Prince' Star Named Grand Marshal For Ocean City's Night In Venice

OCEAN CITY, NJ — “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s” best friend is coming to Ocean City. Alfonso Ribeiro has been named the Grand Marshal for the 63rd annual Night in Venice boat parade in Ocean City on Saturday, July 22, 6 p.m. Ribeiro created the memorable character of Carlton Banks opposite another teen idol, Will Smith, for six seasons of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”

He is the new host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” and has spent more than three decades as an actor, TV director, award-winning dancer and Broadway star. Ribeiro began his career as a child, playing the lead role in the Tony-winning musical “The Tap Dance Kid.”

He had a recording contract with Island Records, released several dance/pop singles, and landed a spot in Michael Jackson's 1984 Pepsi commercial. In 2014, he won the 19th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and went on to host that show’s country-wide tour.

He will participate in a meet-and-greet on the Ocean City Music Pier from 11 a.m.-noon the day of the celebration. Tickets are $15, and a limited number are available. To purchase tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

Night in Venice also will celebrate its “Rockin’ Through the Decades” theme this year with concerts by O-Town with Ryan Cabrera and Gloria Gaynor with the Ocean City Pops orchestra.

O-Town and Cabrera will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 21, on the Ocean City Music Pier. Gaynor joins the Pops at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, on the Music Pier to round out the Decades Weekend.

Tickets are on sale now for O-Town/Cabrera ($30) and Gaynor ($30-$35). Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111, or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway.

Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111.

· NIV Boat Registration

· NIV House Registration

· NIV Condo Registration

Acme is the presenting sponsor for this year’s Night in Venice.

The attached image of Alfonso Ribeiro was provided.