Ocean City Announces First Night Entertainment

First Night, Ocean City’s Gala New Year’s Eve celebration, offers a variety of entertainment over the span of eight hours for families and individuals.

Tickets are $15 a person up to Dec. 15. After Dec. 15, the price will increase to $20. Buy your admission buttons now and take advantage of the discount.

The holiday gala features 76 entertainment programs at central locations from 4 p.m.-midnight. There will be a fireworks show at midnight, weather permitting.

“Where else can you find such varied and professional entertainment for just $15? The only place to enjoy such an event at the New Jersey shore is in Ocean City,” First Night Chair Person Michele Gillian said. “Ocean City is the place to be on New Year’s Eve.”

Opening ceremonies will be held at 4 p.m. at the ice skating rink, a First Night attraction located at the football field, 6th Street off Boardwalk. It will include greetings by city officials and entertainment.

Anyone with a First Night admission button will have free access to Wonderland Amusement rides from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Entertainment features events for every age group, including children’s programs that adults will also enjoy, such as Magician Chad Juros, the Allo Puppets, Give and Take Jugglers, Jungle John, the Turtle Singers and more.

A tribute to Neal Diamond is scheduled for the Music Pier.

The fabulous Grease Band will perform at the Civic Center.

The Hegeman String Band will strut at the high school.

The Abbott and Costello comedy show is booked for St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. The Norristones Doo Wop singers will “do their thing” at the Ocean City Senior Center, 17th and Simpson Avenue.

Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Dick Richards, the original drummer of Bill Haley’s Comets, will be featured with his Ready Rockers at the high school. There will also be a First Night Rockin’ Revue plus plenty of inflatables.

Attendees will be able to enjoy the night sky at the High School Planetarium and the Aquatic and Fitness Center, 17th and Simpson Avenue will open its pool from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Ocean City Pops will greet the New Year with shows at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the Tabernacle.

There will be other events to enjoy as well.

Anyone who buys a First Night button will be given a program book listing site locations, parking and jitney service. Many locations are situated within walking distance.

To buy a button now for $15 online, visit www.firstnightocnj.com, or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. Buttons are also available at the City Hall Welcome Center, 9th and Asbury Avenue.

Parking will be free in all Ocean City municipal parking lots. Jitney Service will be provided from 5 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. for button holders, operating continuously between sites.

First Night has an Angel Fund for those who can’t afford buttons. For a special button or to support the fund, call 609-525-9300.