Ocean City's First Night Has Roots in Boston

Ocean City, NJ -- Ocean City’s First Night celebration is patterned after a celebration in Boston designed to keep folks off the roads, entertained and safe on New Year’s Eve, Public Relations Director Mark Soifer said on Tuesday. It came to Ocean City 24 years ago.

“It was brought to our attention by Carla Heist who pushed hard for the event and helped form the first committee,” Soifer said.

That committee now consists of over 100 volunteers under the direction of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“I often wonder how many lives have been saved and how many accidents have been avoided by this non-alcoholic celebration,” he said.

He added that he feels it is fitting that the John R. Elliott Hero Campaign, that saves lives through its Designated Driver programs, has selected Ocean City for its special Campaign Challenge on New Year’s Day.

Its members will plunge into the ocean at Ninth Street to raise funds for its designated driver projects that are now moving nationwide. Visit www.herocampaign.org for more information.

First Night, Ocean City’s gala New Year’s Eve Celebration, offers a variety of entertainment for families and visitors for $20. The Holiday Gala features 76 entertainment programs from 4 p.m. until midnight. There will be a fireworks show at midnight to cap the celebration.

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

A First Night admission button will entitle bearer to free access to Wonderland Amusement rides from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Entertainment features events for every age group including children’s programs that adults can also enjoy, including acclaimed 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.

New group Angelina and the Exploding Robots, a five-piece (some robot, some human) band will play favorites from the 60’s. at the Senior Center.
The Hegemen String Band will strut at the high school, and the Abbott and Costello Comedy Show is booked for St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.

The Norristone Doo Wop Singers entertain 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 at the high school.

There will be plenty of inflatables at the Sports and Civic Center.

Enjoy the night sky at the High School Planetarium and swim at the Aquatic and Fitness Center pool from 4 to 7 p.m.

The acclaimed Ocean City Pops Orchestra will greet the New Year with shows at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the Tabernacle, Fifth and Wesley Avenue.

This is just a sample of the entertainment you will enjoy at First Night.

All who buy admission buttons will be given a program book listing site locations, parking and jitney service. Many locations are within walking distance.

The following performance centers will feature food and drink:

• Civic Center, Sixth and Boardwalk;
• Del’s Grill with light Boardwalk fare;
• High School Cafeteria, Taste of Ocean City featuring resort favorites;
• The Senior Center, Yianni’s serving munchies; and
• St. Peter’s Church serving light boardwalk fare.

Buy your buttons online at www.firstnightocnj.com or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. Buttons are also available at the Wonderland Booth in Stainton’s Square, 810 Asbury Avenue, the Causeway Welcome Center and the City Hall Welcome Center, Ninth and Asbury Avenue.

First Night has an Angel Fund for those who can’t afford buttons. Call 609-399-6111 to receive buttons or support fund.

First Night is followed by First Day at the Beach and First Day in the Downtown.

A 5K Boardwalk Run/Walk begins 1 p.m. in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Day of Race registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more, contact Race Director Mike Givens at 609-861-0674.

Online registration at www.jbsportstiming.com until 9 p.m. Dec. 30. Shirts for all pre-registered and as supplies last on race day. Awards will be presented for the 5K Race, Male and Female, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and overall. There are age groups from 14 and under to 70 and over. Walk is non-competitive.

Entry fee is $20 if received by Dec. 28, and $30 day of race for both 5K and Walk.

The City presents its popular First Dip in the Ocean starting at 2 p.m. near the Ninth Street Beach. Plungers should register in front of Music Pier from noon to 2 p.m. Participants receive a Beach Nut Certificate signifying that they have taken the plunge on New Year’s Day. The Plunge is free to all. Event includes the popular Hero Campaign challenge.

Shoppers will be able to kick-off the New Year with First Day in the Downtown along the Asbury Avenue Shopping District.

Most stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some open earlier, at 10 a.m.

Asbury Avenue was recently voted the Number one Downtown in South Jersey and is noted for its over one hundred unusual specialty stores, galleries and restaurants.

For information, contact Public Relations at 609-399-6111 or 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

The attached image is a Patch file photo