Quiet Festival Returns to Ocean City Next Month

Next month, Ocean City will hold its 12th annual Quiet Festival, a celebration of subdued things ranging from paper airplane making, cloud inspection and bubble appreciation to a yawn-along, maple pod drop and a performance by the world’s only Wind Chimes Band.

Events will be held Nov.13-14 at various locations in the city, Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer said. A complete schedule will be released soon.

Two years ago, a Quiet Pet Contest was added to the event, for white mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. It is one of the highlights of a program set for Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. at the Senior Auditorium of the Community Center Complex, 17th and Simpson Avenue. Rabbits, turtles, gerbils and even a chicken have also shown up and are welcome.

There is a lettuce speed eating contest for all quiet pets that wish to compete. Last year Lisa Rose, a reporter and TV personality from North Jersey, challenged the champion lettuce eating rodent. Rose is a Vegan and a lettuce connoisseur. She lost the contest by 12 seconds.

The quiet pets will be judged for their costumes, displays, personalities and beauty. There will be a category for best snoozer. All entrants will receive certificates. Ribbons will be awarded to winners and a special trophy will be given to Best of Show. Entry is free.

Care takers of Hamsters, white mice, Guinea Pigs, etc. are asked to sign up immediately so event planners can arrange for adequate space.

Those interested may register by calling 609-399-6111, ext. 9300. After hours and on weekends, call 609-364-4010 or email msoifer@hotmail.com.

Enthusiasts may also sign up at the Public Relations Office, fourth floor of City Hall, 9th Street and Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The attached image is a Patch file photo