Theme, New Events Announced for Ocean City's Night in Venice

Ocean City, NJ -- Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice returns with a pair of new additions on July 16.

A fireworks display will cap the night’s festivities for the first time in the event’s history, city officials said on Friday. They will be launched from a barge around 9 p.m., and will be visible from the entire bayfront.

Also new this year: A “Collegiate Cup” will be awarded to a boat that best celebrates school pride. College and university alumni associations have been contacted, and boat owners are encouraged to reach out if they can participate. Two other new categories are “Best Nonprofit/Community Organization” and “Best Commercial Entry.”

This year’s theme is “Destination America.” Participants can decorate their boats and homes with with themes that embrace the culture and regional pride of great cities and landmarks across the country. The theme will be represented in a commemorative mug given to all boat and home contestants.

Regular categories in the decorated boat contest will include: Most Original, Best Decorated, Musical, Comic, Classic (25 years or older with historic value) and Children’s Division completely decorated by children 15 and under).

Boat owners can register early to take advantage of a $50 gift card. All participants will receive a complimentary photo of their boat in the parade.

The 62nd annual event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Entries for boats and homes will be taken online at ocnj.us/NIV. Participants can also register their boats by calling 609-399-6111.

Any owner willing to enter their boat to host dignitaries, special guests or other entries, but don’t have the time to decorate, is asked to contact Event Coordinator Michael Hartman at mhartman@ocnj.us.