Wacky, But Not Tacky: Ocean City's Weird Contest Week Returns Aug. 15-19

Ocean City, NJ -- Ocean City’s events are always a little different.

Now, the city that crowns the king and queen of the crab world, consults a hermit crab for its weather forecasts and is famous for its celebration of the weird with its annual Doo Dah Parade is celebrating just how different it is for an entire week.

Ocean City’s “Wacky But Not Tacky” array of unusual and creative contests at the Music Pier, known as “Weird Contest Week” runs Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 19. The contests are free, have divisions for all ages and begin daily at 11 a.m.

Contests are as follows:

Monday, Aug 15: Taffy Sculpting, sponsored by Shriver’s, 9th and Boardwalk. Event challenges contestants to sculpt a work of art from saltwater Taffy. We have had Ferris Wheels, fish, and surf boards emerge from this event.

Tuesday, Aug. 16: French Fry Sculpting sponsored by the Promenade has produced Elvis, Eagles and dimensional doggies from mushed together fries.

Wednesday, Aug. 17: “That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles.” Produce a work of art from a giant cookie! I’m proud to say a contestant sculpted a portrait of me on one. But there have also been birds, boats, and automobiles. In addition there is an “Ears Looking at You” Ear Wiggle Contest, our attempt to revive a once-popular pastime.

Thursday, Aug. 18: We sculpt with paper clips. The Eiffel Tower, Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building have been made from the clips plus a building called the Clip Joint.

Friday, Aug. 19: We proudly present the Miss and Mister Miscellaneous Contests for all those who’ve always wanted to be in a talent pageant but have missed the bus or got stuck at a rugby game. Pageant age groups are 5 & under, 6-8, 9-12, teens and adults.

Also on Friday will be The Little Miss and Little Mr. Chaos Pageants during which children from 3 to 5 years of age sit on a stage and make all the noise they can by banging pots and pans with rock music providing the stimulus. Pots and pans are provided.

For information, call 609-399-6111.