Last week we asked what your favorite part of this newsletter was.
The answers!
Poor tide updates. Fun fact: That is the single most useful thing in the newsletter for me. Literally every day on the beach I open the email which I wrote to check when high tide is. It shall remain.
This week we will concentrate largely on Night in Venice festivities, with the results of our MUCH-ANTICIPATED blind pizza taste test to be unveiled next week.
In the email today:
📆 Upcoming events
🚤 Night in Venice information
🐋 Windmill updates
🏠 Real estate update
👨💼 We’re hiring
🌊 Weather and tides
📆 Upcoming Events in (and around) Ocean City
July 28
Night of Philly Soul Featuring The Trammps
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Some Philly soul, baby. Get tickets here.
Beach Concert— Gary US Bonds and The Roadhouse Rockers + The Hilarious Rev Billy C. Wurtz (Somers Point)
When: 7:00 p.m.
Where: William Morrow Beach
Description: I am entirely too young to understand what this is, but you may enjoy it.
July 29
Night in Venice 5K and One-Mile Walk
When: Registration at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Ocean City Intermediate School (18th and Bay)
Description: All ages welcome. Prizes awarded for all age groups. Register here— registration ends at 8:00 p.m. Friday.
Night in Venice
When: 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Bay
Description: Ocean City’s 68th annual Night in Venice will celebrate all things Philadelphia. Retired Action News anchor Jim Gardner will serve as grand marshal, and this year’s theme will be “It’s a Philly Thing.” The optional theme provides a chance to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Philadelphia region in sports, music, food, education, government and more. Presenting sponsors for 2023 Night in Venice are ACME Markets and the Jet Drive Exchange Boat Club. The City’s annual boat parade is one of the largest in the world. Starts at the Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. along the bay. See more in our first main section of the newsletter.
Somers Point Farmers Market (Somers Point)
When: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Rd.
Description: It’s a farmer’s market, folks.
Concert Under The Stars— Neil Diamond Tribute (Sea Isle)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Excursion Park
Description: Free outdoor concert. Neil Diamond tribute band.
July 30
Michael James Scott Performing with the Ocean City Pops
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway performs with the Ocean City Pops. Get tickets here.
Stone Harbor Farmers Market (Stone Harbor)
When: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 95th Street and Second Ave.
Description: Farmer’s market.
Phillies Youth Home Run Derby (Sea Isle)
When: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Dealy Field (61st and Central)
Description: Boys ages 7-8 and 9-10 at 10:00 a.m., girls ages 7-12 and boys ages 11-12 at 12:00 p.m., register starting at 9:00 a.m.
July 31
Somers Point Kid’s Concert Series (Somers Point)
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: William Morrow Beach
Description: A concert for kids!
Family Fun Night — Minion Mayhem (Sea Isle)
When: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Excursion Park
Description: Minion dancing. Stage show begins at 7:30 p.m.
August 1
August 1 is National Night Out for local communities. Many local towns have events. Use the links at the end of this section for details.
Funtastic Tuesdays
When: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Asbury
Description: Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors.
Ocean City Theatre Company Presents Rapunzel
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Long hair.
Mummers Night
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Boardwalk
Description: Mummers strut the Boards.
Beach Movie — Sing 2 (Avalon)
When: Dusk (figure around 8:30 p.m.)
Where: 30th Street Beach
Description: Movie on the beach.
The Wizard of Oz Presented by the Ocean City Pops and The Ocean City Theatre Company
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Get tickets here.
August 2
Farmers Market
When: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Tabernacle Grounds at 6th and Asbury
Description: Farmers market.
Wacky Wednesday — Donut on a String
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Participants will need to eat an entire donut, no hands, without letting it fall off a string.
Twins Contest
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Registration is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. Required: a sibling.
Crafty Wednesday (Avalon)
When: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Avalon Free Public Library
Description: Join Miss Paige for a fun arts and crafts project. Kids of all ages welcome.
Movie Under The Stars — DC League of Super Pets (Sea Isle)
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: Excursion Park
Description: Outdoor movie.
The Wizard of Oz Presented by the Ocean City Pops and The Ocean City Theatre Company
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Music Pier
Description: Get tickets here.
August 3
Market Days
When: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Asbury
Description: Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors.
The 22nd Annual Art of Surfing
When: All day
Where: Music Pier
Description: It is a free family event featuring original art from surfing’s biggest names, live music, and a chance to meet artists from across the country. Runs August 3-5.
LEGO Thursday (Avalon)
When: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Avalon Free Public Library
Description: Calling all LEGO fans! The library will supply the LEGOS, you supply the imagination. All ages.
Family Night
When: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Boardwalk
Description: Family-friendly entertainment on the Boardwalk.
Thrilling Thursday (Margate)
When: 6:30 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Granville Ave. Beach
Description: Corn hole, Wawa giveaways, followed by Lilo and Stitch, no rain date.
Also note the Ocean City Library has many events for adults and kids alike on their calendar, which can be viewed here.
You can see the full list of events in all nearby Shore towns with the following links: Ocean City | Sea Isle | Margate | Avalon | Stone Harbor | Somers Point | Wildwood | Cape May | Ventnor
Other events to look forward to: 60th Annual Boardwalk Art Show (August 4-6), Don McLean (August 7)
🤳 News Bits
Night in Venice Information 🚤
Before we get to it, what happens if it rains?
Ocean City officials say they plan to move forward with the event if there is just “rain.” But if there are thunderstorms, then they may have to cancel or postpone the event, including the fireworks.
They are monitoring the situation and plan to make a call by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Friend of the ‘letter Nor’Easter Nick posted the following message on Facebook today:
Few notes on tomorrow...
Is it going to be a perfect day? Nope! With high heat and humidity AND a front closing in on the area, I DO think scattered storms chance sits at around 60%. It's not going to rain all day. There will even be many of you who don't see ANY rain... but keep an ear open for thunder.
Looks like we may have a round late morning / early afternoon then again later in the evening. If round 1 is big enough, the energy for round 2 will be limited.
Lots of people asking about canceling plans...I don't think I would. However, IF you are flexible and can make SUNDAY work? Go for it. Absolutely. 100%. Not only will there be NO chance of rain, but it's going to be much cooler and MUCH less humid.
I'll keep a close eye on how things develop - especially since I'm in contact with Ocean City officials regarding Night in Venice. Stay tuned!
You can stay dialed in to his Facebook page for the latest updates.
All details you need to know for Night in Venice:
⏱️ Start: 6:00 p.m. near the Ocean City-Longport Bridge
🗺️ Route: The parade begins near the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge and travels along the bay to Tennessee Avenue, looping in and out of lagoons along the way
🥖 Theme: It’s a Philly Thing
👔 Grand Marshal: Jim Gardner
Also joining: Comcast Spectacor CEO Dan Hilferty and Philly mascots the Phanatic, Gritty, Swoop, and Fang.
Interesting subplot: In the Mayor’s update last week, he said the city still hasn’t procured Franklin from the Sixers. “We’re still holding out hope that the 76ers’ mascot Franklin will join us – then we’ll have a full house of Philly mascots in the boat parade,” he said. One has to wonder if the ongoing pissing match between the Sixers and Comcast Spectacor is the reason why Franklin hasn’t yet agreed to participate. That would be petty.
🕶️ Viewing
🏟️ Grandstands on the street ends of the following streets (free, first-come, first-serve)
Battersea
North
1st
6th
7th
11th
13th
15th
16th
Tennessee
🪑 Chairs may be set up along any other public street end or at Bayside Park on 2nd St.
🌉 Bridge viewing is also allowed
Must remain in bike path on shoulder
No chairs allowed on bridge
May not block others from walking or biking
No alcoholic beverages permitted on the bridge
Persons are not permitted to walk along the bridge with motor vehicle traffic— police will be present to monitor
👩🎤 Special VIP viewing area at Bayside Center is sold out
💸 Cost: Free everywhere except sold out Bayside Center
🚗 Parking: Good luck! (jk)
🚐 Parking and shuttle service will run starting at 4:00 p.m. from the following locations and drop viewers off at street end viewing areas and Bayside Center, and then return to lots, running until 10:00 p.m.:
Ocean City Municipal Airport: 25th Street and Bay Avenue
Soccer Field at Tennessee Avenue: Off Shelter Road
Ocean City Community Center: 1735 Simpson Avenue
⛔️ Parking restrictions begin at midnight on Friday night and run through midnight Saturday night at the following locations— expect to be ticketed or towed:
Both sides of Bay Avenue between 16th Street and 24th Street
The east side of Bay Avenue between 14th Street and 16th Street
West 16th Street, West 17th Street and West 18th Street will have parking restrictions in place
🎆 Fireworks
Start time between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on when the parade ends
Set off from a barge off the 9th Street Bridge
Can best be viewed from street ends or Bayfront between Ocean City-Longport bridge and 16th Street
🤷♂️ How to participate
Online registration for boats is closed, but you can stop by the Information Center at City Hall to register and pick up your number and mug
Numbers are mugs are not given out until the Captain’s Meeting
❌ Things to not do
Do not swim in the bay during the parade
Paddleboards and kayaks are not part of the parade
Standup paddleboarders who go it on their own must wear life jackets and carry whistles
Do not enter or cross the parade route with a boat or craft or else, I would imagine, you’ll have a 4-star swat team after you like in Grand Theft Auto
The last boat in the parade will have a flashing yellow light while the start of the parade will be signaled by the flyover of a Coast Guard helicopter
Do not anchor in any channel during the fireworks
🏆 Results will be announced on ocnj.us and oceancityvacation.com by noon Sunday, July 30, and awards can be picked up starting at 1 p.m. July 30 from the City Hall Welcome Center
Here’s a boat safety video courtesy of the Phillie Phanatic:
Thanks, and enjoy the ballgame! Er, parade.
Windmill Update 🐋
As shown at the top of the email, a good number of people care deeply about these updates, so we will continue to bring them.
This week, no hard news on Ocean Wind 1, the offshore windmill project off our coast, but there is a trend of negative national articles about the viability of wind energy.
Here’s an excerpt from a piece in Politico:
Up and down the Northeast — the center of the burgeoning industry — however, energy companies have struggled to finance their projects, going hat in hand to governors and utility regulators asking for more money so they can start building the turbines they have already promised to deliver.
The energy developers’ requests have caused unrest in statehouses and among a public wary of already-rising power bills. But without a dramatic increase in offshore wind capacity, there is no way Biden or two of the nation’s greenest Democratic governors — New York’s Kathy Hochul and New Jersey’s Phil Murphy — can hope to meet their climate change goals.
“This is a pretty fragile time in the offshore wind industry,” said Molly Morris, president of Equinor Wind US, which is developing three projects to serve New York.
The first paragraph refers, at least in part, to the massive tax credit Governor Murphy and New Jersey lawmakers decided to pass along to Orsted, the Danish offshore windmill manufacturer building the 98 windmills off our coast… a tax credit that was supposed to go to consumers.
Our take: The Politico article is riddled with examples of similar scenarios playing out throughout the East Coast— with manufacturers begging the government for more money.
All of this calls into the question the long-term opportunity for offshore wind, for both financial and efficiency reasons.
Unfortunately for the Ocean City and Cape May County folks against all this (read: most of you), Ocean Wind 1 is one of the few projects that is largely approved and ready to move forward.
But without a substantial increase in approved projects, the United States’ reliance on offshore wind may be DOA.
Sadly, it feels like South Jersey could be the failed test case. The only thing worse than 98 functioning windmills off the coast may be 98 metal reminders of an international racket that fell on its face out of the starting gate.
In quasi-related news: The PJM Interconnection electrical grid - which includes New Jersey and Pennsylvania - has posted a Level 1 alert this weekend thanks to the heat that “may cause capacity problems”. Ironically, PJM has straddled both sides of the power-generation fence. This winter, they issued a study that blamed the rapid retirement of fossil fuels as one reason for why they may struggle to keep up with demand. But they have also worked closely with New Jersey to develop large-scale offshore wind energy.
Their conclusion was that in the absence of rapid and sustained development of offshore wind energy, which looks increasingly unlikely, wind power will do little to help with rising power demand on their grid.
News Links 🔗
🍕 Ocean City Pizza: The Ultimate Blind Taste Test (Coming Soon)
We told you about this last week, and we are putting the finishing touches on the video. Expect a dedicated newsletter on our blind pizza taste test next week.
We tested five leading pizzas - including Manco, Prep’s, Mario’s, Bennie’s, and Express - served up to more than 20 people randomly for the ultimate, unbiased pizza review.
We are terrible on camera, so we brought along friend of the ‘letter, and the only weatherman in South Jersey, NorEaster Nick, to host the event.
We should have the results tallied and video ready by next week, but for now, here’s what I can tell you— in no particular order:
Pizza 1 was well received
Pizza 2 was said to have “soggy crust”
Pizza 3 was lauded for being different and unique
Pizza 4 received no first-place votes
Pizza 5 was a sleeper that convinced one participant to switch pizza allegiance
So who won? You may be shocked to find out.
Subscribe to our Instagram page (@walkingtheboards), Facebook page, or TikTok for highlights.
🏠 Real Estate Update
Did you know Walking The Boards has a newsletter dedicated to Ocean City Real Estate?
If you would like to opt-in, just click the subscribe button right here:
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👨💼 We’re Hiring!
Love Ocean City? Love the Shore? Good a social media? Have a passion for real estate?
We’re hiring a real estate writer:
Real Estate Writer
Looking for someone with professional experience in digital media, journalism, or anything where you have to hold the attention of an audience.
You will report on all aspects of the real estate industry, including residential, commercial, and development sectors, providing insights to our readers, with a unique focus on the local market trends and narratives.
If you are interested, either respond to this email or email me at [email protected].
🌊 Weather and Tides
As always, we recommend getting up-to-date forecasts from THE GOAT of South Jersey weather, NorEaster Nick, directly on his Facebook page. You can also download his app.
Tides (9th Street):
Friday (7/28)
High 3:58 AM
Low 10:09 AM
High 4:46 PM
Low 11:26 PM
Saturday (7/29)
High 5:06 AM
Low 11:10 AM
High 5:45 PM
Sunday (7/30)
Low 12:25 AM
High 6:09 AM
Low 12:10 PM
High 6:42 PM
Monday (7/31)
Low 1:20 AM
High 7:08 AM
Low 1:08 PM
High 7:36 PM
Tuesday (8/1)
Low 2:13 AM
High 8:04 AM
Low 2:05 PM
High 8:29 PM
Wednesday (8/2)
Low 3:03 AM
High 8:57 AM
Low 3:01 PM
High 9:20 PM
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