Ocean City Events, edition of Dec. 26, 2012

Last Updated on Monday, December 24, 2012 01:53 pm Written by Staff Reports Tuesday, December 25, 2012 01:00 am

Arts Center pays tribute to Fishing Club in January

In recognition of the Ocean City Fishing Club’s 100th year in 2013, the Ocean City Arts Center in the Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., will host an exhibition of new paintings depicting the iconic fishing pier and clubhouse at 14th Street and the beach.  

The paintings are being created by the South Jersey Plein Air Group, which consists of local artists who paint outdoors at a designated location within the region. The exhibit will run through the month of January, with a meet the artists reception 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at the arts center. For more information about the Ocean City Fishing Club’s Centennial celebration, call 398-0534.

First Night 2013

First Night 2013, Ocean City’s non-alcoholic celebration of the New Year, will offer a selection of 60 shows from 4 p.m.-midnight. The volunteer committee of the Chamber of Commerce runs this program. Enjoy professional family entertainment capped by fireworks at midnight for $15 per person. An admission button also includes rides a Wonderland Pier 5-9 p.m. plus miniature golf at Gillian’s Adventure Golf 2-9 p.m. The entertainment ranges from magicians, jugglers and puppeteers to Broadway shows, a big band dance, the award-winning Trout Fishing In America, the Grease Band, Michael Hartman musical and dance productions, Japanese Drummers and more. The Ocean City Restaurant Association will offer its Taste of the Jersey Shore in the high school cafeteria, see www.eatinocnj.com. There is free jitney service to venues 5 p.m.-midnight. Street parking is free and there are numerous city parking lots available for free parking.

First Night buttons may be purchased at the Wonderland kiosk in Stainton’s, Eighth and Asbury; at Chamber of Commerce headquarters, Ninth Street across from TD Bank; or online at www.firstnightocnj.com. First Night long sleeve shirts will be on sale for $20 in front of the Music Pier. The shirts will feature a replica of every First Night Admission button since the event started 21 years ago. Proceeds benefit First Night programs.

First Day at the Beach

New Year's Day shopping, a 5K boardwalk run and the First Dip will all take place on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. All day long, enjoy tremendous bargains 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at stores along Asbury Avenue. Some stores open at 10 a.m.

There will be a 5K run 1 p.m. on the Ocean City Boardwalk, beginning at the Music Pier on Moorlyn Terrace. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Entry fee is $20 with a shirt (while they last). Without a shirt, the fee is $10. The pre-registration fee is $18 if received before Dec. 28. Awards will be presented in the 5K Race for male and female: first, second, third and overall. Age groups include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over. The walk is non-competitive. Contact race director Mike Givens at 609-861-0674 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

At 2 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, take part in Ocean City’s First Dip in the ocean for the New Year. Hundreds of enthusiastic bathers usually show up for the spirited and brief encounter with the ocean. For more information, call 609-399-1412. All participants should report to the registration area in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, where they will sign a waiver and receive a Beach Nut Certificate proclaiming that they have bravely negotiated the waters on New Year’s Day in Ocean City. Visitors will also be able to make an optional donation to support OCNJ CARE, the volunteer organization that is assisting those still recovering from the recent storm.