OCEAN CITY — What has been the island’s biggest party each summer for seven decades has grown even bigger and better over the past few years.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the newest addition to the popular Night in Venice boat parade and home decorating contest boosts the pageantry in a place “known for a lot of pageantry.”
This year the city added contests for Little Miss Night in Venice and Junior Miss Night in Venice. The winners were crowned July 15. Little Miss Night in Venice features girls age 8 to 11 and Junior Miss Night in Venice girls age 12 to 15. Competitions featured interviews, evening gown, boat wear and on-stage question.
The girls, along with Miss Night in Venice — one of seven contestants who raises the most money for charity, who were to be crowned July 20 at the Ocean City Tabernacle — will preside over the parade July 25.
Gillian said the new pageants are just part of the preparations leading up to the main event.
Started by the Ocean City Yacht Club, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this summer, the parade will mark its 71st anniversary and is expected to draw 120,000 to 150,000 people to the island for the weekend.
The city also has boosted the quality of its grand marshals, drawing movie and TV actors and Philadelphia sports figures to the city, where they connect with the community through Q&A sessions and signing autographs.
“It’s exciting to see our annual Night in Venice celebration continue to grow with new elements each year,” Mayor Jay Gillian said.
This year’s grand marshals are former Philadelphia Phillies all-star John Kruk and actor Randy Quaid.
The theme, “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and Christmas in July.
Quaid is set to appear at a screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at noon July 25 at the Ocean City Tabernacle. Following the screening, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a live Q&A with Quaid, who will share stories from his career and discuss the making of the holiday classic.
Guests may also purchase VIP meet-and-greet tickets, which include a commemorative digital photo with Quaid and an autographed commemorative movie poster. Tickets for the movie screening featuring a live Q&A with Quaid and VIP tickets are now available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
“Night in Venice is one of Ocean City’s signature traditions, and we’re thrilled to welcome Randy Quaid to help us celebrate this year’s unique theme,” Mayor Gillian said. “His iconic role in one of America’s favorite holiday movies makes him the perfect grand marshal for a celebration that combines patriotism, Christmas spirit and one of the country’s most spectacular boat parades.”
But according to Michele Gillian, what really has put the parade over the top is the spectacular fireworks displays over Great Egg Harbor Bay following the parade.
“Adding fireworks just added a new layer, especially for the boaters,” Michele Gillian said.
She was excited for the annual event.
“There’s so many good things that we have this year,” she said, noting boaters were picking up their numbers July 17 and would start decorating their vessels.
“It really has added to the event. Having a great parade like that and fireworks to top it off have become a back bay celebration,” Gillian said.
The crush of people on the island benefits its numerous small business, through sales of food and beverages, decorations, clothing and gifts, she said.
Gillian said the event is so popular because “it’s unique to Ocean City.”
“It highlights the back bays, and what other community does it? It’s part of our tradition,” she said.
Asked if the city were ready for the festivities, Gillian said it was but admitted the weather plays a huge role in a successful outcome.
“We’ve had some challenges the past couple years,” she said. “We’re hoping for calm seas and smooth sailing.”
With six months to go before the holiday rush, Santa Claus will be vacationing in Ocean City and will join the parade. He’ll be decked out in his patriotic finest to help celebrate this year’s theme.
Thousands of spectators line the bayfront and Route 52 causeway, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. The parade is set to sail off at 6:30 p.m.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
