OCEAN CITY — The dog days of summer are the 40 hottest, most humid of the year, spanning July 3-Aug. 11. While summer is now just a passing memory, Ocean City will hold its Dog Days on Oct. 24-25.
The two-day event, during which leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, is just one of a cornucopia of happenings held throughout the fall to celebrate the harvest season.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said there are a lot of things going on in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
“There is something right after Block Party (Oct. 10), events every weekend — Earlier Than the Bird, Winterfest, then holiday events. There is something to do every weekend from now through First Night,” she said.
Once primarily a summer resort, the city has used its numerous community events to expand the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall.
“People love it downtown; we have good crowds. A lot of second homeowners come fall and early winter and enjoy going downtown shopping. The atmosphere of a small, charming downtown has really generated good will between the businesses and second homeowners,” Gillian said.
Gifts for anyone and everyone can be found in one of the “unique boutique shopping spots” in the downtown’s 111 stores.
Gillian said while the fall is a rest for some, those serving the downtown already are planning for the busy holiday shopping season.
“After Block Party, it’s Christmastime. Downtown and the city does so much that it takes a while and a lot of work,” she said.
Also set to be held Oct. 24 is the “Howl-O-Ween” Parade, hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooches in Halloween costumes. Registration begins at 2 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and proceeds from Sixth to 14th streets on the boardwalk.
For the younger set, and those hearty twenty-somethings, the city will host the Halloween Costume Skate from 4 p.m. to dusk Oct. 24 at the Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for all participants.
Capping off the island’s happenings in October is the popular Halloween Parade at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 29. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club, the event steps off from Sixth Street on Asbury Avenue and makes its way to 11th Street. Visit ochp.blogspot.com.
Traditional trick-or-treating is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
But fall is not only about Halloween, as there are events planned for many a man’s perennial favorite: Thanksgiving. Ocean City, the shore town with something on the schedule almost every weekend, unsurprisingly has events leading up to that holiday as well.
Among the more popular attractions is the Trail of Two Cities 5K/Walk across the Route 52 causeway from Ocean City to Somers Point. Race day registration is available and the race starts at 8 a.m. Nov. 7. Visit ocnj.us/race-events, email lrumer@ocnj.us or call (609) 525-9317.
Not to be outdone, the island also gets a jump-start on holiday shopping with two marquee events: Winterfest by the Sea and Earlier Than the Bird.
This year, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce is set to present its sixth annual Winterfest by the Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Santa Claus will be strolling among the craft and food vendors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14.
A week later, “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza is set for 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 21. The idea is to get out and start shopping for the holidays the weekend before Thanksgiving. The very popular event involves special deals, special treats and shopping in pajamas for early bird specials.
Then, on Thanksgiving morning, the city holds its annual Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot, a foot race down the Boardwalk. Call (609) 398-9500, Ext. 4, or visit hsocnj.org to register.
On the mainland
Upper Township has some treats in store, including its free Fall Fun Fest, rescheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at Amanda’s Field in Petersburg. Recreation Director Larry Cole said the original date was rained out by a raging nor’easter.
Activities include a show-and-go car show, live music performances, local craft and merchant vendors, a variety of food trucks and family-friendly entertainment.
The township’s annual Trunk or Treat is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 27, also at Amanda’s Field. Cole said spots remain for those willing to host a trunk. Those interested should visit upperrescue.com.
Those looking for some fun in the field can stop by Salt and Clover Sheep Farm at 100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road, where Brooke Powell said they “have a lot of new things in the works right now.”
Pop-up Pumpkins and Play are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11-13 and 18-20. Open to children of all ages, activities include the Kids Clover area with a jump pillow, obstacle course, bowling, basketball, music wall, zip line and slide. Feeding the farm animals also is on the agenda.
Trick or Treat on the farm is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Children will navigate to each station to see the entire farm and collect treats throughout. There will be music, sweets, crafts, contests and prizes. Tickets are $25 for children, free for adults.
The township’s traditional trick-or-treating is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
Somers Point has scheduled its free Fall Fest for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 on the grounds of Somers Mansion. Activities will include shopping at more than 70 craft and small-business vendors, ghost and mansion tours, costume contests with prizes, food trucks and family activities.
The city’s annual Trunk or Treat is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Shore Medical Center parking lot on the corner of Harbor and Bay avenues.
Somers Point’s trick-or-treating is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
Just to the north, Linwood has scheduled its Fall Festival for 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at All Wars Memorial Field between Shore Road and the bike path, featuring games, a trunk or treat, face painters and pumpkin painting. Linwood also has traditional trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
Those looking for a fright can visit the Ocean View Trail of Terror, a haunted trail walk in the woods behind the Ocean View Fire Company in Dennis Township.
Experience a spooky outdoor haunted walk in the woods celebrating its 10th anniversary. Younger guests can request monster-repellent bracelets, and a special No-Scare Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treat Day is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 17. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 23-24. Cost is a $10 donation to the volunteer fire company.
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City celebrates the fall season with a bucket full of events.
Its Halloween Parade & Dance Party is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Excursion Park, John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue.
The parade begins at 45th Street and Landis Avenue and proceeds north on Landis Avenue, ending at Excursion Park for the dance party. Parade check-in is at 6:30 p.m.
Parade applications are due by Oct. 14 at the Community Center or emailed to sgarreffi@seaislecitynj.us.
Next up is the annual Harvest Classic, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at Excursion Park.
The hometown festival includes pumpkin decorating, hayrides on the beach, live music and more. Attendees are encouraged to drive through town to view entries in the Scarecrow Contest at participating businesses.
In addition, the city hosts a Murder Mystery Show: Franken-Murder! from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Community Center.
The hilarious adaptation of Mary Shelly’s classic tale is performed by the Riddlesbrood Players. Cost is $5 per person and seating is limited.
Sea Isle also has a Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Community Center, 4500 Central Ave., as well as traditional trick-or-treat from 5 to 8 p.m.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
