July 4th events
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITy – The Ocean City Pops will once again give a pair of free outdoor concerts on July 3 and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. In 8 p.m. shows are at Carey Stadium, just off Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street, the Pops will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.
The July 4 show will be followed immediately by the holiday fireworks.
The Fourth of July in Ocean City always starts with a set of family bike parades. Participants are encouraged to dress and decorate their bikes in the spirit of the holiday. The Gardens parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot with registration opening at 9 a.m. The South Ocean City parade starts at 10 a.m. at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue also with 9 a.m. registration. The Riviera Neighborhood parade starts at noon at the Rosemar Lane Park (with 11 a.m. registration).
A kite-flying competition will start at 7 p.m. July 4 on the beach near the Ocean City Music Pier.
The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. July 4. The display will be launched from a barge off the Ocean City Music Pier, and it will be best viewed from the beach or Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street.
Upper Township
Fourth of July
PETERSBURG — Upper Township is throwing a patriotic party again this year to celebrate Independence Day.
The day is set to begin with the Strathmere Fourth of July Parade. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Strathmere Firehouse with judging at 10 a.m. at designated division areas. Categories are motorized floats, walkers and wheels, adult/children mixed walkers, adults walkers, bikes juniors up to 7 years old, bikes 8+, antique/classic vehicles, Strathmere pets, trikes and scooters, wagons and strollers, and golf carts.
Bob and Marilyn Roland will serve as grand marshals.
Refreshments and awards presentation will follow the parade at the Deauville Inn. A rain date is set for July 5.
Later that day, the Upper Township 4th of July Celebration is set to be held at Amanda’s Field, 1091 Route 50 in Petersburg.
There will be live music, food trucks, craft vendors and interactive games. Gates open at 4 p.m. After the sun sets, a fireworks display will light up the sky to wrap up the festivities. Rain date is July 5.
Historical Museum
Lecture Series
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Historical Museum Summer Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursdays begins July 11 and runs through Sept. 12.
The lecture are held in the lecture hall of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. Admission is free and an ASL interpreter will sign each presentation. The schedule, topic and speakers are: July 11, The Battle at Turtle Gut by Rita Rothberg; July 18, Son of a Son of a Son … Journal of a Sailor’s Life, Jack Brooks; July 25, A Time on the Strand, Bob Williams, John Loeper; Aug. 1, Seaside Amusements, Mary Stewart; Aug. 8, Black Ash Baskets, Theresa Maina; Aug. 15, The Legendary Hessian Island, William Lewis, author of “South Jersey Legends & Lore”; Aug. 22, Atlantic City – America’s Playground, Bob Ruffalo; Aug. 29, “Great Storms of the Jersey Shore,” Scott Mazzella, co-author; Sept. 5, History of the Boardwalk, Mary Stewart; and Sept. 12, “Shore Chronicles: Tales from the Jersey Shore,: Margaret Bucholz, author.”
More information at ocnjmuseum.com.
‘Crying on the
Camino’ at Gateway
SOMERS POINT – Somers Point’s Gateway Playhouse will produce the award-winning, one-woman show “Crying on the Camino,” written by and starring Celeste Mancinelli for two performances only: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 14.
This marks the return of Mancinelli’s real-life tale of risk and adventure to the Gateway stage. Since performing in Somers Point in 2021, the play has won two Broadway World Awards for Best New Play and Best Performer, while Mancinelli has been traveling across the country to relay her exciting journey along the Camino de Santiago en route to the Cathedral Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
Snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the lobby. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org or by calling the box office at (609) 653-0553.
Friends of the Pops
Annual Luncheon
OCEAN CITY – “Music through the Ages” is the theme of the Friends of the Ocean City Pops Annual Luncheon set for Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Flanders Hotel, 719 E. 11th Street, Ocean City. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
The event continues to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Pops Orchestra, the oldest municipal orchestra in the United States, and will feature Brandon Tomasello, a popular vocalist who will perform selections from Frank Sinatra’s Great American Songbook.
Tickets are $60 (including parking) may be purchased at the Ocean City Music Pier before a Pops concert, beginning July 10. For additional information, contact Linda Herbert at (609) 214-2135.
Masonic Lodge
Hoagie sale July 4
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 is hosting an Italian hoagie sale fundraiser Thursday, July 4.
Hoagies are $10 each; soft drinks will be for sale. Pre-ordered hoagies can be picked up from 9 a.m. to noon July 4 at American Legion Post 524, 4562 West Ave., Ocean City. Non-ordered sandwiches will be available until they run out.
Pre-orders encouraged and appreciated by calling or texting John Davis at (609) 827-0779 or Jim Corcoran at (609) 827-3606.
Dragon Boat
Festival July 14
MAYS LANDING — The 8th annual Cancer Support Community Dragon Boat Festival scheduled for Sunday, July 14, at Lake Lenape in Mays Landing.
A Dragon Boat consists of 20 paddlers plus a drummer to keep everyone paddling in time. Anyone can participate in the races.
There are various levels of teams: Clubs, Community and Corporate. In addition to the boat races, the day at the lake will include food trucks, face painting, cocktails by Tito’s Vodka, various other vendors, raffles and prizes.
The presenting sponsor of this year’s event is Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. A donation is suggested for spectators to attend the festival. All proceeds go directly to the free support programs at CSCNJ for men, women, teens and children affected by all forms of cancer, at any stage of their cancer journey.
Call (609) 926-9266 or email jessica@cscjn.org for more information. Call or visit cscnj.org/dragon-boat-festival to register.
Concert benefits
Randazzo Foundation
MARGATE – The second annual Concert for a Cause to benefit the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation will be 4 to 9 p.m. July 10 at Maynard’s Cafe in Margate.
Admission is free. All ages welcome. There will be live music, raffles, food, drinks and fun. It features Local Noise, The Notion, Pettycash, Kahnmackinnon and Cole Moore.
Jersey Tenors with
Pops July 18
OCEAN CITY – The Jersey Tenors will bring an all-new show to the Ocean City Music Pier at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18.
The Jersey Tenors provide an opera/rock mash-up with music from opera classics to groups such as Queen and Elton John and Jersey’s finest like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and the Gang and Whitney Houston.
Tickets are $52 at ocnj.us/boxoffice. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Ocean City Pops.
Christian Women’s
Club meeting
SOMERS POINT – The Cape-Atlantic Christian Women’s Club meets for lunch at the Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point at noon July10.
Johnson’s Popcorn will be the feature and speaker is Michelle Kim from New Brunswick who will share her story “A Journey Towards Joy” Cost is $30. Call (609) 628-3157 for reservations.
Summer library
book sale Aug. 17
OCEAN CITY – The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library are having a summer book sale in the atrium of the library at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City. Dates and times are:
– 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.
Sale is cash only. Please bring a tote bag for purchases. More information at www.friendsvolunteersocfpl.com.
Tabernacle Baptist
worship schedule
OCEAN CITY – Please join Tabernacle Baptist Church kicked off the season May 26 with the “Truth” series.
Monthly services will be held at 4 p.m. every second Sunday for the remainder of 2024 on the following dates: July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.
Information to follow on the Paint Party and Fall BBQ Fundraiser. Tabernacle Baptist is at the corner of Eighth Street and West Avenue in Ocean City.
South Seaville
Camp Meeting
Women’s Day
SOUTH SEAVILLE – The Women’s Auxiliary of South Seaville Camp Meeting is sponsoring its 74th annual Women’s Day Thursday, July 25, at 188 Dennisville Road in South Seaville.
This event is free and open to all. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. and include cottage tours, Little Acorn Shoppe, History Wagon Ride, bake sale and basket raffle, photo op, prayer tent, and Church and Community Abolition Network display. Rest in the shade of lovely trees, cool off with lemonade at the Bell Tower or visit the Ice Cream Parlor.
An Inspirational Program will be in the open-air Tabernacle at 2:30 p.m. Laura Hunter and Joy Furda will speak on “Finding Peace in the Midst of Your Troubles.” There will be a special white dove release following the program.
Dinner is served in Grove Hall at 4:15 and 5:30 p.m. for $12 per person. The deadline for reservations is July 16 and can be made by calling Barb Whitlock at (609) 472-4687.
Vendors wanted
for craft show
OCEAN CITY – Vendors are wanted for the St. John Lutheran Church third annual Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21.
Original craft work needed for inside sale with 25 vendors at St. John, 1001 Central Ave., Ocean City.
To apply, visit https://stjohnlutheranoc.org/ or email Janet at tuckahoe1@comcast.net.
Ocean City
Walking Club
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Walking Club, formed last summer, invites everybody to join weekly walks on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Friday mornings.
People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to meet outside the Ocean City Music Pier at 8 a.m. each Friday to walk the length of the Boardwalk. The Ocean City Healthy Living Advisory Council created the group as a way for people to get healthy and meet new friends.
The Boardwalk is 2.45 miles long, and round trip is (4.9 miles). Walks may take about 90 minutes, but participants are welcome to stop at any point along the route. The HLAC asks everybody to grab a coffee or water and “don’t forget to bring your smile.”
For more information, email recreation@ocnj.us.
Mental health
support groups
NAMI Connection is a free recovery support group for adults (18+) living with a mental health condition. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community.
NAMI Family Support Group is a free peer-led group for family members, caregivers and loved ones (18+) of individuals living with a mental illness. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes.
Schedule:
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 8, Aug. 12, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point, Family Support and Connections
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 25, Aug. 22, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
Vet to Vet Café
sets schedule
Angelic Health Veteran Support Services offers Vet-to-Vet Cafes to help connect military veterans to services, support and each other. It is free and open to all veterans.
— 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 18: Angelic Health Community Outreach Center, 23 Peterson St., Millville
— 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 2: Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point
— 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 18: Angelic Health Community Outreach Center, 23 Peterson St., Millville
Men RSVP to John Prutting at (609) 464-8377 or jprutting@angelichospice.net.
Women RSVP to Philecia Howard at (609) 385-3934 or phoward@angelichospice.net.
Tuesday night
Dances in S.P.
SOMERS POINT – The Dance Society’s Tuesday night dances are at Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1’s hall at 447 Bethel Road, Somers Point.
The dances are 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays featuring live musical duos, light snacks, social dancing, mixers and some line dancing. Cost is $10. “Come out and kick up your heels or just listen to some good music,” a spokes-dancer said. For more information call Rita Voli at (609) 408-3619.
History museum
seeks volunteers
OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Historical Museum is seeking volunteers to serve as welcome desk greeters (including gift shop sales) and as museum docents. Training will be provided.
The museum is located within the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave. Those interested in volunteering or learning more should call (609) 399-1801 or email info@ocnjmuseum.org.
Join Submarine
Association
SOMERS POINT – South Jersey has a Submarine Association.
Service members who served on a U.S. Military submarine are invited to join the Jersey Sub Association. Call Commander Tom Innocente at (609) 927-4358 for more information
Call for free Family
Crisis Intervention
Families who are experiencing serious difficulties in managing the behavior of children 10 to 17 years old for whom they are responsible can seek assistance through the Atlantic County Juvenile/Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU).
FCIU is a legally mandated program that is available 24 hours a day to intercede in family conflicts and help strengthen the family unit. Its services include short-term crisis stabilization, family assessment, case management, treatment planning and referrals to appropriate community-based services.
FCIU is available to meet in-person by appointment with youth and their families from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 101 Shore Road in Northfield. Appointments can also be conducted by phone or as a virtual meeting to help de-escalate and resolve family conflicts.
Call (609) 645-5861 or email family_crisis@aclink.org. Referral forms are available at atlantic_county.org.
Free screening
for depression
Online screening for depression and postpartum depression is available at mhaac.info/screening.
The confidential screening involves 10 questions related to topics such as sleep habits, appetite, concentration and level of energy. Resources and recommendations are offered at the end of the survey.
Anyone who wants to take the screening but needs assistance can call The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County at (609) 652-3800. Staff are available throughout the year by phone or by appointment. No cost, no insurance needed.
Angelic Health
seeks volunteers
Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care is asking the public to share its time and compassion with those near the end of their journey.
Visit angelic.health, email volunteer@angelic.health or call (609) 432-0073 for information.