Memorial Day 2018: What's Happening In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer in Ocean City, and the island has a weekend full of events planned to get things off on the right foot. First, let’s make sure everyone can make it into the ocean. The best way to do that is with the “Unlocking of the Ocean” on Friday, May 25, noon.

The free public event includes a newer tradition: The march of fully clothed business persons into the chilly Atlantic Ocean for the first swim of the summer, to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the Ocean City High School Marching Band.

Both events are on the beach adjacent to the Music Pier. Participants are encouraged to gather at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 609-399-6111.

Everybody is invited to participate in the Business Persons Plunge, as it’s a chance to get some exposure for local businesses or organizations, or just to start Memorial Day Weekend with a splash. Groups and individuals can sign up in advance at www.ocnj.us/bizplunge.

The Memorial Beach Challenge follows, on Saturday, May 26. Athletes complete a 2.5-mile obstacle course that covers much of the beach between Fifth Street and 15th Street. The race begins at 8 a.m. near the Ocean City Music Pier and is followed by a kids fun run.

Proceeds from the event benefit The 31 Heroes Project, an organization that specializes in creating programs, financial support systems and future opportunities for service members, veterans and their families.
For more information on the races and to register, call 856-905-0583 or visit memorialbeachchallenge.com.

Later in the day, at about 3:30 p.m., the 35-member Bucks County Singers of Newtown (Bucks County), Pa. will perform a free concert on the loggia of the Ocean City Music Pier. The mixed-voice choral group of men and women will present a program of show tunes and patriotic favorites.

Ocean City will hold its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 28, 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park on Wesley Avenue between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. All are encouraged to attend. The keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Eric J. Duckworth. In the event of inclement weather, the service will move across the street to the Ocean City Tabernacle.

The weekend of events concludes with the National Moment of Remembrance. Established by Congress, the event asks Americans to pause in an act of national unity for one minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, no matter where they are.

Ocean City’s Moment of Remembrance will take place on the Boardwalk, as Greg Murphy of Buglers Across America sounds Taps to commemorate the moment.

The attached images were provided by Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen