Celebrate Easter and the Doo Dah Parade in Ocean City

Spring is here and that can only mean one thing—we’re getting closer to Ocean City’s annual display of foolishness, the Doo Dah Parade, plus a full slate of Easter events, a movie filming in town and more.

Between Easter, Doo Dah and various other events, there is plenty going on to fill up your weekends in April. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Did we miss your favorite Ocean City event for April? Tell us in the comments.

EASTER WEEKEND

Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6, 7 p.m.,

A living dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci’s classic painting of “The Last Supper” takes place on Maundy Thursday. Members of several area churches will portray Jesus and his disciples in a moment where Jesus announces that one of his 12 followers will soon betray him, kicking off the Easter story.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
Friday, April 6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, April 7, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday, April 8, 8 a.m.-noon,

Nosh with the Easter Bunny himself at Chatterbox, at 9th and Central. And don’t forget to take your free photo with the bunny. Call 609-399-0113 for reservations.

Saturday, April 7, Asbury Avenue, 6th to 11th streets

Besides breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Chatterbox, you can get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny at a lifeguard stand and munch on candy-filled eggs for children. Enjoy eggstra special savings downtown as well. For more information, call 609-398-4662.

Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m., ’s Carey Stadium

If your pet won’t eat another pet, it’s welcome at this fashion show, where categories include best bonnet, best dressed, intelligent pet tricks and more. The best in show wins the Dean Schofield Woofin' Paws Plaque for Perfection. Entry is $5 and spectator admission is free. All proceeds benefit the Ocean City Humane Society. Call 609-525-9300 for information and revisit last year's .

GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 7, 2:30 p.m., on the beach between 11th and 14th streets

Set your kids loose to find more than 100,000 eggs filled with candy and toys. There will be five age groups for the hunt: 0-2 at 11th Street, 3-4 years old at 11th Street, 5 years old at 12th Street, 6 years old at 12th Street and 7 years old at 13th Street.

Sunday, April 8, 6:30 a.m.,

Join your neighbors for a nondenominational service by the seas. Nancy Fox School will provide the music and David Burke of Ocean Grove will be the guest speaker.

Sunday, April 8, 1 p.m.,

Show up in your Easter finest to win prizes for best dressed family, children, male, female, teen male, teen female, bonnet and most unusual bonnet. The Easter Bunny also will make an appearance. Call 609-525-9300 for information.

DOO DAH PARADE

BASSET HOUND OLYMPICS
Friday, April 13, 1 p.m., Tabernacle Grounds at 6th and Asbury

Ever wonder about the athletic prowess of basset hounds? Watch as the hounds—not exactly known for their energy—take on a “dash,” hurdles, a plastic tunnel and, finally, a nap. Check out last year’s .

HUMOR RESILIENCE: TICKLING STRESS BEFORE IT TACKLES YOU
Friday, April 13, 2 p.m.,

Humorist Margie Ingram, co-director of the Humor Project, will share her tips on stress management and humor resilience. Add some humor to your life and work and meet life’s challenges with a smile.

DOO DAH COMEDY SHOW
Friday, April 13, 8 p.m.,

, comedian, actor, and ventriloquist extraordinaire, stars in this year’s comedy show, which is a tribute to legendary comedian Soupy Sales—a former Doo Dah Parade marshal. McCann will lead a Soupy Sales tribute with Sales’ widow, Trudy, and Paul Dver, musical director of the Soupy Sales Show. Admission is $5, with proceeds going to the Ocean City Food Cupboard. You can also donation dry or canned food for the cupboard for admission.

Saturday, April 14, noon

This is the big show of the weekend. This year’s parade features grand marshal . The 27^th annual parade steps off from 6th and Asbury, travels to 12th and Asbury and then turns onto the Boardwalk before concluding at the reviewing stand by the Music Pier.

The parade includes wacky brigades, floats, costumed characters, impersonators and much, much more. It’s something you have to see to believe.

PIEASCO
Saturday, April 14, immediately after the parade,

What better way to end the parade than getting smooshed with a shaving cream pie? Honor Soupy Sales’ legacy with this pie routine. Participants get a certificate to prove they were smooshed. Call 609-525-9300 or email msoifer@hotmail.com for information, and view so you know what you’re getting into.

OTHER APRIL EVENTS

HALF-PRICE AMUSEMENT RIDE TICKET SALES
March 31, April 1, April 7 and April 8, 1-5 p.m.,

Stock up on ride tickets for the summer at half the cost. Get your tickets in person at Wonderland Pier, 25 tickets for $10.

Starting March 31 at . Check the amusement center's website for more detail.

REGIONAL HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWS
Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,

Stained glass artist, Chiara Reading, is the featured crafter at this juried crafts show. Other artists joining will feature hand woven shawls, scarves, outerwear, fiber jewelry, spring floral arrangements, matching child-doll dresses, silk jewelry and much more. The $3 admission will be donated to local charities. Children under 12 are free. For more information, call the Jersey Shore Artisans Guild at 1-800-822-4112.

CHASING SHADOWS FILMING
Saturday, April 21

The film centers on a day in the life of Anthony Heavens, a young, fatherless boy who skips school to wander the streets and Boardwalk of Ocean City, searching for his father, himself and his place in the world. Filmmaker Joey Eulo experienced a similar childhood, and is now bringing that story to the screen. Volunteer as an actor, production assistant or grip. Call 609-525-9300 for information.