Doo Dah Parade, Basset Hounds and Comedy Heading to Ocean City

Mid-April is here and that can only mean one thing — we’re almost ready for Ocean City’s annual display of foolishness, the Doo Dah Parade, plus a full slate of other weekend events that celebrate the lighter side of life as we emerge from another winter.

"If the old saying that 'laughter is the best medicine' is true, the upcoming Doo Dah Weekend in Ocean City will help you feel a lot better," Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer says. "And if you're already feeling OK, it should make you feel really, really good!"

Friday, April 13, 1 p.m., 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 . Admission is free.

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. Admission is free.

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. McCann will be joined by professional impersonators of legendary comedians including Abbott and Costello, Groucho Marx, George Burns, Charo, Lucy, Jack Benny and Johnny Carson.  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.

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.

DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS will celebrate the Doo Dah Weekend with tax free shopping all weekend long, April 13-15, at participating downtown stores. For more information, call 609-398-4662.

Also during the Doo Dah Weekend, the , 17th and Simpson Ave., is presenting Ocean City musician ANDREW HINK, playing Broadway tunes and his own compositions, April 13 at 7 p.m.; a program on the Titanic, Sat., April 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. and PACKAGED GOODS, a local orchestra playing a Beatles Tribute on Sun., April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. For a complete listing of the Library's many free programs call 609-399-2434, visit the Ocean City library's website or email newsletters@oceancitylibrary.org.