Easter Events Schedule in Ocean City

Easter Weekend and the annual Doo Dah Parade traditionally mark the opening of a season full of special events in Ocean City. 

Half-price sales on Ocean City Boardwalk ride tickets are underway, and here's the lineup of events for the coming weekends.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28 and FRIDAY, MARCH 29

The Living Last Supper: St. Peter’s United Methodist Church and the Ocean City Tabernacle will present a live dramatization of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” at 7 p.m. on March 28 and 29. The drama will be held at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave. Admission is free (offering received). With 13 living characters, the cast remains “frozen” in their positions, duplicating the famous painting. One by one, each disciple breaks his “freeze” and speaks his mind in light of the words he has just heard Jesus speak. Call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.oceancitytabernacle.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Breakfast With the Easter Bunny: Yianni's Cafe, 637 Asbury Ave., 8 a.m. till noon

Special Sales on Asbury Avenue Shopping District: All day

Woofin’ Paws Pet Fashion Show: Ocean City's annual show invites any pet that will not eat another pet to compete in categories including Best Dressed, Best Bonnet, Swimsuit, Pet/Owner Look-Alike, Cutest Tail Wagger, Intelligent Pet Tricks and Most Patriotic. The show is at Carey Stadium behind Ocean City High School and starts at 11 a.m. with registration at 10 a.m. There is a $5 entry fee that benefits the Ocean City Humane Society, one fee for all categories. Ends with a Massive Belly Rub in memory of Ocean City’s legendary doggie Barclie.

The Great Easter Egg Hunt: The annual egg hunt on the beach in Ocean City is set for 2:30 p.m. March 30 between 11th and 14th streets. Four age groups include: 0-2 and 3-4 at 11th Street; 5-6 at 12th Street; and 7-year-olds at 13th Street. Each group hunts in a separate circle. Only 2-and-unders may have a parent accompany them.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

Sunrise Service: The Easter service will be held 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.

Easter Fashion Competition: Ocean City's annual fashion promenade takes place at 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk in front of the Ocean City Music Pier. The Easter Bunny will arrive to pose for photos and present chocolate bunnies to children.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Doo Dah Parade: A new category has been added to this year’s DOO DAH Parade set for April 13. It will be for the best entry depicting the “WE ARE READY” theme emphasizing that Ocean City is prepared to accommodate its vacationers for the upcoming season.

The City’s Tourism Commission is running TV commercials emphasizing the point in the Philadelphia area and our Chamber of Commerce and City are promoting the theme on their respective websites and FACEBOOK. We encourage social media enthusiasts to post it and tweet it to their many friends. 

Dietz and Watson, the Parade’s major sponsor, has generously agreed to donate one of its hefty, semi-boneless smoked hams as the grand prize for the best entry. All entrants in the category will receive special certificates of appreciation.

Grand Marshal of the Parade will be Pretty, Perky, Peggy King, one of the first 100 legends to have a star installed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Peggy began her career as a big band singer, then moved on to TV and movies before retiring to marry and raise a family. She has since returned to the spotlight to host a weekly radio show. The legendary star will perform at the Doo Dah Comedy Show, on April 12, the day before the Parade at the Music Pier.

Other honorees will include John Mc Pherson, the syndicated cartoonist of “Close to Home” and Betty Lambert, an 80 year old Baton Twirler who will lead the Parade in front of the Ocean City High School Band.

If you’d like to march in the Parade as a humorous entry call (609) 525-9300 during working hours, (609) 364-4010 after hours or access www.ocnj.us for an entry form. Entry is free and you will receive a free T Shirt and Hotdog snack after the Parade from Dietz and Watson.