First Night Schedule Changes Announced Due To COVID Concerns

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City announced several schedule changes to its First Night event on Friday due to COVID-19 concerns.

Two new entertainment programs will replace Ocean City Theatre Company performances of “The Rainbow Fish” and “Beehive: The ‘60s Musical.” The performances were canceled this week as a health precaution, according to city spokesperson Doug Bergen.

A Japanese drummers act will return to First Night Ocean City on Friday with three shows at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Ocean City High School.

The Sensational Soul Cruisers – featuring horns and vocalists who pay tribute to the soul, R&B, Motown and disco of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s – will perform at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. in the same venue.

First Night events run 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 31. The First Day 5K starts at 1 p.m. and the First Plunge goes off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1.

After a lineup of events and activities on Friday, a fireworks display will ring in the new year in Ocean City at midnight.

A full schedule of activities and a printable grid is available at firstnightocnj.com. Read more: Ocean City's First Night Celebration: A 2022 Guide

In accordance with the latest CDC and state guidelines, event organizers said face masks are strongly recommended for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all venues.

Visit firstnightocnj.com for more information on the schedule and on purchasing admission buttons.

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