Ocean City Cancels Spring Block Party Due To Coronavirus Concerns

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Spring Block Party has been canceled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus. The Fall Block Party is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2021.

“Due to CDC guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 and executive orders prohibiting outdoor gatherings larger than 200 people, the 2021 Spring Block Party that had been tentatively scheduled for May 1 will be canceled,” public information officer Doug Bergen said in a statement.

Downtown merchants will offer outdoor table sales, discounts and specials throughout the weekend of May 1.

The annual triathlon that was tentatively scheduled for May 16 has also been canceled.

Ocean City has organized these events throughout May:

• Free Paper-Shredding Day (May 1): Ocean City will hold its semi-annual Paper Shredding Day 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shelter Road Recycling Center off Tennessee Avenue. This no-contact event will observe all public health guidelines. The event is free to residents and property owners in Ocean City. Participants must bring a driver's license or other proof of residency/home ownership.
• Martin Z. Mollusk Day (May 8): In Ocean City’s own take on Groundhog Day, the crustacean mascot will seek his shadow to see if summer will come a week early. The event begins at 11 a.m. on the beach at Ninth Street.
• Modern Muscle Car Invasion (May 8): Modern Muscle Cars will be displayed on the boardwalk noon to 5 p.m. from Fifth Street to 14th Street. For more information, visit modernmusclecarinvasion.com or email blinkerfluidproductions@gmail.com.
• Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Person’s Plunge (May 28): After dignitaries turn a wooden key to officially “unlock the ocean” for the season, local owners and employees dress in business attire, carry briefcases and march into the ocean to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the new season. The event starts at noon on the beach next to the Ocean City Music Pier.
• Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes (May 29): The main obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by a kids’ fun run on the beach at Ninth Street. To register, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.
• Memorial Day Ceremony (May 31): Ocean City’s annual Memorial Day ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
• National Moment of Remembrance (May 31): This event asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The moment of remembrance will take place on the Boardwalk as Greg Murphy of Buglers Across America sounds “Taps” to commemorate the moment.

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