Ocean City's 103rd Baby Parade Set for Thursday

Ocean City’s 103rd annual Baby Parade — the longest such event consecutively run in the United States — is set for Thursday, Aug. 9.

The parade begins at 10:15 a.m., and the route covers the Ocean City Boardwalk from Sixth to 12th streets. 

Grand marshals of this year’s parade will be Fred and Susan Miller, authors of popular Ocean City history books, including  

The parade competition is open to children from infants to age 10. Parents may register their children to participate in the parade at the Information Center on the Boardwalk between Eighth and Ninth streets. The center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Forms are also available on the second floor of City Hall, Room 214, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call 609-525-9300. After hours, call 609-364-4010 or email msoifer@hotmail.com. Deadline for registration is noon Tuesday, Aug. 7.

 Divisions include Fancy Decorated Go Carts, Strollers, Coaches, Express Wagons etc; Comic Decorated Go Carts; Strollers, Coaches, etc.; Small Children’s Floats, (all vehicles including express wagons and baby carriages with tops or sides built on measuring more than three by five feet) and Commercial and Non-Commercial large floats.

 Entry fee is $5 per child and $10 for commercial floats. All children receive a commemorative gift for being in the parade.

The Ocean City Baby Parade was founded by Leo Bamberger and his committee. Bamberger, a photo engraver, was one of the organizers of Labor Day. The parade is now directed by Susan Canale, who heads a committee of 40 volunteers.

 Musical groups that will be featured in the event include the Interboro High School of Pennsylvania Marching Band, the Pitman Hobo Band, The Atlantic City Bagpipers, The Fred Hall Dixieland Band, the Hype Guards, an award-winning Youth Color Guard with music and marchers and the Ed Coles Entertainers.

On the same day as the Baby Parade (Aug. 9), there will be a twins contest starting at 6:30 p.m. on the , Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, with registration at 6 p.m.

There will be prizes for those who look the most and least alike. The contest is divided into age categories, 5 and under, 6-8, 9-12, Teens and Adults. Entry is free. Call 609-525-9300 for information.