Philly Sports Legends To Serve As Grand Marshals For Ocean City Night In Venice

OCEAN CITY, NJ— With this year's Night in Venice theme being "70 Years of Champions," it's only natural for the parade's grand marshals to be iconic Philly sports legends. Bernie Parent and Vince Papale will serve as the grand marshals for 2025.

The theme invites participants to celebrate this year's Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles or any other sports team. Read more: 70th Annual Night In Venice This Month: How To Participate In Ocean City Tradition

In two of the best seasons ever by an NHL goalie, Parent helped the Philadelphia Flyers win consecutive Stanley Cups in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. Parent won the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy both seasons. Parent is a 1984 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame and currently resides in Avalon.

Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender in 1976 when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only did he make the team, but he became a fan favorite and earned the team’s “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”

Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty has also confirmed his participation in this year’s parade.

“I want to thank Dave Winslow and the Night in Venice Committee, the city and Chamber teams, our sponsors, all the marine safety personnel, and the community for putting this event together,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “I’m looking forward to another fun year for Night in Venice.”