Spring Block Party Set for Saturday

The city’s mile-long is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, between Fifth and 14^th streets on Asbury Avenue.

More than 375 crafters will be featured, along with food, entertainment and public service displays. There will be free pony rides for children on the grounds at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment is scheduled for the same hours.

Parking will be free in downtown lots, including the  at 10^th Street and Haven Avenue, in back of McDonald's. There will be a charge for parking in lots by the Boardwalk.

The Spring Block Party began 31 years ago when the city was beginning to expand its spring events. It started as a two-block festival at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue but quickly picked up steam and expanded to its current size, covering the entire commercial area in the downtown.

A huge array of hand-made crafts will be featured, including yard and home decorations, clothing, bird houses, home made jellies, jewelry, art, photography and more. One of the highlights of the event is the Greek Food Festival.

For information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. The festival is sponsored by the Ocean City Retail Merchants Association.

Boardwalk and downtown merchants will hold table sales on both Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6.

— News release from Public Relations Director Mark Soifer